Knole Academy

United Kingdom, Sevenoaks

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees Fees not listed

Ages 11 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 1383

Type Co-educational

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification

Taught languages French

Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service

Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Knole Academy is a co-educational secondary school in Sevenoaks, Kent, serving students aged 11 to 18. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate alongside the British curriculum and BTEC qualifications, offering both the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP) within a broad, balanced framework from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. The CP combines DP courses with a career-related study and a dedicated CP core, while the DP core comprises Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service. The school promotes international-mindedness and the IB learner profile throughout its teaching. Since joining the Aletheia Academies Trust in 2024, Knole Academy has benefited from enhanced resources, collaboration and shared expertise. Facilities include art rooms, design technology block, two food rooms, a record studio and Oaks Theatre, plus science labs, sixth form block and a sports complex. Extracurriculars also span performing arts, STEM clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Knole Academy, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3LE

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The Essentials

Location

Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3LE, England. Knole Academy is located in Sevenoaks, Kent, and is part of the Aletheia Academies Trust. Transport to the academy is supported by Kent County Council; eligible students may obtain a Kent Young Person's Travel Pass for unlimited bus travel within Kent. Local bus services to the academy include Go Coach, Arriva, and RedRoute.

Stages

Secondary school with two curriculum pathways: Grammar stream and High School stream; Sixth Form; International Baccalaureate candidate school; all-ability and co-educational.

Type

co-educational secondary school

Additional learning support

The school provides SEND support within a SEND Policy and SEN Information Report, with resources such as the Kent Local Offer and mental wellbeing information.

Country affiliation

England

School day structure

School opening hours are 07:30–18:00, Monday to Friday.

Bus service

Bus services to Knole Academy are provided by Go Coach, Arriva, and RedRoute; the Kent Young Person's Travel Pass is available for eligible students; Kent County Council transport is arranged by the local authority.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Full school uniform must be worn to and from school. A single online provider, Price & Buckland, supplies Knole Academy uniforms so all items are identical. Uniform includes a black Knole Academy logo jacket and logo trousers (or dress for girls), a white button-up shirt, a house tie, and a black jumper; footwear should be black shoes or black Nike Air Force One trainers with the chrome tag removed. Second-hand uniform items are available at the Knole community store behind The Place, opposite the Future Chefs Restaurant.

Food Options

Healthy School Meals are provided in partnership with independent catering, with a focus on balanced, nutritious meals. A medical form identifies any dietary needs or allergies to ensure appropriate provision. Pupils may bring a packed lunch; latest menus for breakfast and lunch are available, and meals are paid via Arbor.

House System

Every student is placed in a house. The houses compete in academic, sporting, creativity and service activities across year groups for house prizes. The four houses are Stan Lee, Wilma Rudolph, Noor Inayat Khan, and Sir David Attenborough.

Governance and Ownership

Governance is via a Local Governing Body appointed by the Board of Trustees. Knole Academy is part of the Aletheia Academies Trust. The school is a charitable, limited company registered in England and Wales.

Fees

Application fees
- There is no application fee to submit an application for a place at Knole Academy; applications for Year 7 and other year groups are handled through the local authority admissions process and are not charged.

Tuition fees (by year group)
- Knole Academy is a state-funded academy and does not charge tuition fees for statutory school places. There are no regular tuition charges for Years 7–11. Sixth Form (16–19) study is provided under the Education Funding arrangements for post-16 students; there is no standard parental tuition fee for A-level/IB/Level 3 programmes.
- For eligible 16–19 students, the academy administers the government 16–19 bursary scheme. The published bursary payment levels are: Level One £1,200 per year; Level Two up to £800 per year; Level Three up to £800 per year (available where a financial need is identified). These bursaries are intended to cover specific education-related costs.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- There are no regular tuition invoices issued to parents because the Academy provides state-funded education. Optional or chargeable items (for example residential trips, instrumental tuition, some vocational course costs, exam/test fees and certain non-curriculum activities) are invoiced on a per-activity or per-event basis as required; invoices include a specified payment due date and must be paid in accordance with the invoice terms. The Academy's Charging and Remissions Policy governs what may be charged and the terms for those charges.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Knole Academy does not operate a boarding provision. There are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees
- School meals: daily meals are provided on a paid basis for those not eligible for or not receiving free school meals; parents pay for meals via the Arbor system.
- Uniform: a compulsory uniform policy is in place; the school names an approved supplier for uniform. Where families are eligible for school bursary support, the Academy can arrange payment to the uniform supplier as part of the bursary award.
- Educational visits and residential trips: costs for residential or optional visits are chargeable; the Academy's Charging and Remissions framework and the 11–16/16–19 bursary procedures describe how support can be provided to eligible families.
- Examination and entrance-test fees: charges for external tests or some examination entries may apply for specific courses or external assessments; eligible Sixth Form students can apply for bursary support for test fees where appropriate.
- Specialist equipment, materials and course resources: for some vocational or optional courses there may be costs for materials or specialist equipment; these are treated as chargeable items under the Academy's Charging and Remissions arrangements.
- Extra-curricular clubs and optional activities: some clubs or activities that require third‑party providers, travel, or special resources can incur separate charges.

Refund information
- Refunds for paid optional activities and purchases are handled under the Academy's Charging and Remissions Policy and the Academy's published procedures for specific activities; where bursary payments have been made based on incorrect or false information the Academy reserves the right to recover funds. The Academy's financial assistance procedures set out how and when payments or awards may be withdrawn or recovered.

Fee payment options
- School meals payments are made via the Arbor parent/payment platform. Uniform for students supported by an approved bursary can be invoiced to the Academy and paid directly to the supplier under the Academy's arrangements. Other optional charges are invoiced by the school or by approved external suppliers and must be paid according to the invoice (payment method and timing will be stated on each invoice). The Academy's Charging and Remissions Policy explains the invoicing arrangements and acceptable payment processes for chargeable items.

Notes: The Academy's Charging & Remissions Policy and its published Financial Assistance / Bursary procedures set out the specific rules, eligibility tests and administrative arrangements for charges, payments and refunds for optional items and for bursary support.

Academics

Curriculum

The school delivers International Baccalaureate programmes: the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career Programme (CP). The DP comprises six subject groups and a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service). The CP combines DP courses with a career-related study and the CP core (personal and professional skills, service learning, reflective project, and language development). The curriculum is broad and balanced from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5 with a focus on international-mindedness and the IB learner profile.

Exam Results

Key Stage 4 results: Over 70% of Year 11 students achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths; 45% achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 5 or above.

Higher Education Progression

Destinations for 16–18 study (2022 Leavers): 84% progressed to education or employment; 45% stayed in education; 34% employed; 5% apprenticeships; 15% not in education or employment; 1% unknown.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Five elements of wellbeing are promoted around the academy and through the broad curriculum: connect with others, be physically active, learn new skills, give to others, and pay attention to the present moment. A range of provisions supports positive emotional wellbeing. The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips supports the mental health of the whole school community and provides resources for parents. Togetherall provides a safe, anonymous online community for peer support. The school recognises that students may have mental health needs and offers appropriate support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The AEN department operates in line with the Code of Practice and works closely with teaching staff to ensure students with additional needs are supported and can access the curriculum. The school monitors students' progress six times a year to review academic progress. The department provides support for needs including Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties and other learning needs.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing provisions include the Wellbeing Hub and access to Togetherall for anonymous online support. The school places wellbeing at the heart of its provision and supports students with strategies to build resilience, coping skills and healthy relationships.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs S Barnes, with DSL-trained staff including Mr J Major, Mr R Turner, Mrs J Bence, Mrs M McGauley, Mr T White and Mrs K Nixon. Knole Academy uses SHARP (School Help Advice Reporting Page) to report concerns. The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available in the policies, with contact details for the safeguarding team on site.

Parent Experience

History

Knole Academy joined Aletheia Academies Trust on 1 September 2024, marking a milestone in its history. The school is located in Sevenoaks, Kent, on Bradbourne Vale Road. The headteacher is David Collins. Knole Academy is an International Baccalaureate school. It benefits from enhanced resources, collaboration opportunities, and shared expertise within the Trust.

Community

Creativity in Learning and Confidence to Achieve is the school's guiding motto. The school emphasises extra-curricular activities and enrichment to develop teamwork, problem solving and leadership. Wellbeing is supported by dedicated Wellbeing Dogs named Astra, Hugo, Molly, Daphne and Digby. The school offers a broad curriculum including IB sixth-form courses.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

Knole Academy has a wide range of facilities, including Art Rooms, Classrooms, Computer Rooms, a Dining Hall, a Record Studio, a Design Technology Block, Food Technology Rooms, a Gym, a Library, Science Labs, a Sixth Form Block, Sports fields, a Sports Hall, the Oaks Theatre, a Beauty Salon, and Mange Tout. Mange Tout is part of the on-site facilities. The academy has two purpose-built Food rooms to support practical cookery lessons. There are dedicated spaces for post-16 study in the Sixth Form Block.

Sports Facilities

A fully equipped, full-sized sports hall supports indoor hockey, badminton, basketball, and other activities. The sports site includes four badminton courts, a full-sized basketball court, and four cricket nets. An outdoor climbing wall with an abseil station is located beside the main entrance and features five pitches with varied routes. The complex includes free parking and changing and shower facilities.

Academic Facilities

The Art Department has a dark room, a laser cutter, a kiln, a heat press, and sewing machines. There are two purpose-built Food rooms for practical cookery. There are Computer Rooms and Science Labs for hands-on learning. A Design Technology (DT) Block and a Sixth Form Block provide spaces for practical and post-16 study.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Knole Academy runs an annual school production and dance show. There is a variety of music clubs and events. Dance and performing arts are a key part of the extra-curricular offering.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ICT and Computer Science Clubs run after school, including ICT Lunch Club and various ICT sessions; sign-up is through Mr Challenor. The Science department runs an Innovation Club open to students in years 8–10, providing real research projects and a London summer conference. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is available at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with volunteering, physical, and skills components and expeditions.

Arts & Creative

The academy hosts an annual school production and a dance show. Drama clubs include LAMDA and Drama Club, with GCSE Revision/rehearsal sessions in the Auditorium/Drama Studio. Music clubs include a Ukulele Group. Expressive Arts drives school productions in dance, drama and music.

Social & Hobbies

Drama Club and LAMDA sessions run after school in the Auditorium and Drama Studio, with GCSE Revision/rehearsal Drama sessions. Mindful Art and colouring sessions run in the Dance Studio. A Ukulele Group is one of several music-related social clubs.

Community & Service

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with volunteering, physical, and skills components and expeditions.

Leadership & Professional

Head Students and School Prefects lead student representation; The Academy Council meets each half term and includes Heads of House, House representatives and prefects. The school supports leadership development through student leadership structures and participation in activities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Combined Cadet Force.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Diverse sports clubs include rock climbing and golf; There are extensive after-school PE clubs; Mindful Art and colouring sessions and other wellbeing-oriented activities are offered through after-school clubs.

Languages

Language Provision

Modern Languages are taught as part of the Knole Academy curriculum. French is offered as a language option, including at the Sixth Form. The Sixth Form offers IB English Language and Literature as part of the IB programme, and the academy is an IB World School.

Admissions

1. Entry point and application route. For Year 7 entry in September 2027, applications open online on 1 September 2026. Applications are submitted through the Kent Choices 4U system rather than directly to the school. The Published Admissions Number (PAN) is 240.

Waitlist

2. In-year admissions and waiting list. When a year group has no space, a letter is issued and applicants may join the school's waiting list or appeal. Names on the waiting list are kept for the remainder of the academic year; to remain on the waiting list for the next academic year, an additional IYCAF must be submitted.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Knole Academy located, and what are its core operating hours?

Knole Academy is on Bradbourne Vale Road in Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3LE, England. It operates as a co-educational IB World School open to students aged 11–18, with school hours typically from around 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. The academy is part of the Aletheia Academies Trust and is accessible by Kent County Council bus services.

What age range does Knole Academy serve, and what curriculum does it offer?

Knole Academy serves students aged 11–18. It offers International Baccalaureate programmes—the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career Programme (CP)—across Key Stages 3–5, with a focus on international-mindedness and the IB learner profile.

Is Knole Academy a fee-charging school or is it state-funded, and is there boarding?

Knole Academy is a state-funded academy and does not charge regular tuition for Years 7–11. Sixth Form studies are funded under government arrangements, with no standard parental tuition fees for A-level/IB/Level 3 programmes. The academy does not operate a boarding provision.

How do I apply for a Year 7 place and what should I know about admissions timing?

Year 7 applications are made via the Kent Choices 4U system, with no application fee. The Published Admissions Number is 240, and applications for September 2027 open on 1 September 2026. Local authority processes handle the admissions pathway.

Are there bursaries or financial support for post-16 students?

Yes. The academy offers the government 16–19 bursary scheme with levels: Level One £1,200 per year; Level Two up to £800; Level Three up to £800 (where financial need is identified) to cover specific education-related costs.

What other costs might families encounter, and how are these billed?

School meals are charged via the Arbor system for those not receiving free meals. Uniform is compulsory and purchased from an approved provider, with bursaries available to help. Optional items, trips, exam fees, and some materials may be charged per activity and invoiced accordingly under the Charging and Remissions Policy.

What IB programmes are available at Knole Academy and how are they structured?

Knole Academy offers the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career Programme (CP). The DP has six subject groups plus a core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service). The CP combines DP courses with a career-related study and a CP core (personal and professional skills, service learning, reflective project, and language development).

How did Knole Academy perform at Key Stage 4 (GCSE) in terms of outcomes?

In Key Stage 4, over 70% of Year 11 students achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths; 45% achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 5 or above.

What are the post-16 destinations like for Knole Academy leavers?

For 16–18 leavers (2022), 84% progressed to education or employment; 45% stayed in education, 34% were employed, 5% entered apprenticeships, 15% were not in education or employment, and 1% were unknown.

What are the main academic facilities available on campus?

The campus includes Art Rooms, Computer Rooms, a Design Technology Block, Food Technology Rooms, Science Labs, a Library, a Sixth Form Block, and dedicated post-16 study spaces, supported by extensive ICT resources.

What sports and performing arts facilities does Knole Academy offer?

The school has a full-sized sports hall with facilities for indoor hockey, badminton, basketball, four cricket nets, outdoor climbing wall with abseil stations, and ample changing/shower facilities. The Oaks Theatre hosts performances, and Mange Tout provides on-site facilities for related activities.

What kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities are available?

Students can join ICT/Computer Science clubs, a Science Innovation Club with a London summer conference, and a range of arts offerings including the annual school production, dance show, LAMDA, Drama Club, and a Ukulele Group.

Do Knole Academy students have leadership or service opportunities?

Yes. Student leadership includes Head Students, School Prefects, and an Academy Council that meets half-termly. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with volunteering, physical activities, and expeditions.

What wellbeing and safeguarding supports does the school provide?

The school promotes wellbeing through five wellbeing elements, a Wellbeing Hub, and access to Togetherall for anonymous online support. A dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead and trained safeguarding staff oversee safeguarding, with SHARP used to report concerns.

How does Knole Academy support students with special educational needs?

The AEN department follows the Code of Practice, conducts six progress reviews a year, and provides targeted support for needs such as Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties, ensuring students can access the curriculum.

What is the uniform policy and how is it managed?

A full uniform is required and supplied by a single online provider, Price & Buckland. The uniform includes a logo jacket and trousers or dress, a white shirt, a house tie, and a black jumper; second-hand items can be purchased at the Knole community store.

Do students belong to houses, and what are the house names?

Yes, every student is placed in a house. The four houses are Stan Lee, Wilma Rudolph, Noor Inayat Khan, and Sir David Attenborough, and they compete across academics, sports, creativity, and service activities.

How is Knole Academy governed, and what is its ethos?

The school is governed by a Local Governing Body within the Aletheia Academies Trust. Its motto is Creativity in Learning and Confidence to Achieve, reflecting a commitment to enrichment, wellbeing, and leadership development.

Is Knole Academy an IB World School, and what does that mean for learners?

Yes, Knole Academy is an IB World School offering the DP and CP. The curriculum is internationally minded and designed to develop global perspectives and inquiry-based learning.

What recognitions or awards does Knole Academy hold?

There are no specific awards listed in the provided data, but the school's IB World School status and membership in the Aletheia Academies Trust reflect its alignment with high standards.

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