Sir Roger Manwood's School
Sandwich, Kent · CT13 9JX
Sir Roger Manwood's School is a state grammar school with a heritage stretching back over 460 years, founded in 1564 in the historic market town of Sandwich in east Kent. With around 1,000 pupils across a spacious 30-acre campus, it combines academic selectivity with a broad co-curricular offer and a strong community ethos. The school's 'Engage, Explore, Excel' mission reflects an ambition to develop independent, curious learners who contribute meaningfully to their school and wider community. Its long history and distinctive setting give it a character that feels genuinely rooted in place.
- →One of Kent's oldest and most established grammar schools with a strong academic track record — 95% GCSE grade 4+ pass rate
- →Generous 30-acre rural campus offering space for sport, outdoor learning, and a genuine breadth of activities
- →Active alumni community and ongoing investment (Manwood's Future Fund) signalling committed school improvement
Who thrives here
Academically able pupils who enjoy being part of a historically rooted, community-minded school and who thrive with a degree of independence in their learning. Students who relish sport, music, drama, and outdoor pursuits alongside their studies will find much to engage them.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Manwood Road
Sandwich, Kent
CT13 9JX
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Christopher Marlowe
Elizabethan playwright and poet, possible early attendee linked to Sandwich area
Lord Northbourne
Pioneer of organic farming and landowner
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Sir Roger Manwood's School cost?
Sir Roger Manwood's 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 Sir Roger Manwood's School?
Sir Roger Manwood's 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 Sir Roger Manwood's School's exam results?
At Sir Roger Manwood's School, 14.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 39.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Sir Roger Manwood's School a boarding school?
Sir Roger Manwood's School is a day school in Sandwich and does not offer boarding.
What is Sir Roger Manwood's School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Sir Roger Manwood's School “Good” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong sense of school community and tradition that pupils feel genuinely proud of
✓Broad and genuine co-curricular offer for a state school, especially sport and DofE
✓Supportive and committed teaching staff who know pupils individually
Common concerns
!Rural location and limited public transport can make after-school activities logistically challenging for some families
!Facilities, while extensive in land, are in some areas dated pending completion of the Future Fund phases
!No recent Ofsted inspection means independent quality assurance data is absent