ALP Sittingbourne

ALP Sittingbourne is a small independent special school for pupils with education, health and care plans, most of whom have social, emotional and mental health needs and/or autism. At its July 2026 standard inspection, it was found to be performing strongly across every evaluated area, and safeguarding standards were met. Inspectors also confirmed that all independent school standards were met. The inspection was combined with a material change request to increase pupil numbers from 40 to 52 and to admit pupils aged 6; inspectors judged the school likely to meet the relevant standards if approved. Pupils make sustained progress from widely varied starting points, including many who have missed significant periods of education. The curriculum is ambitious, well sequenced and adapted to individual needs, with strong phonics, reading and mathematics support and effective interventions. Attendance has improved quickly and is sustained for most pupils, while behaviour is calm and positive; pupils feel safe, happy and respected, and bullying is rare. Personal development is a major strength, with careers, independence, enrichment and preparation for adulthood woven through the school’s work. Leadership and governance are strong. Leaders know the school well, staff feel well supported and trained, and relationships with parents, local authorities and other professionals are highly effective. The proprietor body and leaders work together to assure standards. The only next step is to continue refining and embedding existing improvement priorities; no areas of concern were identified.

Strengths

• Pupils make sustained progress from a wide range of starting points.
• The curriculum is ambitious, well sequenced and closely matched to individual needs.
• Reading, phonics and mathematics provision is effective, including for pupils with gaps in learning.
• Attendance has improved quickly and is sustained for the majority of pupils.
• Behaviour is calm and positive, with highly effective routines and warm staff-pupil relationships.
• Pupils feel safe and happy, and bullying is rare and dealt with effectively.
• The school has a highly inclusive culture with robust admission and assessment processes.
• Staff receive high-quality training and are well supported with workload and wellbeing.
• Personal development is broad and well designed, including careers, enrichment and preparation for adulthood.
• Leaders, staff and the proprietor body share high ambition and work collaboratively.
• Relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and wider agencies are highly effective.
• Pupils are very well prepared for their next stage of education and adulthood.
• The school effectively supports pupils with SEMH and autism to overcome barriers to learning.
• All independent school standards and safeguarding standards are met.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at ALP Sittingbourne were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 100.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

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 independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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

What is ALP Sittingbourne's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for ALP Sittingbourne is Strong standard, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was ALP Sittingbourne last inspected by Ofsted?

ALP Sittingbourne was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does ALP Sittingbourne have?

ALP Sittingbourne has 40 pupils on roll.

What age range does ALP Sittingbourne cover?

ALP Sittingbourne for pupils aged 6 to 19.

Where is ALP Sittingbourne?

ALP Sittingbourne is at 60, Bell, Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4HE.