Dover Grammar School for Boys Review 2026: Modern Ambition on the Coast

Perched on a prominent hill with commanding views over the English Channel and Dover Castle, Dover Grammar School for Boys (DGSB) has reinvented itself for the 21st century. In 2023, the school moved from its 1930s premises into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus on the same site. While the setting on Noah's Ark Road remains historic, the facilities are now decidedly modern.

Under the leadership of Mr Philip Horstrup, appointed in 2018, the school has cultivated a reputation for being inclusive and forward-looking. It serves a diverse catchment across Dover, Deal, and Folkestone, operating as a selective grammar that feels less like a pressure cooker and more like a supportive community. The latest Ofsted inspection in January 2025 confirmed its status as a Good school, highlighting outstanding behaviour and personal development.

The school's motto, Fiat Lux (Let There Be Light), has taken on a literal meaning in the new building. The design features a striking V-shaped configuration with light-filled classrooms and open social spaces that resemble a university hub. Despite the modernisation, the school has carefully preserved its heritage; the historic pipe organ and memorial stained glass windows were painstakingly relocated to the new Main Hall, physically bridging the gap between past and future.

There is a palpable sense of "Team DGSB" here. The atmosphere is described by parents and students as welcoming and grounded. The House system—Ash, Beech, Oak, and Willow—provides the social spine of the school, fostering friendly competition in everything from rugby to the fiercely contested House Music festival.

While the main school is boys-only, the Sixth Form is co-educational. The arrival of girls in Year 12 changes the dynamic significantly, creating a more mature, mixed environment that serves as excellent preparation for university and employment.

Academic outcomes are a clear strength, particularly in terms of pupil progress. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.54. This indicates that students here make significantly more progress from their primary school starting points than they would at an average school.

Ranked 704th in England and 2nd in Dover for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the "national strong" band, outperforming 85% of schools in England. Attainment is consistent, with 79.5% of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics in 2024.

At A-level, the performance is solid. The school ranks 1547th in England, placing it in the "national typical" band. In 2024, 37% of grades were A*-B. While this percentage is lower than some "super-selective" grammars in West Kent, it reflects the school's commitment to offering a broad curriculum and maintaining a large, inclusive Sixth Form rather than purely chasing league table positions.

The move to the new site has transformed the learning environment. Science laboratories are now cutting-edge, and the Design Technology workshops are equipped with industry-standard machinery. The curriculum is broad and balanced; while STEM subjects are popular, there is a fierce commitment to the Arts. The new Drama studios and Art rooms are constantly in use, and Music remains a central pillar of school life.

Teachers are subject specialists who encourage debate and critical thinking. In the Sixth Form, class sizes are typically smaller, allowing for seminar-style learning that encourages students to take ownership of their studies.

Destinations data reveals a pragmatic and ambitious student body. In 2024, 62% of leavers progressed to university, including Russell Group institutions and one successful Oxbridge applicant.

notably, 23% of students moved directly into employment or higher apprenticeships. This figure is significantly higher than at many traditional grammar schools and reflects the school's strong careers programme, which promotes high-quality vocational pathways alongside academic degrees. Leavers have recently secured competitive apprenticeships in engineering, finance, and with major local employers at the Port of Dover.

Dover Grammar School for Boys is a selective state school, but it operates a unique "dual-test" system that maximises opportunity for local families.

Most applicants take the Kent Test (PESE), which assesses English, Maths, and Reasoning. Registration typically opens in June of Year 5, with the test sat in September of Year 6.

Crucially, the school also runs its own Dover Student Test (DST). This takes place shortly after the Kent Test and is designed to identify bright boys who may not have passed the county-wide 11-plus but possess the specific cognitive skills to thrive at DGSB. Applicants can take either or both tests; passing either one makes a boy eligible for a place.

The school is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 373 applications for the available Year 7 places, resulting in a ratio of 2.4 applications for every seat.

The new building was designed with pastoral care in mind, featuring dedicated hubs where students can access support away from the bustle of the main corridors. The school's "Values" curriculum focuses on Resilience, Aspiration, and Respect, themes that are woven into assemblies and form time.

Ofsted inspectors in 2025 rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting the school's effective work in promoting mental health and safety. Bullying is reported to be rare, and the school uses a restorative justice approach when conflicts arise.

The extracurricular offer is broad and active.

Sport

The new four-court sports hall, fitness suite, and multi-use games area (MUGA) support a strong sporting culture. Rugby, football, and cricket are the main competitive sports, with regular fixtures against local schools.

The Arts

The Drama department stages high-quality productions in the new main hall, utilising professional-grade lighting and sound. The school choir and bands are regular performers at local events.

STEM

Clubs such as Lego Robotics and Coding are popular with lower school students.

CCF

The Combined Cadet Force is a major feature of school life, offering leadership training and outdoor adventure. It is run jointly with the neighbouring Dover Grammar School for Girls, providing further opportunities for social mixing.

The school is located on Astor Avenue, Dover. The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. A breakfast club is available from 8:00am in the canteen. Transport links are good, with many students travelling by bus from Deal, Folkestone, and the surrounding villages. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check specific bus routes and travel times.

Dual entry routes. The Dover Student Test provides a valuable "second chance" for entry. Families should seriously consider registering for both the Kent Test and the Dover Test to maximise their chances of securing a place.

Co-ed transition. The shift to a co-educational Sixth Form is a significant change. For boys who have been in a single-sex environment for five years, this adjustment is generally positive but marks a distinct shift in the social dynamic of the school.

A-level profile. While GCSE progress is exceptional, A-level top grades are solid rather than spectacular compared to the most selective grammars. This supports the school's inclusive ethos but is a factor for families solely focused on A*-statistics.

Dover Grammar School for Boys is a school on the rise. The move to a spectacular new building has matched the facilities to the ambition of the staff and students. It offers a modern, inclusive take on the grammar school model, where the "Dover Test" ensures local talent isn't missed. Best suited to boys who will thrive in a supportive, forward-looking environment that values character and progress as much as raw attainment. The main challenge is the competition for places.