Ripplevale School, Deal

Special
Other independent special school
Mixed
Ages 619

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

Key Information

DfE GIAS
Head:Mrs Jane Norris
Pupils:197 / 250 capacity
LA:Kent
Phone:01304373866
Address:Chapel Lane, Ripple, Deal, CT14 8JG
Admissions:Not applicable
Status:open
Opened:16 October 1970

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 5 months ago
-

Overall

Inspected 22 April 2026View full report
URN:118995
UKPRN:10017328
Diocese:Not applicable
Constituency:Dover and Deal
Urban/Rural:Smaller rural: Further from a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

Ripplevale School excels at teaching pupils with special educational needs through expert, personalised instruction that combines academic learning with building resilience and wellbeing. The school creates a welcoming community where pupils with disrupted educational histories develop confidence and a sense of belonging. Staff know pupils well and design learning opportunities that match their interests and aspirations, while high staffing levels ensure safety and support.

Key Strengths

  • Expert teaching adapted to support pupils with SEND and barriers to learning, with targeted help in reading and communication
  • Ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum covering national curriculum scope with careers, RSE and health education
  • Strong leadership with experienced SEND sector expertise and thorough implementation planning for expansion
  • High staff-to-pupil ratios and comprehensive safeguarding, health and safety procedures
  • Pupils develop confidence and resilience through enrichment opportunities including community involvement

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is effective, with appropriate policies aligned to current statutory guidance, regular staff training reflecting the school's specific context, and robust procedures for reporting and recording welfare concerns.

Extracurricular Activities

High street coffee shop where pupils serve customers and exhibit artwork, visits to places of worship, school council, beach and public transport safety activities

Ripplevale School is a special educational needs school with primary and secondary sites in Kent. This inspection assessed the school's readiness to expand its age range and increase pupil numbers.

At a Glance

No

Boarding

No

Nursery

No

Sixth Form

No

Special Measures

Class Sizes

0.0

Avg class size

0

Total classes

2024/25 academic year

Getting There

Bus Stops

Sutton Road (opp)
517m · 8 min walk
Can you get into this school?
Enter your postcode to find out

Commute Calculator

Find out if this school is reachable from your home - before you apply

Sign up free to see your commute to this school

What are my chances?

Enter your postcode to estimate your probability of getting a place.

Capacity & Demand

School Occupancy

79%

Available places

197 pupils

250 capacity

53 spare places available

Area Demand Pressure - Deal

Low pressure
New homes approved:723
Projected new pupils:130

Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Deal

Admissions Demand - Kent

Low demand0.94x oversubscription

Places available

19,410

Applications

18,281

Got 1st preference

80.6%

Got preferred school

96.5%

Secondary admissions across Kent (2025/26)

Inspection History(11)

22 April 2026
27 February 2024
5 August 2022

House Prices

Moving into the catchment? See what homes near this school actually cost

Sign up free to see house prices near this school

SEN Provision

How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.

Sign up free to see special needs support at this school

Pupil Demographics

The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.

Sign up free to see who goes to this school

Reviews

No reviews yet - be the first to leave one.

Leave a Review

You need to be signed in to leave a review.

Feeder Primary Schools

Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity

Nearby Schools

Do you work at this school?

Claim your profile free to get a verified badge, update your contact details, and see how many parents are viewing your page.