Aylesford School

About Aylesford School

Of the 158 parents who responded to Ofsted's Parent View survey between September 2024 and September 2025, 70% said they would recommend Aylesford School to other parents. That's a solid majority, though it leaves nearly a third who wouldn't. The school is clearly popular on paper: for 2025/26 admissions, it received 501 applications for 177 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.83, with 119 first-preference offers made from 133 first-preference applications. Parents gave notably strong marks for clubs and activities, with 95% agreeing their child can take part, and 42% strongly agreeing. On the other hand, only 49% felt concerns were dealt with properly, and 31% disagreed that SEND children get the support they need. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in April 2025, rated overall effectiveness as not judged, but the quality of education and leadership and management were both graded as requires improvement, while behaviour, personal development and sixth-form provision were all good.

Academically, Aylesford's results are a concern. Its Progress 8 score for 2023/24 was -0.84, which is well below average nationally and significantly worse than the Kent local authority average of -0.13. The school ranked 82nd out of 106 secondary schools in Kent on this measure, and in the bottom 7% nationally. The Attainment 8 score was 35.3, and only 20.3% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. The EBacc average point score was 3.15, and just 5.6% entered the full EBacc combination. In the sixth form, 18 students took A-levels, achieving an average points per entry of 21.96, equivalent to a D+, with a value-added score of -0.45, rated as below average. Compared with its previous Good-rated inspection in 2020, the school has clearly slipped.

Aylesford is a mixed, non-denominational secondary school and sixth form in Tonbridge and Malling, with 905 pupils against a capacity of 1,044. It has a higher-than-average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 23%. The school offers a wide range of sports including netball, rugby, swimming and martial arts, plus clubs such as orchestra, science club, chess and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Facilities include playing fields, an astro turf, art studios and a sixth form centre. SEND support covers eight categories including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social and emotional mental health. The nearest outstanding-rated school is Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, 3.9 km away. This is a school that remains heavily oversubscribed despite its requires improvement rating, which suggests strong local demand, but families considering it should weigh the academic data carefully, particularly the well-below-average Progress 8 and the mixed parent feedback on SEND support and concern handling.

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