Best Secondary Schools in Kent 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 99 schools across Kent. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Kent has 99 secondary schools, of which 18 (18%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 65 rated Good — 84% of secondary schools in Kent are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Kent follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

99
Total schools
18
Outstanding
18%
Outstanding rate
63.5%
Avg KS2 SATs
37.6
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
🥈 Dartford Grammar School
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
🥉 Tonbridge Grammar School
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
4. Invicta Grammar School
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
5. Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Secondary
 Outstanding 98 View school
6. Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Secondary
 Outstanding 93 View school
7. Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
Secondary
 Outstanding 90 View school
8. The Skinners' School
Secondary
 Good 90 View school
9. Oakwood Park Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 89 View school
10. Maidstone Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 88 View school
11. The Harvey Grammar School
Secondary
 Outstanding 87 View school
12. Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 87 View school
13. The Norton Knatchbull School
Secondary
 Good 87 View school
14. Cranbrook School
Secondary
 Good 86 View school
15. Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Secondary
 Good 86 View school
16. Barton Court Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 86 View school
17. Dane Court Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 84 View school
18. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Secondary
 Good 84 View school
19. Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Secondary
 Good 83 View school
20. Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Secondary
 Good 82 View school

Related lists for Kent

All schools in KentPrimary & secondary combined Primary schools in KentReception–Year 6 only Outstanding schools in Kent18 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Kent

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Kent?
There are 99 secondary schools in Kent, of which 18 (18%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in Kent?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Kent is Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in Kent?
Primary and secondary school applications in Kent are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Kent council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in Kent?
18% of secondary schools in Kent are rated Outstanding and 66% are rated Good. 79.2% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.