The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 54.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
54.0
10.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
58%
16.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
89%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.32
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
95%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 266 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 10 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
11% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 140 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,892
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 9.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- THE TENAX SCHOOLS TRUST
- Head
- Dr Karen Brookes (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9SH
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmRose Hill School
Independent · 329m away
Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 510m away
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
Secondary · 759m away
Broomhill Bank School
Special school · 887m away
The Skinners' School
Secondary · 919m away
OA Tunbridge Wells
Academy · 1.1km away
The Wells Free School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Gregory's Catholic Comprehensive School
Secondary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Bennett Memorial Diocesan School a selective school?
No. Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Bennett Memorial Diocesan School's Ofsted rating?
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in December 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Bennett Memorial Diocesan School?
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School currently has 1,892 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Bennett Memorial Diocesan School take?
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Bennett Memorial Diocesan School?
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is in Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Bennett Memorial Diocesan School have a sixth form?
Yes, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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