Kents Hill Park School Review 2026: Modern, Popular, and All-Through

In a city known for its modern infrastructure, Kents Hill Park School fits the mould perfectly: a purpose-built, all-through institution designed for the 21st century. Opened in 2018 as part of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust, it offers a continuous educational journey from nursery through to GCSEs. The "all-through" model is central to its identity, removing the often-stressful transition between Year 6 and Year 7. This stability has struck a chord with Milton Keynes families; the school is heavily oversubscribed, with nearly five applicants competing for every secondary place in 2024.

The campus feels fresh and functional, avoiding the patchwork extensions typical of older schools. Primary and secondary phases occupy distinct zones but share a cohesive architectural style and, crucially, access to specialist facilities. Primary pupils might use the secondary science labs or dance studio, creating a sense of aspiration and familiarity from a young age.

Mr James Pilgrim has been Headteacher since the school opened in 2018. Under his leadership, the school secured a Good rating from Ofsted in its first full inspection in October 2022. Inspectors noted that leaders have established "high expectations" for behaviour and learning, a phrase that permeates the school's culture.

The atmosphere is orderly and purposeful. Students wear a smart navy blazer, and the House system—comprising Koenig, Nightingale, Turing, and Walker—provides a smaller community feel within the growing school. These Houses are not just administrative; they form the basis of pastoral care and internal competition, fostering a sense of belonging that pupils describe as safe and happy.

Primary Phase

Outcomes in the primary phase are solid. In 2024, 63% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, sitting just above the England average of 62%.

The school ranks 10,324th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 53rd among primary providers in Milton Keynes. While the overall pass rate is typical, the school demonstrates an ability to stretch the most able; 18% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, significantly outperforming the England average of 8%.

Secondary Phase

At GCSE, the school delivers performance in line with the national middle ground. In 2024, the school recorded an Attainment 8 score of 44.6 (England average: 45.9).

The school ranks 2,472nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 11th in Milton Keynes. This places it in the national typical band, reflecting performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. The Progress 8 score of -0.03 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with national expectations from their starting points.

The curriculum is designed as a continuous roadmap from age 3 to 16. Subject leaders oversee the progression of skills across both phases, ensuring that the geography taught in Year 5 lays a genuine foundation for Year 7. This "all-through" approach allows for specialist teaching earlier than usual; primary pupils benefit from subject experts in areas like PE and languages.

In the secondary phase, the curriculum is broad and ambitious, with the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at its heart. Teaching follows consistent routines, which Ofsted highlighted as a strength, noting that staff use assessment effectively to check understanding.

Facilities are a major asset. The purpose-built site means classrooms are equipped with modern technology, and practical spaces for Design and Technology and Food Preparation are high-specification.

The school operates its own nursery class, offering 26 places per session for 3 and 4-year-olds. It is fully integrated into the Early Years Foundation Stage, sharing the ethos and resources of the Reception classes.

Sessions are flexible, with 15-hour and 30-hour funded places available for eligible families. The environment is designed to be language-rich, preparing children for a smooth transition into the main school. For nursery fees and funding details, visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding.

As an 11-16 provider, Kents Hill Park does not have a sixth form. Students leave at the end of Year 11, a point of natural transition that the school supports with a robust careers programme.

Most students progress to local sixth form providers or colleges in Milton Keynes. The school ensures every student has a clear pathway, whether that is A-levels at a nearby secondary school, vocational courses at Milton Keynes College, or an apprenticeship. The lack of an on-site sixth form means students get a "fresh start" at 16, which many find prepares them well for university or employment.

Admissions are coordinated by Milton Keynes City Council. The school is part of the Kingsbridge Educational Trust but follows the local authority's timeline and oversubscription criteria.

Entry is fiercely competitive. In 2024, the secondary phase received 586 applications for 119 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 4.9 applicants per place. The primary phase is also oversubscribed, with 3.6 applications for every Reception place.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline for Year 7 is 31 October 2025, and for Reception it is 15 January 2026.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and children of staff, followed by those living in the defined catchment area (Kents Hill, Kents Hill Park, Walton, and Walton Manor). Remaining places are allocated by distance. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system. Every student belongs to Koenig, Nightingale, Turing, or Walker House. Form tutors are the first point of contact, staying with their group as they move up the school to provide continuity.

The school employs a dedicated pastoral team who do not have teaching timetables. This means non-teaching Student Support Officers are available throughout the day to handle issues immediately, rather than waiting for break times. Ofsted praised this arrangement, noting that students feel safe and have trusted adults they can talk to.

The extracurricular programme makes good use of the site's modern facilities. Sport is a strength, with clubs for netball, basketball, football, and badminton taking place in the large sports hall and on the outdoor pitches.

Creativity flourishes in the drama and music departments, with regular productions and concerts. The school runs a variety of lunch and after-school clubs, ranging from Lego and coding to choir and debate.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular with older students, fostering resilience and teamwork. Trips are a regular feature, including residential visits that build confidence and independence.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm for the secondary phase, with slightly staggered timings for the primary phase to ease congestion.

Wraparound care is provided by Premier Education. Breakfast club opens at 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm, offering a vital service for working parents.

Located on Timbold Drive, the school has secure bike storage to encourage active travel. Parking can be busy; parents are urged to walk where possible.

No Sixth Form. Students must move to a new institution at 16. While the school prepares them well, families seeking a single institution from 11 to 18 might prefer a school with an attached sixth form.

High Demand. With nearly five applicants per secondary place, securing admission is difficult. Living in the catchment area does not guarantee a place if the distance cut-off shrinks.

Sibling Priority. The popularity of the school means a significant number of Reception and Year 7 places go to siblings, reducing the number available for new families.

Kents Hill Park School delivers on its promise of a modern, cohesive, all-through education. The "Good" rating, stable leadership, and seamless journey from nursery to GCSE make it a compelling choice. Best suited to families within the catchment who value the stability of an all-through model and modern facilities. The main challenge is securing a place in this heavily oversubscribed local favourite.