Dover Christ Church Academy
Dover, CT16 2EG · Kent · secondary school
Check the area around this school
92nd of 99 secondary schools in Kent we can score, 103 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 1.5/10 against 263 of them, against 0.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 27.3 · 10 | 30% | 0.32 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -1.13 · 1 | 25% | 0.03 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.8 · 7 | 10% | 0.07 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dover Christ Church Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 8.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 30.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was -1.13, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in June 2026.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Careers, Film, Dining and Social, Chess, Music Technology, KS3 Darts, Guitar, and Inviting Pool Clubs. Sports include Trampolining and KS3 Boxing, while Keyboard Club covers arts and music. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 761 pupils against a stated capacity of 990. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating? How does the after-school club integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Dover Christ Church Academy
Overview
Dover Christ Church Academy is a school where leaders have driven "significant improvements" across most areas, creating a "highly inclusive culture" where pupils feel safe and supported. While attendance, behaviour, and personal development are rated at a "strong standard," the report notes that national examination outcomes are not yet where they need to be, though achievement is "rapidly improving."
Strengths
- Attendance has improved significantly, with leaders being "meticulous in monitoring absence" and effectively reducing barriers for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Behaviour is "highly positive," with bullying happening "rarely" and pupils demonstrating "highly respectful and inclusive attitudes."
- SEND provision is "extremely well" met, with "precisely matched support" allowing pupils to thrive, including those in the specially resourced 'Aspen 2' unit.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils gaining secure knowledge of "fundamental British values" and being well-prepared for adult life through the 'Turner 25' enrichment offer.
- Leadership is effective, with governors holding leaders to account "robustly" and staff feeling "well supported" and proud to work in the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that teaching is of a "consistently high quality" so that pupils achieve well across the school, particularly in national examinations.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 27.7 |
| 2024/25 | 30.4 |
| 2025/26 | 35.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CT16 2EG, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT