Classpot

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SHSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Dec 2023
Progress 8
+0.73
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
321 1st-choice / 293 places
Ranking
🏆Top 10%
#257 of 3,141 nationally

About Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School is a Church of England secondary in Tunbridge Wells that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its popularity among local families. For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 1,098 applications for 293 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.75. Of those, 321 families put it as their first preference, and 261 first-preference offers were made. The school currently has 1,892 pupils on roll, well above its official capacity of 1,452, which suggests it is operating at high density. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 9.6%, which is below the national average for secondary schools and reflects the relatively affluent intake typical of the area. The school is mixed and has a sixth form, and its headteacher is Karen Brookes.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressCulverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SH
HeadteacherKaren Brookes
Local AuthorityKent
Number of Pupils1,892
Free School Meals (FSM)9.6%
School Capacity1,892 / 1,452 (130% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

13 Dec 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 30 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Music RoomsPlaying FieldsTheatreDining HallLibrarySixth Form CentreScience LabsSports HallArt StudiosSwimming PoolAstro TurfChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

HockeyDanceFootballTennisCross CountrySwimming

Clubs & Activities

CodingOrchestraFilm ClubDebateChessScience ClubEco ClubModel United NationsChoirDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.