Rainham School for Girls
104%
Capacity
1,625
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Rainham School for Girls
Rainham School for Girls is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,625 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,558 places).
Ofsted has rated Rainham School for Girls "Good", the school is led by headteacher Vicki Shaw, it falls under Medway local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.33 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 783rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 18 in Medway.
Rainham School for Girls is a popular choice with families — it received 599 applications for 268 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 259 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Rainham School for Girls include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Netball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Art Club, Debate, DofE and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.1%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, Rainham School for Girls 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 | Girls |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Derwent Way, Gillingham, Medway, ME8 0BX |
| Headteacher | Vicki Shaw |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 1,625 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,625 / 1,558 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Apr 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 Apr 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 May 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.33)
783rd of 3,141
Nationally
123rd of 461
In South East
5th 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
31.1
'22/23
27.0
'23/24
29.3
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed268
599
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
259 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainham School for Girls
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
Derwent Way, Gillingham
Medway, ME8 0BX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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