Bower Grove School

Bower Grove School is performing exceptionally well, achieving an overall rating of outstanding in all key areas including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Pupils express a deep sense of happiness and safety, highlighting the strong support and care provided by staff, which enables them to thrive academically and socially. The school cultivates a strong community spirit, with students actively participating in various activities and outings that enhance their learning experience.

Strengths

• Pupils feel happy and safe at school.
• Leaders have high ambitions and provide tailored support for each pupil.
• Staff work collaboratively and are highly skilled in their roles.
• A broad and thoughtfully sequenced curriculum is offered.
• Reading is a significant strength, with effective phonics teaching.
• Exceptional personal support helps pupils transition successfully to college.
• Pupils are knowledgeable about online safety.
• Strong community engagement through performances and trips.

In 2024–25 pupils at Bower Grove School attended 84.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 39.7% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 5.9% of pupils at Bower Grove School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Bower Grove School had 6.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 7.8% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Bower Grove School had 246 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; social, emotional and mental health.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Bower Grove School received £25,782 and spent £25,445 for each of its 246 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £331,000 (£1,344 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Maidstone · Kent local authority: places and applications

What is Bower Grove School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Bower Grove School is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2024.

When was Bower Grove School last inspected by Ofsted?

Bower Grove School was last inspected in December 2024.

How many pupils does Bower Grove School have?

Bower Grove School has 246 pupils on roll.

What age range does Bower Grove School cover?

Bower Grove School for pupils aged 4 to 16.

What are Bower Grove School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Bower Grove School?

Bower Grove School is at Fant Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8NL.