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Draft:Rowhill School

Coordinates: 51°23′42″N 0°18′54″E / 51.395°N 0.315°E / 51.395; 0.315
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Rowhill School
Address
Map
Main Road, Longfield

Longfield
,
Kent
,
DA3 7PW

England
Coordinates51°23′42″N 0°18′54″E / 51.395°N 0.315°E / 51.395; 0.315
Information
TypeFoundation special school
EstablishedMid-20th century (Wilmington site); relocated 2009 (Longfield)
School districtDartford
Local authorityKent County Council
Department for Education URN119045 Tables
OfstedReports
Chair of GovernorsAndrew Halpin
HeadteacherMr Geoffrey Bartrum, MA
GenderCo-educational
Age5 to 16
Enrolment~164
Capacity150
Campus typePurpose-built (since 2009)
Colour(s)Blue and grey/black
Websiterowhill.kent.sch.uk


Rowhill School is a state-funded foundation special school in Longfield, Kent, for boys and girls aged 5–16 with special educational needs.[1][2] Often referred to as Rowhill Special School (its former designation)[3][4], the school is maintained by Kent County Council and lies within the Dartford borough district.[5][6]

Overview

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Rowhill’s origins date back to the mid-20th century on its original campus on Stock Lane, Wilmington (Dartford), which underwent major redevelopment in the 2000s. In 2009[7], the school relocated to a new single-site campus in Longfield, constructed by R. Durtnell & Sons[8] at a cost of approximately £5.45 million.[9] The Wilmington site was subsequently repurposed for other local authority services.[10][11]

Type and Educational Focus

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Rowhill is a non-selective special school for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, formerly termed "Behaviour and Learning Difficulties". All pupils hold an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), typically for SEMH and often with additional communication, interaction, or learning needs. The co-educational intake draws from North-West Kent under Kent County SEN admissions.

The curriculum covers Key Stages 1–4 (ages 5–16), including core subjects (English, maths, science) and vocational programs (art, design & technology, catering, horticulture, equine studies, fisheries, and the arts). Students may pursue GCSEs or entry-level/vocational qualifications, including Cast Awards in angling and other certificates.

Governance and Administration

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Rowhill is maintained by Kent County Council and overseen by a foundation governing body rather than an academy trust. The senior leadership team comprises a headteacher (Mr Geoffrey Bartrum, MA, in post since the 2010s)[12][13], a deputy head, and a primary lead. The chair of governors is Andrew Halpin, with César Tron-Lozai serving as vice-chair.[14][15] Other governors include parent and staff representatives.[16][17] The designated safeguarding lead is the headteacher, supported by deputies; the safeguarding governor is Kam Khankhune.[18] Rowhill also hosts the Dartford Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS), an outreach team for vulnerable pupils in local schools.[19]

Admissions and Student Body

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As of 2024, Rowhill has an enrolment of approximately 160–164 pupils[20][21], exceeding its official capacity of 150. Historically, the Wilmington campus accommodated 105 pupils (96 places[22]) in 2008. Admissions require an EHCP with a primary need of SEMH, occasionally with associated autism spectrum condition (ASC) or speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).[23][24] There is no strict catchment area; placements predominantly originate from Dartford, Gravesham, Bexley, and Bromley.[25][26]

The school uniform consists of a blue sweatshirt or polo top and grey/black trousers or skirt (blue checked summer dress optional)[27], with a plain blue PE kit. Most pupils remain until age 16 before transferring to local colleges or specialist post-16 provision. The school provides careers guidance and work-related learning opportunities, such as college links and work experience.[28][29]

Academic Performance and Standards

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The most recent full Ofsted inspection (November 2021) rated Rowhill as "good"[30], noting high expectations, engaging lessons, and strong support preparing pupils for next steps. Previous inspections in January 2006 and 2014 also returned Good or better ratings.

A short inspection in October 2023 judged that Rowhill did not provide an acceptable standard of education, citing low engagement, high absenteeism, and behavioural disruption[31], with fragmented online instruction reported[32][33]. As of mid-2025, no updated judgement or published action plan is available.

In 2024, 11 Year–11 pupils sat examinations: 83% achieved five or more passes including English and maths[34], and 100% earned a vocational qualification[35]. Year-on-year data (2017–2024) show most leavers gaining Entry Level or Level 1 qualifications. Teaching and assessment emphasize structure, clear targets, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The school follows the National Curriculum with adaptations and uses mainstream exam boards (Edexcel, OCR) and vocational awarding organisations (BTEC, NCFE). An Assessment Policy (2022) focuses on practical assessments and tracking social/behavioural targets.[36][37]

Facilities and Resources

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The Woodview Campus offers a single story accommodation with classrooms, a sports hall, dining spaces, life-skills kitchens, a music/drama studio, therapy rooms (including a sensory room), and outdoor areas featuring horticulture plots, farm animals, and equine facilities. A covered social hub ("drum" area) and a fleet of minibuses support off-site learning. ICT resources include interactive whiteboards, laptops, tablets, and assistive technology.

Extracurricular Activities

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Clubs and activities include multi-sports, judo, forest-school/gardening, music and drama, and role-play games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons). Creative projects, theatre workshops, school productions, fairs, and inter-school matches are held annually. Rowhill participates in the Countryside Alliance’s "Fishing 4 Schools" program, partnering with local equine centres, horticulture projects, and Hadlow College for vocational experiences.

Pastoral Care

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Pastoral provision emphasises positive reinforcement and trauma-informed practice, treating behaviour as communication. A Behaviour Policy outlines behaviour plans, time-out, and reintegration support; physical interventions are conducted under strict protocols.[38] Safeguarding follows Kent LA guidelines, with annual child protection training, e-safety and drug education workshops, and close attendance monitoring with Kent’s Inclusion team.[39]

History of Premises

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The original Stock Lane site comprised multiple single-story blocks and temporary cabins, non-compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act until refurbishment[40]. A 2005 planning proposal (DA/05/674) for extensions was superseded by the move to Longfield in 2009.[41][42]



References

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  1. ^ "Rowhill School - GOV.UK". get-information-schools.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  2. ^ "Rowhill School, Longfield". www.kent-teach.com. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  3. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=Background%20and%20Accommodation%20Issues%202,B%20%26%20L%29%20Difficulties
  4. ^ "Rowhill School, Longfield". www.kent-teach.com. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Rowhill School - GOV.UK". get-information-schools.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  6. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/Data/Planning%20Applications%20Committee/20050913/Agenda/$Item%20D2.doc.pdf#:~:text=4,other%20outbuildings%20from%20the%20site
  7. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=Enlargement%20work%20begins%20at%20Longfield,from%20Raynehurst%20to%20Stock%20Lane
  8. ^ "Remodelling of Rowhill School, Woodview... © David Anstiss cc-by-sa/2.0 :: Geograph Britain and Ireland". 9 May 2025. Archived from the original on 9 May 2025. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  9. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=17,The%20funding%20to
  10. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=Enlargement%20work%20begins%20at%20Longfield,from%20Raynehurst%20to%20Stock%20Lane
  11. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=17,The%20funding%20to
  12. ^ "Rowhill School - GOV.UK".
  13. ^ "Staff".
  14. ^ "Governors".
  15. ^ "Staff".
  16. ^ "Governors".
  17. ^ "Governors".
  18. ^ "Governors".
  19. ^ "Rowhill School, Longfield".
  20. ^ "Rowhill School - GOV.UK".
  21. ^ "Rowhill School, Longfield".
  22. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=the%20school,as%20many%20boys%20as%20girls
  23. ^ "Admissions".
  24. ^ "Admissions".
  25. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/764795#:~:text=behavioural%20needs,HOW%20GOOD%20THE%20SCHOOL%20IS
  26. ^ "Rowhill School, Longfield".
  27. ^ "School Uniform".
  28. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50175493#:~:text=Pupils%20enjoy%20the%20opportunity%20to,This%20takes%20many%20forms
  29. ^ "Another brilliant year for Fishing 4 School in Kent". 9 August 2016.
  30. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50175493#:~:text=Outcome%20Rowhill%20School%20continues%20to,especially%20at%20the%20start%20of
  31. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50236891#:~:text=Inspection%20report%3A%20Rowhill%20School%203,are%20not%20always%20made%20in
  32. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50236891#:~:text=What%20is%20it%20like%20to,are%20not%20always%20made%20in
  33. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50236891#:~:text=behind%20in%20their%20learning,that%20disturbs%20the%20learning%20of
  34. ^ https://www.rowhill.kent.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=1391&type=pdf#:~:text=Maths%2044,%2810
  35. ^ https://www.rowhill.kent.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=1391&type=pdf#:~:text=56,%2830%29%20100
  36. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50236891#:~:text=Inspection%20report%3A%20Rowhill%20School%203,are%20not%20always%20made%20in
  37. ^ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50175493#:~:text=Outcome%20Rowhill%20School%20continues%20to,especially%20at%20the%20start%20of
  38. ^ https://www.kent-teach.com/Images/Microsites/823/Child-protection-policy-September-2024.344442396.pdf#:~:text=%5BPDF%5D%20Child%20Protection%20policy%20,child%27s%20words%20and%20will
  39. ^ "SafeGuarding".
  40. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/Data/Planning%20Applications%20Committee/20050913/Agenda/$Item%20D2.doc.pdf#:~:text=built%20without%20consideration%20for%20disabled,other%20outbuildings%20from%20the%20site
  41. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=Enlargement%20work%20begins%20at%20Longfield,from%20Raynehurst%20to%20Stock%20Lane
  42. ^ https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s1964/Rowhill%20Final.pdf#:~:text=17,The%20funding%20to
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