Grammar schools in Kent
The exceptional standard of the grammar schools in Kent is one of the many reasons it’s a great place to move to.
In addition to excellent transport links to London and the continent, beautiful countryside, and fantastic locally produced food, the outstanding educational opportunities in Kent have long drawn buyers to the county.
With the plan to levy VAT on independent school fees expected to take effect at the start of 2025, grammar schools are bracing for a surge in demand.
Grammar schools provide a high-quality education like private schools but without the associated fees. Fears that the already over-subscribed system will be swamped with new applications, means that savvy house hunters are focusing their attention on properties within grammar school catchment areas.
Kent has a large number of Grammar Schools, as well as incredibly good non-grammar state schools as a secondary option. Here are some key areas in the county known for their access to top grammar schools:
Tonbridge
Tonbridge is a busy market town and just 34 minutes on a direct fast train to London Bridge. Ideal for commuting, the town is popular with professionals and families looking to settle outside London.
The town has a good mix of historical architecture, green spaces, and modern amenities like shops, cafes and restaurants.
The Judd School
The Judd School is a boys’ grammar school in Tonbridge with a mixed sixth form. It is renowned for its strong GCSE and A-level results. The school also places a high emphasis on extracurricular activities and sports.
Tonbridge Grammar School
Tonbridge Grammar School is a girls’ school with a mixed sixth form. The school is known for its exemplary academic performance and focus on holistic education. It ranks highly both locally and nationally, consistently receiving top marks at GCSE and A-level.
Weald of Kent Grammar School
Weald of Kent Grammar School is a girls’ school also situated in Tonbridge and noted for its strong academic performance and emphasis on personal development and a well-rounded education for students.
Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic town in Kent. It offers a range of cultural activities, including theatres, shops, restaurants, and beautiful parks like Dunorlan and Calverley Park. The school has a family-friendly community and good transport links to London.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School is a selective state school for girls with a long history of academic success and is consistently rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and support systems for students with their school motto ‘Give your best’ proudly promoted to students.
The Skinners’ School
The Skinners’ School is a popular boys’ grammar school in Tunbridge Wells. It is renowned for its strong academic performance and emphasis on sports, with a state-of-the-art sports centre and 18 acres of playing fields for students to try competitive and non-competitive activities.
The school has an extensive extracurricular program and a strong community focus.
Maidstone
Maidstone, the county town of Kent, is known for its Kentish villages and beautiful countryside. The town is well equipped for families, with a large selection of shops, parks, nature reserves, and walking and cycling routes.
It also has excellent transport links, including trains to London and easy access to major road networks.
Maidstone Grammar School
Maidstone Grammar School has a rich history dating back to 1549. It offers a rigorous academic environment and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
The school’s common purpose is to prepare young people for the future with all pupils given the opportunity to develop leadership skills and give service to the school.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls is known for its empowering ethos. It consistently achieves excellent exam results and offers diverse clubs and societies that foster leadership and confidence.
Their traditional RAG Week (Raising and Giving) is a key week in the school year and raises thousands of pounds for local charities and their partner school in Nepal.
Invicta Grammar School
Invicta Grammar School is a high-achieving grammar school for girls with a mixed Sixth Form. The school is known for the plethora of opportunities for all students to develop themselves into well-rounded young people.
Invicta students enjoy doing well academically and make the most of the opportunities in music, arts, and sports. The kind and caring community at Invicta raises at least £30,000 every year for charities that are close to the school’s heart.
Cranbrook
For families seeking educational excellence within a smaller town, Cranbrook is often a desired choice. The picturesque Kent town offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the feel of a larger town.
Cranbrook Grammar School
Cranbrook Grammar School, founded in 1518, is a co-educational school and one of the few remaining state grammar schools in the UK to offer boarding.
In addition to outstanding exam results, the school boasts strong extracurricular programmes including sport, music, drama, Combined Cadet Force, DofE and student-led activities.
Dartford
Dartford has fast train services to London as well as easy access to the M25. Compared to other locations in Kent, housing is more affordable here and the town has a broad range of shopping and community facilities.
Dartford Grammar School
Dartford Grammar School is a boys’ school with a mixed sixth form, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and has a reputation for academic excellence. It is frequently ranked among the top grammar schools in the country.
Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Dartford Grammar School for Girls has status as a Specialist Science school, as well as strong academic results and robust community engagement.
Rochester
Rochester is an excellent choice for families seeking a blend of history, culture, and convenience. The town is known for its historic landmarks including the castle and cathedral as well as being the home of author Charles Dickens.
The Rochester Grammar School
The Rochester Grammar School is a girls’ school with a mixed sixth form. Rochester Grammar is notable for its International Baccalaureate program and consistently high academic results. It also has a strong house system and various student enrichment activities.
Ashford
The high-speed train to London makes Ashford a fantastic choice for commuters. The area is also undergoing significant development, with a variety of new housing and amenities on offer.
Highworth Grammar School
Highworth Grammar School is a girls’ grammar school with a focus on strong pastoral care alongside academic excellence. It is known for creative and innovative teaching methods.
Broadstairs
This coastal town offers a wonderful mix of town and beach life for families living here. The town has multiple beautiful beaches, a range of shops and restaurants and good local schools.
Dane Court Grammar School
Dane Court Grammar School is a co-educational school that offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma instead of A-levels. It is well renowned for its modern facilities and strong academic record.
Other Considerations
Passing the 11+ exam is crucial to obtaining a place in a grammar school in Kent. Taken by children in Year 6, this exam tests a range of skills including Mathematics, English, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Parents looking to secure a place for their children should research exam timing and preparation requirements ahead of time.
Most grammar schools in Kent have specific catchment areas, so living within these areas can increase your child’s chance of admission.
Researching school admission policies and catchment areas from afar is a good starting point, however, visiting locations in person is essential to help you decide what best suits your family’s needs.
Deciding where to live near the grammar schools in Kent
Garrington provides orientation tours for our clients to help highlight the major aspects of the search areas.
If you are considering moving to Kent for schooling and would like more information about how to better navigate the local property market, please get in touch.
