Sports Connect, Aylesford

Special

Special post 16 institution

Mixed

Ages 16–24

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Mr Adam Lawrence

LA:Medway

Website:www.sportsconnect.uk

Address:Hall Road, Aylesford Bulls, Aylesford, ME20 7DS

Area:Schools in ME20

Status:open

Opened:1 September 2018

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 1 year ago

Overall

Good

Quality of Education

Good

Behaviour & Attitudes

Good

Personal Development

Good

Leadership & Management

Inspected 29 April 2025View full report

URN:149385

UKPRN:10085905

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Maidstone and Malling

Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

Sports Connect helps young people with special needs who previously struggled with school to rediscover their love of learning in a welcoming, sports-focused environment. Learners develop both practical sports skills and important life skills through a combination of classroom study, hands-on activities and real work experience with local employers. The college's strong mentor support system and expert teaching help build learners' confidence and independence, preparing them well for successful next steps.

Key Strengths

Highly supportive and inclusive learning environments with excellent facilities and outdoor spaces at each site
Well-qualified and experienced tutors who use effective teaching strategies including practical activities, games and problem-solving to engage learners
Strong personal mentoring system that helps learners with low self-esteem and anxiety develop coping strategies and stay motivated
Excellent partnerships with local employers and community organisations providing relevant work experience in the sports and leisure sector
Effective careers guidance and support helping most learners move to positive next steps including university, apprenticeships and employment

Areas for Improvement

Some tutors do not use assessment consistently to ensure all learners understand content and keep up with their peers
Personal and social development curriculum is not taught consistently across all sites, meaning learners do not always have secure knowledge about adult life topics
Not all learners have sufficient opportunities to participate in work experience

Safeguarding

Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with learners feeling safe and knowing who to report concerns to.

Extracurricular Activities

Gym sessions, swimming, tennis, football, rugby, personal training courses, first-aid courses, nationally accredited certificates for facilitating activities in schools and community groups

Sports Connect is an independent specialist college across six Kent sites providing sports programmes for young people aged 16-25 with special educational needs and disabilities. The college has been rated as Good overall, with learners making good progress toward their qualifications and personal development goals.