Dartford Grammar School
Dartford, DA1 2HW · Kent · Grammar school
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2nd 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 — 9.9/10 against 430 of them, against 9.9/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 99.5 · 100 | 30% | 2.99 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.11 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 78.9 · 99 | 10% | 0.99 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dartford Grammar School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 98.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 79.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +1.11 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,576 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,550. 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 specific support structures are in place for pupils transitioning into Year 7? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating standards across all year groups?
What Ofsted said about Dartford Grammar School
Overview
Pupils describe attending this school as a ‘privilege’, feeling ‘highly valued’ within a community where they are ‘polite, motivated, and hard-working’. The report highlights an ‘exceptional school’ where leaders have created a ‘calm and inclusive culture’ that allows pupils to ‘flourish beyond expectations’.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed a ‘highly ambitious and inclusive curriculum’ with sharp focus on sequencing, enabling pupils to ‘build securely on their knowledge’.
- Teachers are ‘experts in their subjects’ who ‘question pupils skilfully’ and adapt plans quickly to address misconceptions.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘exemplary behaviour’ by ‘self-regulating’ and supporting each other, with bullying reported as ‘extremely rare’.
- There is a strong emphasis on ‘active citizenship’, including trips abroad and community service, fostering ‘excellent intercultural understanding’.
- Staff feel ‘highly valued’ following leadership efforts to reduce workload, resulting in an ‘exceptionally supportive’ workforce.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff receiving regular training and pupils having ‘every confidence’ that concerns will be dealt with effectively by trusted adults.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 78.4 |
| 2024/25 | 79.9 |
| 2025/26 | 78.9 |
| 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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