The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 61.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This is a girls-only school
Selective intake
This school offers places by entrance exam. See how 11+ formats differ between schools — and which exam boards they use.
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
61.1
17.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
82%
40.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
97%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.19
Band 4Source: 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
98%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
97%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
0%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 143 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 15 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 57 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Girls
Numbers
- Pupils
- 832
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 12.4%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- HIGHSTED ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Ms Anne Kelly (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Highsted Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4PT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFulston Manor School
Secondary · Very close
ALP Sittingbourne
Independent · 344m away
Borden Grammar School
Secondary · 448m away
South Avenue Primary School
Primary · 507m away
The Oaks Community Infant School
Primary · 868m away
The Oaks Infant School
Primary · 868m away
VTC Independent School
Independent · 879m away
St Peter's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 896m away
Questions parents ask
Is Highsted Grammar School a selective school?
Yes. Highsted Grammar School has a selective intake, which means places are offered based on performance in an entrance exam. Check the school's admissions page for the current exam format and registration deadlines.
What is Highsted Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Highsted Grammar School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Highsted Grammar School?
Highsted Grammar School currently has 832 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Highsted Grammar School take?
Highsted Grammar School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Highsted Grammar School?
Highsted Grammar School is in Sittingbourne, ME10 4PT, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Highsted Grammar School have a sixth form?
Yes, Highsted Grammar School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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