Highworth Grammar School Review 2026: An Outstanding Grammar School with Academic Excellence and Exceptional Sixth Form Provision

When the Kenya Test opened Highworth's doors to gifted students in 1904, the school began a legacy that continues today under Headteacher Duncan Beer, who took the helm in September 2021. The school, established as Ashford County School for Girls, relocated to its current Maidstone Road campus in 1928 and has evolved into a selective girls' grammar school with over 1,500 pupils aged 11-18, including boys admitted to the sixth form.

Ranked 366th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), Highworth sits firmly in the top 10% of schools (top 10% of schools in England). At A-level, the school ranks 532nd (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% in England (top 25% of schools in England). In January 2025, Ofsted inspectors awarded Outstanding grades across all categories: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Sixth Form Provision. Pastoral groups are organised into vertical Learning Communities named after female musicians — for example Nina Simone, Clara Schumann, Kiri Te Kanawa, Evelyn Glennie, Jacqueline du Pré, Amy Beach and Vanessa‑Mae. This setup ensures students form meaningful relationships across year groups while navigating a challenging academic curriculum.

The campus itself traces a fascinating architectural journey. The original Victorian buildings sit alongside 1950s-60s extensions (including science labs, dining hall, and gymnasium) and contemporary additions. The school moves deliberately away from being solely examination-focused, instead cultivating what leaders describe as a community where students are reflective, creative, eager for learning, and aiming to achieve their full potential.

Highworth Grammar School in South Ashford, Ashford has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The mentor period system emphasises vertical mentoring: groups mix ages deliberately, breaking down the isolation year groups can experience in large schools. Sixth form students (approximately 450 across both genders, with 90 boys) occupy leadership roles throughout school life, running summer concerts, supporting younger students academically, and sitting on the Student Council. Inspectors noted that students demonstrate exemplary behaviour both in lessons and around school, with relationships characterised by mutual respect and trust.

The school's pastoral approach is embedded within the seven Learning Communities, each with dedicated staff who monitor academic progress and personal development closely. Students report knowing where to go when issues arise, indicating a culture where help is accessible and destigmatised. In January 2025, Ofsted confirmed this with Outstanding ratings for Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes, noting that students feel secure and valued.

GCSE Performance

Highworth's GCSE results demonstrate consistent excellence. In 2024, 54% of grades achieved 9-7 (top grades), compared to 54% in England, a striking alignment with the England average that masks Highworth's selective intake. The Attainment 8 score of 68.8 significantly outperforms the England average of 45.9. Critically, the Progress 8 measure of +0.65 indicates that pupils make well-above-average progress from their starting points, rewarding the school's teaching quality.

At GCSE level, 31% of grades were 9-8, and the school achieved a 66% pass rate in the English Baccalaureate (entering English, mathematics, sciences, a language, and history or geography), well above the England average. Nearly 91% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and mathematics combined, a key measure of standard passes.

The school ranks 1st among 87 schools in Ashford locally, reinforcing its position as a flagship grammar school in Kent. Across subjects, results are consistently strong. Sciences, taught separately from Year 7 onwards, show particular rigour. The separate languages system (Year 7 students begin two languages from French, German, or Spanish, selecting one for ongoing study) supports the strong language results. Computer Science, Business Studies, and Design & Technology all attract strong uptake and produce excellent results.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form teaching achieves exceptional outcomes. In 2024, 65% of A-level grades were A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. The school offers a breadth of 30+ A-level subjects, including Further Mathematics, allowing high-achieving mathematicians to extend their studies. Among these are facilitating subjects (those leading universities commonly require), ensuring pupils follow pathways aligned with competitive university entry.

The sixth form itself rates Outstanding from Ofsted, with inspectors praising exemplary leadership and rapid, sustained progress. Nearly 70% of Year 12-13 leavers progress to university, with significant cohorts entering Russell Group institutions. In 2024, the school recorded 4 Oxbridge acceptances from 26 applications, ranking 197th in England for Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking).

The Highworth curriculum positions itself as deliberately academic and challenging. Teachers are expected to hold expert subject knowledge, regularly engaging with professional development and examination board requirements. Lessons emphasise clear explanation and modelling, with assessment data from school systems (Arbor, 4Matrix, Provision Maps) guiding responsive teaching adapted to individual needs.

Across Key Stages 3-5, the Highworth Learning Journey operates as a coherent five-year curriculum. Years 7-9 build foundational knowledge and skills needed for GCSE rigour. Students study English Language and Literature, Mathematics, separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), a Modern Foreign Language, History or Geography, and Religious Studies as compulsory subjects. Religious Studies is taught inclusively, exploring world faiths and ethical issues; parents have the right to withdraw.

The curriculum deliberately incorporates interleaving and spacing, spaced practice of previously learned material, as research-informed strategies. Homework is set regularly and viewed as essential for consolidating learning and fostering independence. In 2024, inspectors confirmed the ambition of the curriculum and the quality of teaching, awarding Outstanding for Quality of Education.

Sixth form study involves typically three A-level subjects (four available if space permits), with linear A-levels examined at the end of two years. Enrichment programmes and PSHE lessons supplement academic study. Students engage in co-curricular activity through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, music lessons, sporting commitment, or volunteering placements. The school gained Music Specialist Status in 2005 and remains known for musical excellence.

The vast majority of sixth form leavers progress to higher education. In 2024, 70% entered university, with 1% moving to further education and 3% starting apprenticeships. The cohort achieved strong university destinations, with representation across the Russell Group and other leading institutions.

4 students secured Oxbridge places in 2024, placing the school among the top 197 in England for Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking). The school provides structured UCAS support via the Unifrog platform, enabling sixth form students to explore interests and construct applications. The Year 12 Post-18 Pathways Evening (held Term 6) engages parents in understanding university processes.

Around 20% of Year 11 leavers move on after GCSEs — mainly to other Kent grammars for a different subject mix or environment, and a few to Ashford College or Canterbury College for alternative A‑level options.

Highworth's extracurricular programme is exceptionally broad and genuinely enriching. The school gained Music Specialist Status in 2005, a designation it has leveraged to build outstanding musical provision. Multiple ensembles operate throughout the year: the school runs numerous choirs and orchestras, plus a swing band. A dedicated drama studio and main hall (capacity 300, with professional lighting, sound, and stage) enable high-quality productions. The drama department, integral to the English curriculum, produces multiple large-scale productions annually.

STEM enrichment is substantial. Named clubs and societies include the Biology and Medical Society, Chemistry Club, Physics and Engineering Society, Science Club for Key Stage 3 students, and the school's own Science Magazine run by sixth formers. Coding and technology clubs support computational thinking. The Tech Team, comprising digitally literate pupils, provides IT support school-wide.

Beyond sciences, clubs reflect genuine student interest and academic stretch. The Philosophy Club explores complex ideas; the Law and LNAT Society prepares aspiring lawyers; the Economics Support group extends economic thinking. The Philosophical Ultimatum discussion society encourages critical debate. The Blurb is the school's student-led publication. Equality Groups and the Afro-Caribbean Society provide cultural identity and belonging. British Sign Language is offered as a club, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. British Sign Language Club promotes communication skills and inclusivity.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award runs to Gold level. Art Club, Photography Club, and the Debating Society round out the academic offerings. Geography and History societies extend classroom learning into exploration beyond exams.

Sports and recreation are comprehensive. The school operates a fully-equipped sports hall, outdoor pitches, and tennis courts. Football, netball, athletics, hockey, gymnastics, trampolining, handball, and volleyball are all catered for, with inter-form competitions nurturing fair play and competitive spirit. The 2G artificial pitch and MUGA (multi-use games area) support regular training. In 2012, pupils were selected to form a guard of honour for athletes at the London Olympic Games opening ceremony, displaying artistic creations celebrating the event, a testament to the school's cultural standing.

Dance is taught both as a GCSE and A-level subject, with a dedicated Dance Studio and talented student cohort. Archery, indoor rowing, and badminton broaden opportunities further.

After-school clubs typically run until 6:00pm, and the school is part of the Kent Music School, running community music activities. Students are actively encouraged to participate in at least one co-curricular activity; surveys suggest near-universal participation.

Highworth Grammar School is academically selective. Entry to Year 7 is via the Kent Test, a standardised entrance examination sat in Year 6. Approximately 2,200 candidates compete for 210 places annually (subscription proportion of 2.23:1). The Kent Test comprises sections in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning, with varying pass marks annually. Around 20-21% of candidates who sit the test typically pass; roughly 332 pupils score above the pass mark, from which the top scorers secure the 210 places.

Distance becomes a tiebreaker when applicants achieve identical scores: the school has no formal catchment boundary, but proximity to school gates informs allocation in case of ties. Applications are managed through Kent County Council's coordinated admissions process. In-year admissions are occasionally available if spaces arise.

Sixth form entry requires at least 6 GCSE subjects at Grade 6 or above, with Grade 5 in English and Mathematics. Individual A-level subjects have specific GCSE prerequisites (for instance, A-level Mathematics typically requires GCSE Grade 7+). External applicants from outside Kent can contact the Sixth Form Manager (Ms Archer) or self-register via Kent Choices.

The school's oversubscribed status reflects genuine parental demand. Pupils come from over 40 different primary schools across the Ashford area and beyond, creating social diversity despite selective academic entry. The school does not require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) beyond the standard local authority application.

Pastoral care is woven through school structures. The seven Learning Communities operate as vertical houses, with tutor groups mixed by age to foster peer mentoring and friendship across year groups. Each community has dedicated staff monitoring academic progress and personal welfare. A mobile phone policy bars devices during the school day (Years 7-11), which the school believes supports focus and wellbeing; devices must be off and out of sight until 3:35pm.

Six full-time Student Support Managers are available throughout each day, providing confidential spaces for pupils to discuss concerns. This tiered support, tutor, mentor, community staff, and specialist managers, creates multiple pathways for help. Inspectors noted exceptional pastoral support, awarding Outstanding for Personal Development.

The school operates a rewards system underpinned by the Readiness for Learning (RfL) framework, which monitors engagement, preparedness, and behaviour daily. Sixth formers receive enhanced autonomy: they wear no uniform and enjoy sixth form common room spaces. Attendance is monitored closely and is notably high (97%) due to student investment in school life.

The Mentor Period programme incorporates PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Education) and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development. Safeguarding is strong, with designated leads and clear child protection procedures. Online safety is covered explicitly.

School hours

8:45am–3:35pm daily.

Facilities

The school provides a main hall (300-seat capacity with professional equipment), dedicated drama studio, dance studio, sports hall, 2G artificial pitch, MUGA, multiple science laboratories, art studios, music rooms, and classrooms across a 1928-built campus continuously enhanced with modern additions.

Transport

The school is accessible via excellent transport links to the rest of Kent and London. The 16+ Kent Travel Saver card provides concessional travel for sixth form students. Many pupils travel from across the Ashford area and beyond, made feasible by strong public transport links.

Cost

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents may incur costs for uniform, school trips, music lessons (if undertaken), and optional enrichment activities, but baseline education is free.

Entry is highly competitive. Approximately 2,200 candidates compete for 210 Year 7 places annually. Parents seeking entry should understand that tutoring for the Kent Test is widespread, the examination assesses genuine aptitude, but many families engage additional preparation. Success is never guaranteed, even for academically able students. Appeals are possible if a place is refused, though success rates vary.

The selective intake means mixed-ability teaching is absent. While the school genuinely attempts to stretch all learners via differentiation within sets, the grammar school model inherently creates a peer group of high-achieving students. Students who were top at primary school may find themselves middle-of-the-pack here, which requires emotional adjustment.

The commute can be substantial. Although the school draws from over 40 primary schools, this means many pupils travel significant distances daily. For families who secure places but live far from the school, transport becomes a logistical and financial consideration.

Mobile phones are banned during the school day (Years 7-11). While this policy supports focus and reduces distractions, families must accept strict enforcement. Phones must be off and concealed; the school accepts no responsibility for lost or damaged devices.

Sixth form study is linear A-levels only. The school does not offer GCSEs at sixth form entry or International Baccalaureate. Students seeking an alternative post-16 curriculum should explore Canterbury College or Ashford College (both local sixth form colleges offering BTECs and broader Level 3 qualifications).

Highworth Grammar School is an outstandingly successful selective girls' grammar school with exceptional sixth form provision and genuinely broad opportunities beyond the classroom. Academic outcomes, 54% top GCSE grades, 65% A*-B at A-level, four Oxbridge acceptances in 2024, reflect teaching of consistently high quality and student commitment to rigorous study. The vertical pastoral structure, multiple support pathways, and emphasis on personal development beyond examination success distinguish the school from a purely academic operation. Music, drama, and STEM enrichment are leading by school standards, not mere add-ons.

For families living within or willing to commute to the Ashford area, with daughters ready for the academic pace and competitive peer group of a selective grammar school, Highworth offers an exceptional education. The school suits students who are intellectually curious, prepared to embrace challenge, and engaged by structured learning within a supportive pastoral context. Those uncomfortable with selective education, preferring mixed-ability teaching, or seeking alternative post-16 pathways should look elsewhere.

The main barrier to entry is the Kent Test itself: secure a place and the educational experience is outstanding. The school ranks in the top 8% in England for sixth form provision (FindMySchool ranking) and deserves its reputation as one of Kent's leading educational institutions.