Herne Bay High School
Herne Bay, CT6 7NS · Kent · secondary school
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81st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.2/10 against 702 of them, against 0.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 22.9 · 6 | 30% | 0.18 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -1.02 · 2 | 25% | 0.06 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.5 · 6 | 10% | 0.06 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Herne Bay High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 22.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 36.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -1.02 in 2023/24, 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 (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,507 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,494. 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
What support is available for pupils who are not meeting expected progress in English and maths? How has the school maintained its Good rating since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Herne Bay High School
Overview
Herne Bay High School is described as a "calm, well-ordered environment" where pupils can focus on learning, underpinned by values of "kindness, respect and dedication." The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" and "expert teaching" that supports good progress, particularly in the sixth form, which is rated Outstanding. While the overall effectiveness is Good, the report identifies specific areas requiring improvement regarding governance, curriculum sequencing, and parental engagement.
Strengths
- Sixth-form provision is "exceptional," with students making "exceptional progress" and receiving "expert teaching."
- Teachers are "experts in the subjects they teach," creating a "positive learning environment" where pupils grasp concepts quickly.
- Reading is "cherished, encouraged and developed," with a "calm, welcoming library" and effective support for those who struggle.
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning" and enjoy a strong sense of community and extra-curricular activities.
Areas to improve
- Trustees must "further strengthen the knowledge and skills of the board" and "hold leaders to account more robustly."
- Leaders need to ensure more pupils achieve the EBacc, as the current entry level is "too low."
- Leaders must "rapidly improve communication and engagement with parents" to address negative views, particularly regarding bullying.
- The PSHE curriculum requires review to ensure topics are "well sequenced" and taught at the appropriate time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by a "culture of vigilance" and staff who are "trained very well" to take "quick, appropriate actions."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.1 |
| 2024/25 | 36.8 |
| 2025/26 | 35.5 |
| 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
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