• "At the Knole Academy, we are dedicated to developing enquiring minds and promoting enjoyment of learning."

Knole Academy Gears up for Opening

Since the funding agreement for our new academy was signed by Ed Balls – former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families – back in January, it’s been ‘full steam ahead’ for Knole Academy.

Formed by the merger of The Bradbourne School and The Wildernesse School, the academy is being established for the benefit of all Sevenoaks students and the local community.  Knole Academy will be a state-funded, independent school for up to 1550 students aged 11 to 18, with all places provided free of charge. It will be co-educational, while exploring the provision of single sex teaching in core subjects within a mixed environment. We will cater for all abilities, from Gifted and Talented students to those with additional educational needs.

The academy will offer 240 places in each year group for boys and girls – organised as 8 forms of admission – and will have up to 350 post-16 places.  There will be two specialisms: Languages (with an emphasis on communication and core literacy skills) and Expressive Arts.

The distinctive characteristics of the education to be provided by Knole Academy have been defined as:
• A clear focus on self-discipline and independent learning
• Complementary co-educational and single sex learning
• Individual learning plans for all students to enable them to progress at a pace that meets their needs
• Review and assessment of student progress linked to a strong tradition of mentoring and tutoring to improve achievement
• A focus on developing young people’s all-round intellectual, emotional, creative, cultural, physical and social wellbeing
• Placing a high priority on securing admission to top universities, and all aspects of further and higher education

Opening in September 2010, Knole Academy will initially be accommodated in the existing premises of The Bradbourne School and The Wildernesse School – to be known as Knole West and Knole East respectively – but plans are in hand for brand-new buildings on the Knole East site, which will open in 2012/13.