Dartford Grammar School
West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dartford Grammar School is a secondary school in Dartford for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 1st of 8 secondary schools in Dartford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in December 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 6 December 2022, report published 26 January 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 6 December 2022
Pupils say that it is a 'privilege' to attend this exceptional school. They are rightly proud to be a highly valued member of the school community. Pupils learn to be polite, motivated, and hard-working individuals, who look after and care for each other. Leaders have ensured that pupils leave the school as international citizens, who cherish each other's differences and viewpoints. Many pupils report confidently that there is 'nothing' to improve at this school. Parents and carers are extremely positive about their children's experiences. They told inspectors that this is 'a wonderful school where pupils flourish beyond expectations'. Pupils are safe and happy. Bullying is extremely rare and many pupils report that it 'never' happens. However, all pupils are adamant that if it did occur, staff would take action to make it stop quickly. Staff and pupils have the highest expectations for behaviour across the school. Pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour by self-regulating their own and each other's behaviour. They support each other in their learning and enjoy their peers' company during social times. They are eager to come to school because of the warm and respectful relationships that they share with staff. Community service and action are at the heart of all that the school does. Leaders carefully plan many opportunities for pupils to demonstrate active citizenship as leaders of school clubs and events. For example, the eco-council, badminton club and cultural day. Pupils develop an excellent intercultural understanding and sharpen their language expertise through participation in an excellent range of trips to China, Japan and Germany, for example. Leaders monitor participation closely to ensure that those who would benefit the most take part. Pupils, including those in the sixth form, benefit from expert and independent careers guidance, so that they can make well informed decisions about their next steps.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
179 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
1,576 pupils on roll, with places for 1,550
Schools near Dartford Grammar School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartford Grammar School for Girls | 0.1 miles | Report card: Strong standard to exceptional | Attainment 8: 75.5 |
| Dartford Science & Technology College | 0.2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 49.1 |
| Wilmington Grammar School for Girls | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 66.7 |
| Haberdashers' Crayford Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 45.2 |
| Wilmington Grammar School for Boys | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 64.6 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- DARTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Boys
- Admissions
- Selective
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Julian Metcalf
- Phone
- 01322223039
- Address
- West Hill, Dartford, DA1 2HW
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 136359
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.