Secondary schools in Ashford.
Non-selective state secondary schools in Ashford, Kent. 3 schools with Ofsted ratings, sixth-form availability and quick contact details.
About schools in Ashford
Ashford has 55 schools listed on Schools in Kent, across every stage of a child's education, from nursery and reception through to sixth form. Families here can choose between 42 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 6 independent schools and 13 schools with dedicated SEND provision such as a specialist setting, SEN unit or resourced provision, giving parents genuine flexibility whether they are moving to the area or simply weighing up next steps. Many schools in Ashford publish SEND information. Support varies by school, so check each school's SEND section and speak to the SENCO about your child's needs. Ofsted currently rates 96% of inspected schools in Ashford as Good or Outstanding, including 6 judged Outstanding.
Local highlights include Challock Primary School, Great Chart Primary School and Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School. You will also find 9 schools with a sixth form, 2 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Ashford, which is useful if you are planning for the longer term. Use the interactive map to see catchment areas at a glance, filter by phase, or open any school for admissions, results, term dates, contact details and the latest Ofsted or ISI report. Every entry is independent and free to browse.
Showing 3 of 3 schools
- Good
The John Wallis CofE Academy
Ashford· TN23 3HG
SecondaryAges 3 to 19MixedSixth form - Good
The North School
Ashford· TN24 8AL
SecondaryAges 11 to 19MixedSixth form - Not awarded
Towers School & Sixth Form Centre
Ashford· TN24 9AL
SecondaryAges 11 to 19MixedSixth form
Parent FAQs
How many schools are there in Ashford?
There are 55 schools in Ashford covering 42 primary, 4 secondary, 2 grammar and 6 independent.
Which are the best-rated schools in Ashford?
Ofsted has judged 6 schools in Ashford as Outstanding: Challock Primary School, Great Chart Primary School, Lady Joanna Thornhill Primary School, Highworth Grammar School and Goldwyn Community Special School. Around 96% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.
Are there grammar schools in Ashford?
Yes — Ashford has 2 selective grammar schools (Highworth Grammar School and The Norton Knatchbull School). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.
How do school catchment areas work in Ashford?
Kent County Council does not use strict catchment areas for most community schools. Distance from home to the school is one of several oversubscription criteria, alongside siblings, looked-after status and, for faith schools, religious criteria. Always check each school's individual admissions policy.
Can I compare schools in Ashford side by side?
Yes. Tap "Add to compare" on any school card to line up Ofsted ratings, results, pupil numbers, admissions and facilities on our compare page.
Are new schools still opening in Ashford?
Ashford has had significant new school provision alongside its housing growth, particularly to the south and west of the town. If a school on this page is very new, check its Ofsted status carefully: a school that has not yet had a full inspection will show as awaiting or not yet inspected rather than carrying a rating.
Do Ashford families apply to grammar schools in other towns?
Some do. Ashford sits within reach of grammar provision in Ashford itself and in neighbouring areas, and a number of families also look towards Canterbury and Maidstone. Travel time and the published oversubscription criteria are usually the deciding factors, so check each school's own admissions policy.