Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Review 2026: Engineering Futures

Sitting on the edge of the Green Belt in Dartford, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (WGSB) has carved out a distinct identity among Kent’s selective schools. While it offers a full academic curriculum, its engineering and STEM specialism is the heartbeat of the institution. Results are strong, particularly at GCSE where the school ranks in the top 10% of schools in England. Entry is fiercely competitive, with nearly six applicants for every place in 2024, reflecting its reputation as a place where technical innovation meets traditional grammar school rigour.

The school site is a blend of functional 1950s architecture and modern additions, most notably the specialised engineering workshops that signal the school's priorities. It feels purposeful rather than grand; this is a working environment where boys are expected to get their hands dirty, literally and metaphorically.

Mr Stuart Harrington has led the school as Head Teacher since 2021. His leadership emphasises "personal excellence," a value that permeates the school culture. The atmosphere is energetic but structured. Boys move quickly between lessons in the characteristic navy blazers, but the vibe is less "hushed library" and more "busy workshop".

A defining feature is the school's membership in the Endeavour MAT and its unique sixth form partnership, WG6, shared with the neighbouring Wilmington Grammar School for Girls. This collaboration softens the single-sex environment in the upper years, offering students a co-educational transition before university or industry.

Academic performance at GCSE is exceptional. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 66.5, significantly above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.65 indicates that students make well above-average progress from their starting points, effectively gaining two-thirds of a grade more per subject than peers of similar ability nationally.

Ranked 420th in England and 4th in Dartford for GCSE outcomes, the school sits in the top 10% of schools in England (national high tier).

At A-level, the picture is solid. The school ranks 1338th in England and 3rd in Dartford for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While this places it in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools in England), the results are robust: 47% of grades were A*-B in 2024. The difference between the elite GCSE rank and the typical A-level rank may reflect the school's inclusive sixth form entry policy or the high number of students pursuing difficult STEM subjects.

The curriculum is broad but leans heavily into STEM. Mathematics and Physics are popular, but the Design & Technology provision is what sets WGSB apart. The school holds specialist status in Engineering, and this is not just a label; it influences the curriculum structure, with opportunities for practical application that many grammars lack.

Teaching is described as knowledgeable and engaging. The approach is structured, with clear expectations for behaviour and focus. In Key Stage 3, students follow a "Mastery" curriculum designed to deepen understanding rather than just racing through content.

The school's leavers profile is distinctive for a grammar school. While 60% of the 2024 cohort progressed to university, a significant 11% secured apprenticeships. This is well above the national average and reflects the school's strong links with industry and focus on employability.

For those heading to university, STEM courses dominate. Students regularly secure places at Russell Group institutions to study Engineering, Computer Science, and Economics. The WG6 partnership allows for a broader range of A-level subjects than a standalone boys' school could offer, helping students tailor their portfolios for specific career paths.

Admission is by the Kent Test (11+). The process is coordinated by Kent County Council (KCC). WGSB is consistently oversubscribed; in 2024, there were 995 applications for just 178 places, a ratio of over 5.5 applications per offer.

Demand is intense. The school prioritises boys who have passed the Kent Test and live within a 1.5-mile radius, followed by those in named parishes, and then by distance. Unlike some "super-selective" grammars that rank solely by score, WGSB serves its local catchment first, provided the pass mark is met.

Families must register for the Kent Test in June of Year 5, with testing taking place in September of Year 6.

The pastoral system is organised by House: Attenborough, Brunel, Johnson, Keller, Mandela, and Turing. The names themselves reinforce the scientific and engineering ethos alongside values of resilience and leadership. The House system provides a vertical support structure where older students mentor younger ones, fostering a sense of brotherhood.

Wellbeing support includes a dedicated Student Services team and specific initiatives to support mental health, crucial in a high-pressure grammar school environment. The school explicitly teaches "Endeavour Mindset" traits, encouraging resilience and self-regulation.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and diverse. Sport is a major pillar, with strong rugby and football fixtures on Saturday mornings. The school makes good use of its fields and courts, and competition with local rivals is fierce.

Beyond sport, the club list reflects the students' interests. The Engineering Club and F1 in Schools team are flagship activities, often competing at a national level; the 'Turbocharged' team has previously held world records. Music and drama are present, often in collaboration with the girls' school, ensuring major productions have a full cast. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should budget for uniform, sports kit, and optional trips, but the core education is state-funded. The school asks for voluntary contributions for Design & Technology materials and some extracurricular activities, but these are not compulsory.

The school day runs from 8:35am to 3:05pm. Situated on Common Lane, the school is accessible via local bus routes from Dartford and surrounding villages. Traffic around the "Wilmington Schools" site (which includes the boys' grammar, girls' grammar, and a primary) can be heavy at drop-off and pick-up times; parents are encouraged to use designated drop-off points away from the school gates.

• STEM Focus: While the school offers a full curriculum, the engineering ethos is strong. Boys with a passion for arts or humanities can thrive here, but they will be in a minority compared to the scientists and engineers.
• Joint Sixth Form: The WG6 model means the single-sex environment ends at Year 11. Students move between sites for lessons, requiring a level of maturity and organisation.
• Admissions Pressure: With nearly 1,000 applications for 178 places, passing the Kent Test is necessary but not sufficient. Families living outside the immediate catchment or named parishes face a statistical challenge to secure a place.

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is more than just a local grammar; it is a launchpad for the next generation of engineers and innovators. It combines the academic results parents expect from the selective sector with a pragmatic, forward-looking edge. Best suited to bright boys with a practical mindset who will thrive in a busy, energetic environment where getting things wrong is seen as part of the design process. The main challenge is securing a place in this heavily oversubscribed school.