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Dartford Grammar School

Dartford, DA1 2HWSecondaryAges 11–18BoysState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Dec 2022
Progress 8
+1.11
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
2.9×
Oversubscribed
510 1st-choice / 177 places
Ranking
🏆Top 5%
#43 of 3,141 nationally

About Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School is a highly sought-after boys' secondary school in Kent, and the numbers tell a clear story of its popularity. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 1,439 applications for just 177 places, giving it an oversubscription ratio of 8.13. Of those applications, 510 were first-preference choices, and 139 first-preference offers were made. While the data doesn't include a direct parent recommendation percentage, the sheer weight of demand is a powerful signal of the school's reputation among local families. The school is a state-funded boys' grammar with a non-religious character, and it has a large roll of 1,543 pupils, operating very close to its capacity of 1,550. It also has a relatively low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 7.8 per cent, which is typical for a selective school in this area.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderBoys
Religious CharacterNone
AddressWest Hill, Dartford, Dartford, DA1 2HW
HeadteacherJulian Metcalf
Local AuthorityKent
Number of Pupils1,543
Free School Meals (FSM)7.8%
School Capacity1,543 / 1,550 (100% 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

6 Dec 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 26 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Music RoomsSwimming PoolTennis CourtsDining HallLibrarySports HallTheatreGymnasiumICT SuiteScience LabsPlaying FieldsAstro TurfSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

FootballMartial ArtsRoundersGymnasticsBadmintonBasketballDanceRugby

Clubs & Activities

Science ClubNewspaperDebateOrchestraBook ClubCodingChoirFilm ClubDuke of Edinburgh

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dartford Grammar School

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