Balfour Infant School, Rochester

In its own words: "8.25 am - Gate opens for the children to come into school. 8.40 am - Classroom register and the official start of the school day. Balfour Infant School opened as a school in 1947. It was built, in the early part of the last century and was part of the Cottage Homes that housed underprivileged children."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Balfour Infant School we strive to provide all children in our care with a strong start to their education, laying a strong foundation for their future learning. The children are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment where children can build self-worth and develop a love of learning."

For September 2026 entry, 59 families put Balfour Infant School as their first choice and 185 named it as one of their preferences, for 66 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Balfour Infant School are Balfour Junior School (0.2 miles, Good, 79% reading, 84% maths); Crest Infant School (0.3 miles, Good); Delce Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 76% reading, 69% maths); and New Horizons Children's Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 71% reading, 71% maths).

16 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Balfour Infant School (as of September 2025): 88% would recommend the school, 94% say their child is happy there and 0% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (94%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (0%).

36.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (53%), Asian (19%) and Mixed (11%).

In 2026, 33 pupils (13.5%) received SEN support and 3 (1.2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Chatham Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Robert Bean Lodge (adjacent), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 644 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Medway (250), as is usual near a town centre.

Balfour Infant School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Balfour Infant School are Holcombe Grammar School (0.4 miles), St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School (0.5 miles), The Rochester Grammar School (0.6 miles) and The Thomas Aveling School (0.6 miles).