The Howard School
89%
Capacity
1,534
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About The Howard School
The Howard School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,534 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,725 places).
Ofsted has rated The Howard School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jasbinder Johal, it falls under Medway local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.24 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D+. Additionally, ranked 988th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 18 in Medway.
The Howard School is a popular choice with families — it received 577 applications for 246 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 241 were first-preference applications.
The Howard School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.0/5 from 5 parents).
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 The Howard School include Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Library, Dining Hall, Theatre, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Cross Country, Swimming, Rugby and 4 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Eco Club, Choir, Drama and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, The Howard 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 | Derwent Way, Gillingham, Medway, ME8 0BX |
| Headteacher | Jasbinder Johal |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 1,534 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,534 / 1,725 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (24 Nov 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 20 Dec 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.24)
988th of 3,141
Nationally
156th of 461
In South East
7th 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
29.9
'22/23
24.5
'23/24
24.5
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed246
577
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
241 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Howard 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
Derwent Way, Gillingham
Medway, ME8 0BX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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