The Sittingbourne School
Sittingbourne, ME10 4NL · Kent · secondary school
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78th 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 — 0.9/10 against 532 of them, against 0.7/10 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% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 24.2 · 7 | 30% | 0.21 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.7 · 8 | 25% | 0.21 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 34.8 · 5 | 10% | 0.05 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Sittingbourne School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the last inspection in 2023. In 2024/25, 23.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 34.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.7 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 (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,556 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. 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 manage class sizes given the current over-capacity status? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the school integrate the Duke of Edinburgh's Award into the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Sittingbourne School
Overview
The report describes a school where staff hold "high aspirations" for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders have implemented a "carefully considered curriculum" that is effectively adapted to meet diverse needs, resulting in pupils making "good progress" and feeling safe within a tolerant environment.
Strengths
- Leaders have "planned a carefully considered curriculum" with precise assessment methods, particularly in English and mathematics, to address knowledge gaps.
- Pupils are "proud of how tolerant and supportive their school is," benefiting from active societies and "character education" lessons that challenge intolerance.
- The "extensive and detailed" personal development programme helps pupils explore ethical issues and prepares them for life in modern Britain.
- Reading is prioritised, with targeted support for those struggling to read fluently, leading to "developing confidence in reading skills."
- Sixth-form students receive "tailored support" and access a broad range of academic and vocational courses.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must address "too high" rates of persistent absence to ensure pupils do not miss out on their education.
- More pupils need to be encouraged to study the rigorous subject combinations required for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
- The number of suspensions remains "high and not reducing quickly enough," requiring further work to support pupils in regulating their behaviour.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting an "effective culture of safeguarding" where staff are well-trained and concerns are acted on quickly.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 33.2 |
| 2024/25 | 34.1 |
| 2025/26 | 34.8 |
| 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
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