The Robert Napier School
94%
Capacity
1,011
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About The Robert Napier School
The Robert Napier School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,011 pupils on roll and is well-filled (94% of 1,080 places).
Ofsted has rated The Robert Napier School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Jenny Tomkins, it falls under Medway local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.00 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 27.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D-. Additionally, ranked 3020th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 18 in Medway.
The Robert Napier School is a popular choice with families — it received 452 applications for 208 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 122 were first-preference applications.
The Robert Napier School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 57% recommending the school (148 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Robert Napier School include Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Badminton, Hockey, Martial Arts and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Film Club, Model UN, Young Enterprise and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 48.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, The Robert Napier 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 | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Third Avenue, Gillingham, Medway, ME7 2LX |
| Headteacher | Jenny Tomkins |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 1,011 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 48.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,011 / 1,080 (94% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 10 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.00)
3020th of 3,141
Nationally
444th of 461
In South East
16th of 18
In Medway
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less 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
22.0
'22/23
21.3
'23/24
17.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
148 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed208
452
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
122 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Robert Napier 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
Third Avenue, Gillingham
Medway, ME7 2LX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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