Holcombe Grammar School
Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Holcombe Grammar School is a secondary school in Chatham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 110 schools in Medway. It ranks 2nd of 7 secondary schools in Chatham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 30 September 2014, report published 22 October 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 March 2024
Pupils at Holcombe Grammar School are proud to attend their 'rights respecting' school. Their attendance is very high. They experience an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment in school. The school community takes opportunities to celebrate its diversity often. The school's motto of 'Transforming Life Chances' is reflected in all that the school does. The school is determined to prepare pupils for their next stages of life and learning. Students in the growing sixth form succeed in their studies. Many go on to top universities and high-profile careers. Pupils know who to turn to if they are worried about anything. Typically, pupils feel listened to and cared for. This helps most to feel happy and safe at school. When pupils report bullying, leaders usually deal with it quickly and effectively. Pupils are provided with a wealth of opportunities to nurture existing talents and interests, as well as to discover new ones. High numbers participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme or join Sea Cadets. Arts, drama and music clubs thrive. Some students in the sixth form develop their leadership skills by running the school council, mentoring younger pupils, or delivering speeches on open days.
What the school should improve
- The quality of teaching, assessment and resources does not consistently support all pupils to learn as well as they could across all subjects. This means that some pupils are not consistently learning the ambitious curriculum that has been put in place or achieving as much as they could. The school needs to continue its work in ensuring that teachers have the expertise required to enable all pupils to achieve highly in every subject.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
150 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
124 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,060 pupils on roll, with places for 1,000
Schools near Holcombe Grammar School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Victory Academy | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 35.5 |
| The Thomas Aveling School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 41.3 |
| St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 40.0 |
| The Rochester Grammar School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 68.4 |
| Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 69.5 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Boys
- Admissions
- Selective
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Lee Preston
- Phone
- 03333602130
- Address
- Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JB
- Local authority
- Medway
- URN
- 136594
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.