Alchemy School

Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 1 Alchemy School 105 Nelson Road, Gillingham ME7 4LT

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report:

Overall outcome The school is unlikely to meet the relevant independent school standards if the material change relating to the school provision is implemented.

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report:

This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), which is the registration authority for independent schools. The school has applied to the DfE to make a material change to its registration. The school proposes to change the maximum number of pupils attending through the addition of new premises.

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report:

The purpose of the inspection is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards (ISS) that are relevant to the material change that the school has applied to make.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out material change inspections of independent schools, we report on the school’s likely compliance with part 8 of the ISS first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all of the ISS consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leadership across the school is effective. The headteacher, who also operates as a member of the proprietor body, and other leaders bring relevant expertise to the school. Leaders use external sector experts, who have significant and broad- ranging educational and wider expertise, to quality assure their work and to offer support and challenge. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the ISS and take actions to ensure that they are met.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Current pupils feel safe and are happy in school. They trust staff, developing positive and supportive relationships. Appropriate staff ratios mean that pupils are Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 2 supported to develop and maintain effective relationships through tailored support. Staff receive appropriate training so that they can undertake their roles well.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Leaders have made significant developments to the school site, taking on additional premises, to provide for an increased number of pupils. These premises are appropriately designed, furnished and safe and are well maintained. However, the sites do not currently have sufficient space and resources for the full number of proposed additional pupils. As a result, they are unlikely to meet the ISS if the material change application is approved. However, these standards are more likely to be met were a lower number of additional pupils to be requested.

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Safeguarding

The school’s safeguarding policy is published on the school’s website and aligns with statutory requirements. Staff receive comprehensive safeguarding training which is regularly updated, ensuring they can identify when a pupil may be at risk of harm and report any concerns swiftly.

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Safeguarding

Leaders are appropriately trained for their roles in overseeing the safeguarding culture in their school. Several leaders have appropriate training to perform the role of designated safeguarding lead, ensuring that at least one is present at each of the 3 sites at any time. Leaders work well with external agencies so that pupils and their families receive appropriate and timely support. Records are kept of actions undertaken, which are appropriately detailed and demonstrate that responses are timely.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The school has appropriate health and safety and first-aid policies in place that support the welfare of pupils and staff. These policies are implemented consistently and underpinned by effective systems. Leaders ensure that frequent health and safety checks of the school site are carried out. Any identified issues are addressed swiftly. As a result of these systems, the site is maintained to a high standard and is safe. This includes the recently acquired third site that leaders intend to be the base for the proposed increased numbers of pupils.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

A compliant fire safety policy is in place. Across all 3 sites, clear escape routes are supported by ample signage. Robust systems, including frequent checks of alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting are in place. Regular external checks are undertaken of fire extinguishers to ensure these are well maintained. These processes ensure the school maintains ongoing compliance with fire safety regulations. Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 3

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Risk assessment

A thorough risk assessment policy is in place, supported by clear systems and processes that are carefully followed. Risk assessments are well written, reflecting the specific needs of pupils and the activities they undertake. This includes for site-based activities, as well as off-site visits, such as trips.

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Risk assessment

Leaders have individual risk assessments in place that are reviewed frequently to ensure they are appropriate to pupils’ needs. These risk assessments are similarly detailed, identifying pupils’ vulnerabilities and any associated risks. Plans clearly set out appropriate mitigating actions to reduce potential risk, so that they remain responsive to pupils’ ongoing needs and circumstances.

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Risk assessment

Leaders have carefully considered the demands of increasing the number of pupils and have taken on additional premises to support an increased number of pupils. However, while the site is appropriate to support pupils in accessing their education, there is not sufficient space on site to accommodate the full additional number of pupils proposed. As a result, the proprietor body has not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. However, these would be likely to be met were a lower number of additional pupils to be requested.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Recruitment processes within the school are robust and give due regard to safer recruitment requirements. The senior leaders involved in recruitment are appropriately trained.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

The school already has sufficient staff to meet the needs of the proposed increased capacity, who they propose to train to deliver the curriculum. The school has appropriate training and monitoring programmes in place to ensure that all new staff are able to support pupils safely and effectively.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The single central record (SCR) is accurately maintained, kept up to date and includes all staff. The proprietor body and external quality assurers check the SCR regularly to ensure that it reflects the most recent statutory guidance. All required checks, including those for individuals in leadership and management roles, are completed and recorded appropriately.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor body has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met. Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 4

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and showers

Across the 3 school sites, appropriate showers, toilets and handwashing facilities for pupils are in place and separate from staff amenities.

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and showers

Hot water is set at a safe temperature and is checked regularly. Pupils have access to clearly labelled drinking water throughout the school day.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

An appropriate on-site medical room is located in each of the 3 premises, next to a toilet and where handwashing facilities are readily available. The rooms each contain a fold-out bed and suitable first-aid provisions. Medication is stored securely in locked facilities.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises across all 3 sites provide a safe and well-resourced environment that is maintained effectively. A series of classroom and breakout spaces support pupils to access learning and regulate their behaviour as needed. At the new site, leaders have created suitable classroom learning areas, as well as an outdoor area where pupils can play. These are appropriately risk assessed and used under supervision of staff.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

While these spaces are appropriate, there is not sufficient space to fully incorporate the proposed increased number of pupils. As a result, the health, safety and welfare of pupils for the proposed increase in pupil numbers cannot be assured, and this is unlikely to meet the ISS. However, these would be likely to meet the standards were a smaller increase of pupil numbers to be requested.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

Staffing levels are sufficient, and staff are well trained so that they supervise pupils effectively throughout the day. They have consideration for appropriate staff-to-pupil ratios in anticipation of pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Learning spaces, including communal areas, have appropriate acoustic conditions and suitable internal lighting that support effective teaching and learning. External lighting is appropriate, contributing to a safe and sufficiently illuminated environment. This is consistent across all 3 sites from which the school intends to operate. Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 5

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Outdoor space

The external school grounds are well maintained and provide adequate space for play at social times. While the sites do not contain space for physical education, most physical education lessons are accessed at local leisure centres close to the school sites. Leaders have ensured that the outdoor areas allow pupils to socialise safely during breaktimes and lunchtimes. These are managed well and supervised so that pupils can use them safely.

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Outdoor space

There is, however, not enough space to fully accommodate the proposed number of extra pupils the school intends to admit. As a result, leaders have not ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met were the material change to be approved. However, were a smaller increase of pupil numbers to be requested, these would likely be appropriate.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 162(4) of the Education Act 2002, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools.

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About this inspection

Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Following our updated inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

The proprietor body has requested a material change to increase the maximum number of pupils on roll to 150.

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About this inspection

The Department for Education commissioned the inspectors to inspect the suitability of the school’s provision in relation to the welfare, health and safety of pupils; the suitability of staff; the suitability of premises and accommodation; and the quality of leadership and management.

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About this inspection

The inspectors checked the suitability of the current school premises during their site check. They also checked the suitability of the new proposed site as part of the inspection. They met with the headteacher and a range of other staff. The lead inspector also met with an external adviser who supports the school with quality assurance. Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 6 The inspectors visited some lessons and spoke with pupils and staff. They also reviewed documents in relation to health and safety, fire safety and risk assessment.

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About this inspection

The inspectors also considered the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including the single central record of pre-employment checks and whether the school’s safeguarding policy is available to parents and carers. These requirements of the ISS are met.

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About this inspection

Inspectors confirmed the following information about the school:

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About this inspection

Alchemy School is an independent specialist school specialising in supporting pupils who have experienced significant barriers to learning or who cannot access mainstream education. Many have not attended any school for extended periods prior to joining Alchemy School.

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About this inspection

Most pupil places are commissioned by the local authority, and most pupils at the school have education, health and care plans. The primary area of need for most pupils is social, emotional and mental health.

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About this inspection

The school currently operates from 2 sites: one based at 105 Nelson Road, Gillingham ME7 4LT and the other at 43 High Street, Sittingbourne ME10 4AW. The school has recently taken on a new premises based at 157 Marshall Road, Rainham, Kent ME8 0AJ. The school currently uses no forms of alternative provision.

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About this school

Proprietor L & P Educational Services Ltd Chair of the proprietor body Lisa Bowles Headteacher Lisa Bowles Type of school Other independent special school Capacity 50

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compulsory school age on roll

Age range of pupils 11 to 19 Gender of pupils Mixed Annual fees for day pupils £37,050 - £57,720 Email address enquiries@alchemyschools.co.uk

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified.

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 8 – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. Alchemy School, 14 July 2026 9 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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