Holcombe Grammar School
104%
Capacity
1,036
Pupils
4.1x
Demand
About Holcombe Grammar School
Holcombe Grammar School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,036 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,000 places).
Ofsted has rated Holcombe Grammar School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lee Preston, it falls under Medway local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.15 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 59.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1192nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 18 in Medway.
Holcombe Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 733 applications for 179 places, making it 4.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 137 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Holcombe Grammar School include Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Library, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Hockey, Gymnastics, Netball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Drama, Gardening, Book Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.9%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, Holcombe 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Holcombe, Chatham, Medway, ME4 6JB |
| Headteacher | Lee Preston |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 1,036 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,036 / 1,000 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Mar 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 Oct 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.15)
1192nd of 3,141
Nationally
188th of 461
In South East
9th of 18
In Medway
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
35.9
'22/23
34.3
'23/24
31.1
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed179
733
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
137 families put this school as their 1st choice (19% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holcombe 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
Holcombe, Chatham
Medway, ME4 6JB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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