Rainham School for Girls

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Report card: Expected standard to strong standard

Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 0BXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Rainham School for Girls is a secondary school in Gillingham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 110 schools in Medway. It ranks 3rd of 5 secondary schools in Gillingham. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in May 2026.

Ofsted report card

Inspected 19 May 2026, report published 12 July 2026

Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.

Inclusion
Strong standard
Curriculum and teaching
Strong standard
Achievement
Strong standard
Attendance and behaviour
Expected standard
Personal development and wellbeing
Expected standard
Leadership and governance
Strong standard
Post-16 provision
Strong standard
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils achieve well and enjoy their learning. Pupils study a range of subjects and options which closely match their needs and interests. The curriculum supports them to steadily develop their knowledge over time. Pupils particularly value the way that their teachers carefully check their knowledge. Teachers provide personalised help to fill any gaps in knowledge that are found. Consequently, pupils do well at both GCSE and post-16 examinations. Should pupils have additional barriers to their learning, such as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the school is careful to understand these barriers. As a result, adaptations are highly effective in helping pupils to succeed and to minimise any barriers that may exist. Staff are highly ambitious for pupils. They are committed to preparing pupils for their next steps. Pupils are very well informed about their future options. This inspires them in their everyday learning and extra-curricular activities. Students in the sixth form are particularly excited to learn about and explore the range of opportunities which await them as they progress through school and beyond. Increasing numbers of students are successful in accessing competitive apprenticeships and university courses, leading to exciting and diverse careers. Pupils like to be at school. They attend and behave well. Pupils value the positive relationships they build with each other and staff. The extensive pastoral provision ensures that pupils receive any support that they need. Consequently, pupils feel safe and valued. Should pupils have any worries, a chat with one of the school’s support dogs is often enough to brighten their day. Pupils also report concerns to trusted adults. Bullying is rare. Pupils are confident that it, or any other derogatory behaviour, would be quickly and effectively addressed.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should ensure that the personal development curriculum is consistently impactful, leading to pupils being able to apply a broad and secure knowledge of aspects such as protected characteristics and fundamental British values to their daily lives and experiences.
  • Leaders should continue to prioritise enabling all pupils to attend as frequently as possible, particularly those who are persistently absent, through the continued development and refinement of attendance support processes.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

271 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score44.3

44.3, 1.8 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths29.5%

29.5%, 15.9 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths63.1%

63.1%, 1.7 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc45.8%

45.8%, 5.3 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.82

3.82, 0.27 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

113 students

Average point score per A level entry31.88

31.88, 3.12 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,622 pupils on roll, with places for 1,558

Eligible for free school meals20.2%

20.2%, 6.3 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language9.2%

9.2%, 12.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.3%

14.3%, 0.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.7%

1.7%, 4.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Rainham School for Girls

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Howard School0.1 milesReport card: Expected standard to exceptionalAttainment 8: 45.2
Rainham Mark Grammar School0.6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 62.7
Leigh Academy Rainham1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published
The Robert Napier School2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 32.5
Chatham Grammar2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 61.8

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE KEMNAL ACADEMIES TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Girls
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Vicki Shaw
Address
Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 0BX
Local authority
Medway
URN
136456

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.