Dartford Grammar School
100%
Capacity
1,543
Pupils
8.1x
Demand
About Dartford Grammar School
Dartford Grammar School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Dartford community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,543 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,550 places).
the school is led by headteacher Julian Metcalf, it falls under Kent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +1.11 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 78.4. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 43rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 10 in Dartford.
Dartford Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,439 applications for 177 places, making it 8.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 510 were first-preference applications.
Dartford Grammar School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.6/5 from 1 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Dartford Grammar School include Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Library, Sports Hall, Theatre, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Martial Arts, Rounders, Gymnastics and 4 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Newspaper, Debate, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 7.8%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dartford, Dartford Grammar 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 | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | West Hill, Dartford, Dartford, DA1 2HW |
| Headteacher | Julian Metcalf |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Number of Pupils | 1,543 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 7.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,543 / 1,550 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Dec 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+1.11)
43rd of 3,141
Nationally
5th of 461
In South East
1st of 10
In Dartford
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed177
1,439
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
510 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dartford Grammar 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
West Hill, Dartford
Dartford, DA1 2HW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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