Bennett Memorial Diocesan School
130%
Capacity
1,892
Pupils
3.8x
Demand
About Bennett Memorial Diocesan School
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Tunbridge Wells community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,892 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (130% of 1,452 places).
the school is led by headteacher Karen Brookes, it falls under Kent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.73 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 257th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 5 in Tunbridge Wells.
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,098 applications for 293 places, making it 3.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 321 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School include Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Theatre, Dining Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Dance, Football, Tennis and 2 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Orchestra, Film Club, Debate and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 9.6%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Tunbridge Wells, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH |
| Headteacher | Karen Brookes |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 1,892 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 9.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,892 / 1,452 (130% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Dec 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.73)
257th of 3,141
Nationally
44th of 461
In South East
2nd of 5
In Tunbridge Wells
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
40.3
'22/23
36.0
'23/24
34.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed293
1,098
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
321 families put this school as their 1st choice (29% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bennett Memorial Diocesan School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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