Cranbrook School
Cranbrook, Kent · TN17 3JD
Cranbrook School is a distinctive state-funded mixed boarding and day grammar school set in rural Kent, combining selective academic entry with genuine boarding provision available from Year 9. The school emphasises five core values—kindness, integrity, curiosity, aspiration and individuality—and cultivates a strong sense of community across its day and boarding cohorts. Its position as a state boarding grammar is relatively rare, offering families access to selective education with residential options without independent school fees.
- →Rare combination of state funding with full boarding facilities and grammar school selectivity
- →Strong pastoral care system with dedicated boarding houses and boarding-specific enrichment
- →Rural Kent location with accessible reach to London via rail, attractive to families valuing countryside setting
Who thrives here
Academically able pupils (grammar entry via 11+) who benefit from structured boarding or day provision; families seeking selective state education; pupils who thrive with strong pastoral frameworks and co-curricular engagement.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Waterloo Road
Cranbrook, Kent
TN17 3JD
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cranbrook School cost?
Cranbrook School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Cranbrook School?
Cranbrook School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Cranbrook School's exam results?
At Cranbrook School, 21.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 52.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Cranbrook School a boarding school?
Cranbrook School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Cranbrook School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Cranbrook School “Good” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and boarding provision with dedicated houses and weekend activities
✓Rare value proposition: selective grammar school education with state funding and genuine boarding option
✓Emphasis on individuality and breadth of enrichment (CCF, DofE, clubs, science projects, young farmers)
Common concerns
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted, limiting independent quality assurance visibility