The Thomas Aveling School
101%
Capacity
1,212
Pupils
3.7x
Demand
About The Thomas Aveling School
The Thomas Aveling School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Medway community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,212 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,204 places).
Ofsted has rated The Thomas Aveling School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Fiona Linter, it falls under Medway local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.16 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1183rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 18 in Medway.
The Thomas Aveling School is a popular choice with families — it received 785 applications for 212 places, making it 3.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 275 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Thomas Aveling School include Library, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Theatre, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Cross Country, Basketball, Rounders and 2 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Chess, Choir, Debate and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Medway, The Thomas Aveling 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 | Arethusa Road, Arethusa Road, Rochester, Medway, ME1 2UW |
| Headteacher | Fiona Linter |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Number of Pupils | 1,212 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,212 / 1,204 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Sept 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Sept 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Jul 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.16)
1183rd of 3,141
Nationally
185th of 461
In South East
8th 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
33.3
'22/23
31.3
'23/24
25.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: 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
2025/26Oversubscribed212
785
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
275 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Thomas Aveling 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
Arethusa Road, Arethusa Road, Rochester
Medway, ME1 2UW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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