Holcombe Grammar School
Chatham, Kent · ME4 6JB
AAB+ A-level
9.7%
9–7 GCSE
34.9%
Pupils
1,033
Inspection
Not yet inspected
Holcombe Grammar School is a boys' day grammar in Chatham, Kent, recently transitioning to co-education from September 2026. The school emphasises active learning through 'Thinking Schools' methodology, developing creative and resilient thinkers who become lifelong learners. With 1,033 pupils and an Artsmark Silver accreditation, it balances academic rigour with strong arts and cultural provision across its curriculum.
- →Selective grammar entry with strong academic focus and structured thinking pedagogy
- →Transition to co-education expanding appeal; established boys' cohort culture
- →Artsmark Silver status reflecting embedded arts and creativity across curriculum
- →Duke of Edinburgh, Sea Cadets, and extensive co-curricular enrichment
- →Sixth Form expansion and university preparation pathways
Who thrives here
Able, academically-motivated pupils seeking structured, disciplined grammar education with emphasis on thinking skills and creative problem-solving. Suits those who value arts integration and structured extra-curricular provision alongside traditional academic excellence.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Holcombe, Maidstone Road
Chatham, Kent
ME4 6JB
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Holcombe Grammar School cost?
Holcombe Grammar 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 Holcombe Grammar School?
Holcombe Grammar 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 Holcombe Grammar School's exam results?
At Holcombe Grammar School, 9.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 34.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Holcombe Grammar School a boarding school?
Holcombe Grammar School is a day school in Chatham and does not offer boarding.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Thinking Schools methodology develops analytical and creative problem-solving skills
✓Strong pastoral care and structured house system
✓Excellent co-curricular breadth with Duke of Edinburgh and Sea Cadets
✓Artsmark Silver reflects genuine arts integration, not token provision
✓Selective entry ensures ambitious peer group and academic rigour
Common concerns
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted — limited external validation of provision
!Co-education transition from September 2026 may create integration challenges and impact on boys-only ethos established over many years
!Day-only school limits boarding option for some families
!Limited published data on destinations, progress measures, or detailed exam results