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Local authority · South East

Schools in Kent

  • 597State-funded schools
  • 459Primary
  • 104Secondary
  • 27Special
  • South EastRegion
Applications per placeCircle size: applications
First choice · secondary 2026
79%
5 pts below England (84%)
18,644 families applied
First choice · primary 2026
90%
3 pts below England (92%)
16,593 families applied
Applications per place · secondary
3.1
0.9 above England median (2.2)
Median school
New Ofsted report cards
83of 597 schools
Results by area

How hard is it to get a place here?

DfE · families living in Kent
Secondary (Year 7) · Sept 2026
79%got their first choice
5 pts below England (84%)

18,644 applicants · 3.8% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 79%; England 84%
  2. 2025 81%; England 84%
  3. 2024 79%; England 83%
  4. 2023 78%; England 83%
  5. 2022 80%; England 83%
  6. 2021 70%; England 81%
  7. 2020 78%; England 82%
  8. 2019 79%; England 81%
  9. 2018 80%; England 82%
  10. 2017 81%; England 83%
  11. 2016 81%; England 84%
  12. 2015 81%; England 84%
  13. 2014 84%; England 85%
  • Kent
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 202618,64478.9%94.8%3.8%
Sep 202518,28180.6%95.1%3.5%
Sep 202418,53378.6%94.5%4.0%
Sep 202319,00678.2%94.0%4.6%
Sep 202218,31179.6%94.3%4.6%
Sep 202118,27469.7%90.6%4.6%
Sep 202018,00777.7%93.3%5.3%
Sep 201917,96279.1%94.1%4.7%
Sep 201817,43379.7%94.4%4.4%
Sep 201716,69880.5%95.2%3.7%
Sep 201616,17281.4%96.1%2.6%
Sep 201515,89480.5%94.5%4.0%
Sep 201415,66783.6%96.3%2.6%
Primary (Reception) · Sept 2026
90%got their first choice
3 pts below England (92%)

16,593 applicants · 1.8% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 90%; England 92%
  2. 2025 91%; England 93%
  3. 2024 91%; England 93%
  4. 2023 90%; England 92%
  5. 2022 90%; England 92%
  6. 2021 89%; England 92%
  7. 2020 88%; England 90%
  8. 2019 89%; England 91%
  9. 2018 90%; England 91%
  10. 2017 89%; England 90%
  11. 2016 87%; England 88%
  12. 2015 86%; England 88%
  13. 2014 85%; England 88%
  • Kent
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 202616,59389.7%98.2%1.8%
Sep 202516,52490.6%98.5%1.5%
Sep 202416,65491.3%98.7%1.3%
Sep 202316,96990.1%98.4%1.6%
Sep 202217,15190.2%97.8%2.2%
Sep 202117,09589.2%97.7%2.3%
Sep 202017,49487.9%96.9%3.1%
Sep 201917,28489.4%97.4%2.6%
Sep 201817,22989.5%97.7%2.3%
Sep 201717,33089.1%97.4%2.6%
Sep 201618,00687.2%96.6%3.4%
Sep 201517,41485.8%95.8%4.2%
Sep 201417,09284.9%95.3%4.7%

What has Ofsted found here?

Ofsted data to 30 September 2026

Report cards 83 schools of 597 · since November 2025

  • Inclusion
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Early years (56)
  • Post-16 provision (20)
  • Leadership and governance

Bar: share of schools; number of schools at each grade below.

Overall grade from Ofsted's previous framework 410 schools · graded 2011 to 2024

  • Outstanding48
  • Good353
  • Requires improvement8
  • Inadequate1

Includes grades confirmed by a later ungraded inspection. Not comparable with report cards.

Graded 2024/25, no overall grade 97 schools

Key judgementOutstandingGoodRequires improvementInadequate
Quality of education186811–
Behaviour and attitudes31651–
Personal development3760––
Leadership and management24658–

Not yet inspected (new or reorganised schools): 7.

Latest report cards

Every new report card, month by month · RSS for Kent

Secondary schools in Kent

104 schools · Year 7 entry 2026

Change the order (visual only)

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sorted by Attainment 8, highest first.

Sorted by the date of the latest Ofsted inspection, newest first.

Sorted by name.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeAttainment 8FSM
Dartford Grammar School Selective Outstanding2022 8.8 applications per place 78.9 10%
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Selective 2026 7.1 applications per place 77.3 24%
Barton Court Grammar School Selective Standards maintained2024 6.7 applications per place 66.1 13%
School of Science and Technology Maidstone Outstanding2023 6.3 applications per place 49.1 14%
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Selective Remains Good2023 5.9 applications per place 67.6 10%
The Judd School Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 5.6 applications per place 78.3 3%
The Skinners' School Selective 2026 5.5 applications per place 72.7 5%
Tonbridge Grammar School Selective Standards maintained2024 5.4 applications per place 77.0 2%
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Selective Outstanding2023 5.3 applications per place 62.7 10%
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls Selective Good2022 5.2 applications per place 65.3 6%
Leigh Academy Wilmington Outstanding2023 5.2 applications per place 45.1 22%
St Anselm's Catholic School, Canterbury Faith Good2023 4.8 applications per place 45.0 22%
St John's Catholic Comprehensive Faith Standards maintained2025 4.7 applications per place 45.3 28%
Trinity School Faith Remains Good2024 4.6 applications per place 49.7 18%
Wye School Remains Good2024 4.5 applications per place 45.3 24%
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School Selective Outstanding2023 4.5 applications per place 72.5 4%
Fulston Manor School Special measures 2026 4.5 applications per place 36.8 27%
Barton Manor School Graded · no overall grade2025 4.5 applications per place – 42%
Saint George's Church of England School Faith Good2023 4.5 applications per place 42.1 23%
St George's Church of England Foundation School Faith Standards maintained2024 4.2 applications per place 37.4 35%
The Canterbury Academy 2026 4.2 applications per place 35.2 34%
Valley Park School Graded · no overall grade2025 4.1 applications per place 41.8 23%
The Malling School Good2023 4.1 applications per place 39.3 32%
The Maplesden Noakes School Good2024 4.0 applications per place 36.0 27%
Knole Academy Remains Good2022 3.9 applications per place 41.3 24%
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Selective 2026 3.9 applications per place 64.5 6%
Dartford Science & Technology College 2026 3.9 applications per place 47.1 23%
Hadlow Rural Community School Requires improvement2024 3.9 applications per place 39.3 33%
The Charles Dickens School Good2023 3.9 applications per place 42.8 43%
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School Faith Outstanding2023 3.9 applications per place 53.4 11%
Chilmington Green School 2026 3.9 applications per place – 32%
Oakwood Park Grammar School Selective Remains Good2024 3.8 applications per place 66.1 8%
Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 3.8 applications per place 62.2 17%
Meopham School Good2023 3.8 applications per place 38.4 21%
King Ethelbert School Good2024 3.6 applications per place 38.7 40%
Skinners' Kent Academy Good2023 3.6 applications per place 43.8 30%
Westlands School Remains Good2024 3.6 applications per place 42.3 30%
Leigh Academy Tonbridge Good2022 3.6 applications per place 43.9 35%
Leigh Academy Ebbsfleet Improved significantly2024 3.5 applications per place 45.2 38%
Towers School and Sixth Form Centre Graded · no overall grade2024 3.5 applications per place 42.4 31%
Turner Free School Good2022 3.5 applications per place 39.4 46%
Dane Court Grammar School Selective Good2022 3.5 applications per place 67.2 19%
Sir Roger Manwood's School Selective Good2022 3.4 applications per place 59.0 13%
St Gregory's Catholic School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 3.4 applications per place 44.8 23%
The North School Standards maintained2024 3.4 applications per place 39.4 35%
St Edmund's Catholic School Faith Good2022 3.4 applications per place 33.7 44%
Weald of Kent Grammar School Selective Graded · no overall grade2024 3.3 applications per place 69.3 4%
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys Selective Graded · no overall grade2024 3.3 applications per place 69.4 8%
Cranbrook School Selective Faith 2026 3.2 applications per place 68.3 5%
Cornwallis Academy Remains Good2023 3.2 applications per place 37.2 34%
Hillview School for Girls Remains Good2023 3.2 applications per place 49.1 16%
Stone Lodge School Good2023 3.1 applications per place 39.5 31%
Highsted Grammar School Selective Good2023 3.1 applications per place 61.9 13%
Gravesend Grammar School Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 3.1 applications per place 67.9 11%
Maidstone Grammar School Selective Standards maintained2024 3.1 applications per place 67.0 9%
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School Selective Remains Good · improving2023 3.1 applications per place 66.0 8%
Brockhill Park Performing Arts College 2026 3.0 applications per place 36.1 34%
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Selective Good2023 3.0 applications per place 65.7 8%
The Sittingbourne School Good2023 2.9 applications per place 34.8 39%
St Simon Stock Catholic School Faith 2026 2.9 applications per place 42.0 18%
Leigh UTC Dartford 2026 2.9 applications per place 41.3 33%
Invicta Grammar School Selective Outstanding2024 2.8 applications per place 70.8 8%
Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Selective Outstanding2024 2.8 applications per place 62.2 12%
Borden Grammar School Selective 2026 2.8 applications per place 62.7 11%
Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy Remains Good2023 2.8 applications per place 46.5 29%
Ursuline College Faith Good2022 2.7 applications per place 40.0 38%
Dover Christ Church Academy 2026 2.7 applications per place 35.8 54%
Wrotham School Standards maintained2024 2.7 applications per place 42.1 20%
Folkestone Academy 2026 2.6 applications per place 38.0 55%
The Whitstable School Good2024 2.6 applications per place 37.4 28%
Northfleet School for Girls 2026 2.6 applications per place 39.8 40%
Orion Spires Good2023 2.5 applications per place 39.2 44%
Leigh Academy Longfield Good2023 2.5 applications per place 41.8 28%
Hartsdown Academy 2026 2.4 applications per place 35.3 64%
The Harvey Grammar School Selective Remains Outstanding2022 2.4 applications per place 65.2 15%
Dover Grammar School for Girls Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 2.4 applications per place 56.7 20%
The Lenham School Standards maintained2025 2.4 applications per place 37.3 31%
The Royal Harbour Academy Requires significant improvement 2026 2.3 applications per place 31.1 64%
EKC Sheppey Secondary Not yet inspected 2.3 applications per place – 62%
Leigh Academy Minster Not yet inspected 2.2 applications per place 33.2 42%
Aylesford School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.2 applications per place 37.2 25%
Dover Grammar School for Boys Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 2.2 applications per place 63.1 21%
The Norton Knatchbull School Selective Good2023 2.2 applications per place 64.2 9%
The Folkestone School for Girls Selective Good2024 2.2 applications per place 62.3 14%
Alkerden Church of England Academy Not yet inspected 2.1 applications per place – 30%
Highworth Grammar School Selective Graded · no overall grade2025 2.1 applications per place 69.2 9%
Duke of York's Royal Military School Good2023 2.1small intake applications per place 58.9 0%
Northfleet Technology College Good2022 2.1 applications per place 35.7 38%
The Archbishop's School Faith Good2023 2.1 applications per place 32.1 57%
St Augustine Academy Faith 2026 2.0 applications per place 35.4 36%
Astor Secondary School 2026 1.9 applications per place 30.3 63%
Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre Good2023 1.9 applications per place 37.7 29%
The Abbey School Serious weaknesses 2026 1.9 applications per place 36.7 40%
The John Wallis Church of England Academy Faith Good2024 1.9 applications per place 36.4 40%
Herne Bay High School Good2022 1.9 applications per place 35.5 33%
Leigh Academy Mascalls 2026 1.8 applications per place 41.9 26%
Goodwin Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.8 applications per place 30.7 48%
Thamesview School Good2024 1.7 applications per place 36.6 48%
Sandwich Technology School Special measures 2026 1.6 applications per place 30.0 40%
Leigh Academy Hugh Christie Requires improvement2023 1.5 applications per place 38.2 40%
The Marsh Academy Good2022 1.5 applications per place 38.7 39%
The Holmesdale School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.5 applications per place 39.7 36%
Orchards Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.3 applications per place 38.3 43%
New Line Learning Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.3 applications per place 29.2 51%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement
  • Does not apply

Eight dots, one per area: inclusion, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, early years, post-16, leadership. Colours follow Ofsted's report card scale; Schoolfile is independent of Ofsted.

Primary schools in Kent

459 schools · Reception entry 2026

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

The 25 with the most applications per place. Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeSATs standardFSM
Platts Heath Primary School 2026 7.5small intake applications per place 56% 57%
Rodmersham School Outstanding2024 6.8small intake applications per place 72% 14%
Fordcombe Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 6.8small intake applications per place 62% 30%
Bobbing Village School Requires improvement2024 5.8 applications per place 75% 9%
St Pauls' Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 5.6small intake applications per place 75% 9%
Hoath Primary School 2026 5.5 applications per place 71% 26%
Cobham Primary School Outstanding2024 5.4 applications per place 83% 8%
Lydden Primary School Standards maintained2024 5.3small intake applications per place 75% 18%
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard 2026 5.0 applications per place 83% 15%
Shipbourne School Remains Good2024 5.0small intake applications per place 86% 15%
Valley Invicta Primary School At Kings Hill Graded · no overall grade2025 5.0 applications per place 90% 12%
Speldhurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 4.8 applications per place 81% 5%
Westgate Primary School Remains Good · improving2024 4.6 applications per place 90% 29%
Colliers Green Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 4.5 applications per place 75% 5%
Brabourne Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 4.4 applications per place 87% 5%
Brenchley and Matfield Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2024 4.3 applications per place 67% 12%
Fawkham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 4.3 applications per place 73% 13%
St Peter's Church of England Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 4.3 applications per place 70% 13%
Temple Ewell Church of England Primary School Faith Good2023 4.3 applications per place 81% 15%
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Canterbury Faith Good2023 4.3 applications per place 80% 15%
The Gateway Primary Academy Remains Good2022 4.3 applications per place 83% 16%
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Northfleet Faith Outstanding2023 4.1 applications per place 58% 9%
Istead Rise Primary School Remains Good2024 4.0 applications per place 83% 14%
Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes Graded · no overall grade2025 4.0 applications per place 81% 13%
Canterbury Road Primary School Remains Good2024 4.0 applications per place 67% 35%

The 25 with the most applications per place. Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

All 459 primary schools, by district:

Special schools and other provision

34 schools