Cherry Tree has closed (Tuesday 21 July 2026).
The information below is kept for reference.
Cherry Tree, Garlinge
Cherry Tree is a special school for pupils aged 11 to 17 in Garlinge.
Data last updated 8 Oct 2026
Cherry Tree in detail
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other special schools to Cherry Tree are Parkview Academy (1.3 miles, Requires improvement); Liberty College (1.5 miles, Good); St Anthony's School (1.9 miles, Good); and Life Skills Enterprise (2.3 miles).
Parkview AcademyLiberty CollegeSt Anthony's SchoolLife Skills Enterprise
Who goes there
Almost every pupil at Cherry Tree has an education, health and care plan (6 of 6 in 2026).
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Margate Rail Station, about 480 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).
8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is All Saints Church (adjacent), 120 metres away.
The area around the school
In August 2026, police recorded 394 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Kent (101), as is usual near a town centre.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's July 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Cherry Tree transforms the lives of young people by combining expert therapeutic support with high academic expectations. The school's warm, family-like culture helps pupils who have missed significant schooling to re-engage with learning and build confidence. Staff are highly skilled at helping pupils develop strong literacy and numeracy skills whilst also preparing them for successful transitions to college and independent futures.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional therapeutic curriculum tailored to each pupil's individual social, emotional and mental health needs -
- Skilled staff who help pupils catch up in core subjects, particularly reading and English, with all pupils leaving with appropriate qualifications -
- Strong focus on personal development and careers preparation, helping pupils see positive futures -
- Exemplary pupil behaviour and attitudes to learning, with high attendance -
- Family atmosphere built on trust, respect and kindness where pupils feel safe and supported
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with the school creating an open and honest culture that puts pupils' interests first.
Extracurricular Activities
World Book Day, visits to local library, science museum trips to London, visits to care homes for older adults, fundraising for schools in Uganda, careers visitor talks, college visits, personal social and health education, British values lessons, therapeutic activities
Cherry Tree is an independent special school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, all of whom have education, health and care plans. The school provides a therapeutic curriculum in a family-like environment where pupils achieve highly and develop confidence for their futures.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby schools
Keep up with Cherry Tree
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
60%
Available places
6 pupils
10 places
4 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Garlinge
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Garlinge
Across Kent council
Places available
19,539
Applications
18,644
Got 1st preference
78.9%
Got preferred school
96.2%
All secondary applications across Kent council (2026/27), not just this school.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
6
EHC Plans
100.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
6
Total Pupils
5
Boys
1
Girls
2026 academic year
Questions parents ask about Cherry Tree
How many pupils go to Cherry Tree?
Cherry Tree has around 6 pupils on roll.
How do I apply to Cherry Tree?
Cherry Tree is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
Where is Cherry Tree?
Cherry Tree is at 29 All Saints Avenue, Margate, Garlinge, CT9 5QN.