Chilmington Green Secondary School: Parents' Guide

Short answer

Chilmington Green School is a purpose-built, non-selective secondary and sixth form in Ashford, Kent. It is part of United Learning, opened with Year 7 in 2023, and its first Ofsted report card in June 2026 recorded "Strong Standard" in four areas and "Expected Standard" in two.

The essentials at a glance

Name: Chilmington Green School
Address: Chilmington Green Road, Great Chart, TN23 3DL
Type: Free school (academy), secular, mixed, non-selective
Trust: United Learning
URN: 149840
Opened: September 2023 with Year 7, growing to first A-levels in 2030
Local authority: Kent County Council
Ofsted (June 2026): Strong Standard in four judgement areas, Expected Standard in two

A new secondary school for Chilmington Green

Chilmington Green School has been built specifically to serve the growing Chilmington Green community and the surrounding area of Ashford. As one of the newest secondary schools in Kent, it aims to give local families a strong, modern option for secondary education.

For families already at Chilmington Green Primary School, having a brand-new secondary on the doorstep shortens the journey, supports continuity from primary to secondary, and helps tie the wider community together.

The trust behind the school

United Learning is one of the largest not-for-profit multi-academy trusts in England, running both state and independent schools. In practice for parents, that means the school taps into trust-wide subject leadership, teacher development, shared curriculum design and shared safeguarding standards - rather than starting from scratch every year.

The June 2026 Ofsted report card

Chilmington Green School was officially inspected in June 2026. According to the school's own Ofsted page, the report card recorded:

Strong Standard in four of the six judgement areas
Expected Standard in the remaining two

Ofsted's new report card grades each area separately instead of using a single overall word. In plain English, "Strong Standard" means practice that goes clearly beyond the expected baseline; "Expected Standard" means the school is meeting what is expected of it. A mix of these grades on a first inspection of a brand-new secondary is a genuinely positive opening statement.

For our summary of the report, see June 2026 Ofsted update.

Curriculum, values and how the school is growing

Chilmington Green School describes itself as a values-led school, "inspiring young people to succeed". It opened with Year 7 in 2023 and adds a year group each September until sixth form is complete in 2030. That gradual build-up means class sizes and cohort dynamics evolve year on year - well worth asking about at open events.

Curriculum details, GCSE and future A-level option blocks, and enrichment activities are set out on the school's own website and shared with parents during open events. The admissions FAQs are a good starting point for common questions.

Facilities

Specialist teaching spaces for science and design
Indoor and outdoor sports facilities
Modern, well-equipped IT and learning technology
Outdoor areas designed for both teaching and play
Spaces intended for community use where appropriate

A focus on sustainability

The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, including features that reduce energy use and support a healthier learning environment. That is more than a marketing line - modern school buildings can have significantly lower running costs and a much smaller carbon footprint than older estates, freeing money for teaching over time.

Where the school is

The school sits at Chilmington Green Road, Great Chart, TN23 3DL, within the Chilmington Green community. Walking and cycling routes around the campus are part of the masterplan's emphasis on healthier travel, though the wider road network still shapes traffic at peak times. Residents have raised specific concerns about newly installed speed bumps on a nearby estate road - see our February 2026 update.

Admissions

Chilmington Green School is a state free school with no selection by ability or aptitude. Secondary admissions in Kent are coordinated by Kent County Council. Key dates for the normal Year 7 round:

Applications open in early September of Year 6
Deadline: 31 October
National offer day: early March

The school's admissions page and admissions FAQs set out over-subscription criteria, sibling links, SEN, and appeals. Living within the local area does not automatically guarantee a place; each year the demand from surrounding areas plays a role in how places are allocated.

Open events and visits

Most secondary schools host open evenings and tours during the autumn term of Year 6. The school's admissions page is the best place to check dates. Visiting in person - and, if possible, seeing the school on a normal day rather than only at an open evening - is the single most useful thing you can do before applying.

Sixth form and post-16 pathways

Chilmington Green School's sixth form is planned to complete with its first A-level cohort in 2030. In the meantime, post-16 options in Ashford include sixth forms at other secondary schools, further education at college, and apprenticeships or training. Travel routes and bus services play a real role in keeping these options realistic for local students.

Pastoral care, SEND and safeguarding

Every state secondary in England has a designated safeguarding lead, a SENCO and a pastoral team. Ask specifically about tutor time, mental health support, transition arrangements from Year 6 to Year 7 and how the school communicates with parents when concerns arise. The Ofsted report card also gives a public read on personal development and behaviour.

School travel and safety

For most secondary students, the school journey involves more independence - walking, cycling or catching a bus. The local road network around Chilmington Green is shaped by the wider Ashford context, including the postponed A28 Chart Road improvement scheme. Talk to your child about their route, walk it together if possible, and review it as their independence grows.

What parents should watch

Future Ofsted inspections and reports
Admissions changes as the community grows
School travel routes and safety updates
Curriculum, GCSE options and post-16 pathways as the school builds up
Pastoral and SEND support, and how the school engages with parents
Community use of the building as facilities settle in

Official links

Frequently asked questions

Is Chilmington Green Secondary School open?

Yes. Chilmington Green School is open and operating from its purpose-built building on Chilmington Green Road in Great Chart.

Which trust runs the school?

The school is part of United Learning, one of the largest not-for-profit multi-academy trusts in England.

When did the school open?

The school opened with Year 7 in 2023 and grows each year, with the first cohort completing A-levels in 2030.

What was the June 2026 Ofsted outcome?

The June 2026 report card recorded 'Strong Standard' in four judgement areas and 'Expected Standard' in two. It was the school's first official inspection.

Is it selective?

No. Chilmington Green School is a state, secular, mixed, non-selective free school. There is no selection based on ability or aptitude.

How do families apply for a place?

Secondary admissions in Kent are coordinated through Kent County Council. The application window opens in early September of Year 6 and closes on 31 October, with offers issued in early March.

Will there be a sixth form?

Yes. The school is building up year on year and is due to complete its first A-levels in 2030.

Where is the school?

The school is on Chilmington Green Road, Great Chart, TN23 3DL, within the Chilmington Green area.

Chilmington Green Secondary School: A Guide for Parents