The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2014).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 62.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2014
- This is a boys-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
62.4
18.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
85%
42.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
97%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.05
Band 3Source: 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
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
1%
Based on 147 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
8% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 75 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,036
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 12.9%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Medway
- Trust
- THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Lee Preston (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
April 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
September 2014 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
February 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
October 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
June 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
February 2012 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6JB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmNew Horizons Children's Academy
Primary · Very close
Balfour Infant School
Primary · 585m away
Balfour Junior School
Primary · 829m away
Wayfield Primary School
Primary · 938m away
Greenvale Primary School
Primary · 945m away
The Victory Academy
Secondary · 947m away
Warren Wood Community Primary School and Language Unit
Primary · 987m away
Warren Wood Primary School
Primary · 987m away
Questions parents ask
Is Holcombe Grammar School a selective school?
Yes. Holcombe 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 Holcombe Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Holcombe Grammar School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Holcombe Grammar School?
Holcombe Grammar School currently has 1,036 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Holcombe Grammar School take?
Holcombe Grammar School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Holcombe Grammar School?
Holcombe Grammar School is in Chatham, ME4 6JB, in the Medway local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Holcombe Grammar School have a sixth form?
Yes, Holcombe Grammar School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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