The Norton Knatchbull School
Ashford, TN24 0QJ · Kent · Grammar school
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29th 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 the 370 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9/10 among them, against 8.7/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 82.7 · 95 | 30% | 2.86 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.32 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 64.2 · 95 | 10% | 0.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Norton Knatchbull School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in January 2024. In 2024/25, 90.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 67.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.32 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 8.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Sports include football, rugby, hockey, basketball, badminton, cross country, table tennis, and athletics. Trips have included Rye, the National History Museum, Dover Castle, Chessington World of Adventures, Howletts zoo, Canterbury Cathedral, and Harry Potter studios.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,348 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,316. 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 maintain the high attainment levels seen in recent results? What specific
What Ofsted said about The Norton Knatchbull School
Overview
The report describes a school that delivers a "vibrant learning environment" where pupils are "nurtured to become considerate, confident and well-rounded individuals." Inspectors found that "expectations are high," relationships are strong, and the curriculum is "coherently and ambitiously planned," resulting in an overall effectiveness judgement of Good.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and valued, with "excellent" behaviour and attitudes, particularly among older students who are "highly motivated, enthusiastic and focused."
- The personal development programme is "broad, detailed and impressive," covering topics such as xenophobia, homophobia, and staying safe online.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge" and present information clearly, fostering "high levels of intellectual curiosity" and spontaneous questioning.
- The careers programme is "carefully constructed," supported by local businesses, leading to large numbers of students progressing to "highly regarded universities."
- Staff are "happy" with well-managed workloads, and trustees are "clear and confident" about their roles in holding leaders to account.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the curriculum develops "creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills" rather than relying too heavily on preparing pupils for external examinations.
- Leaders must continue to ensure the curriculum is "implemented consistently" across all subjects by sharing best practice, as quality is not yet secure everywhere.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 64.2 |
| 2024/25 | 67.3 |
| 2025/26 | 64.2 |
| 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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