The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 36.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
- The school is nearly full at 91% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
36.8
7.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
22%
19.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
35%
Source: 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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 145 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 68 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 794
- Capacity
- 91%
- FSM
- 32%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Kent
- Trust
- COASTAL ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Mr Tom Sellen (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9BL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmUrsuline College
Secondary · 382m away
St Saviour's Church of England Junior School
Primary · 823m away
St Crispin's Infant School
Primary · 995m away
Birchington Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Maple Haven Ltd
Independent · 1.3km away
The Llewellyn School and Nursery
Independent · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is King Ethelbert School a selective school?
No. King Ethelbert School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is King Ethelbert School's Ofsted rating?
King Ethelbert School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend King Ethelbert School?
King Ethelbert School currently has 794 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does King Ethelbert School take?
King Ethelbert School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is King Ethelbert School?
King Ethelbert School is in Birchington, CT7 9BL, in the Kent local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does King Ethelbert School have a sixth form?
Yes, King Ethelbert School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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