The Harvey Grammar School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Folkestone

The Harvey Grammar School has been a cornerstone of education in Folkestone for over three centuries, combining a traditional boys' grammar school ethos with a forward-looking approach to the modern curriculum. As a selective academy, it caters to approximately 980 students, including a thriving co-educational sixth form. The school holds an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, reflecting a culture of high expectations and academic ambition.

Located on Cheriton Road, the campus serves the Kent community with a clear focus on developing resilient, independent learners. In 2024, the school maintained its position as a leading provider in the local area, ranking 1st in Folkestone for GCSE outcomes. This performance sits well above the England average, placing the school in the top 11% of secondaries nationwide (FindMySchool ranking). While the academic pace is rigorous, the atmosphere is defined by a sense of heritage and mutual respect among the student body.

The Harvey Grammar School operates with a tangible sense of its historical roots, yet the daily experience is one of purposeful, contemporary energy. Mr Scott Norman has led the school as Headteacher since 2017, overseeing a period of sustained high performance and curriculum refinement. Under his leadership, the school has balanced its selective status with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and a broad definition of success beyond examination results.

The campus blends period architecture with modern specialist facilities, creating an environment that feels academic without being clinical. Students move between lessons with independence, and there is a visible culture of self-discipline. The school's motto, Reducti Habeas Ut Sit (May You Have Records), hints at the importance of achievement and personal legacy, a theme that resonates through the corridors.

The presence of the sixth form, which admits girls, introduces a more collegiate atmosphere in the senior years. This transition from a boys' only environment to a mixed-gender setting in Year 12 is a defining feature of the school, helping to prepare students for the social and professional realities of university and employment.

Academic performance at The Harvey Grammar School is consistently strong, reflecting the selective nature of the intake and the expertise of the teaching staff. Ranked 507th in England and 1st in Folkestone for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England.

The Attainment 8 score of 62.9 is significantly higher than the England average, indicating that students achieve high grades across a broad range of subjects. In 2024, 40.3% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which is well above the England average. The Progress 8 score of +0.24 confirms that students make better than average progress from their starting points.

At A-level, the school ranks 3rd in Folkestone, maintaining a solid performance that aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England. In 2024, nearly half of all A-level entries (47.88%) achieved A* to B grades. While the school is highly competitive, the results tell a story of consistent effort rather than an exam factory approach.

Teaching at The Harvey follows a structured and rigorous framework, with a clear emphasis on subject mastery. Teachers possess expert subject knowledge and use it to challenge students' thinking and encourage deeper enquiry. The curriculum is traditional but broad, with sciences taught as separate disciplines from an early stage and a strong focus on languages and humanities.

In the sixth form, the approach shifts toward independent study. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, supported by small class sizes and close academic mentoring. The school offers a wide range of A-level subjects, allowing students to tailor their education to their university and career aspirations.

Specialist facilities for technology and the arts ensure that the curriculum remains balanced. The school has invested in modern science laboratories and computing suites, supporting a strong STEM presence across all key stages.Shutterstock

Where Students Go Next

The university pipeline is well established, with a clear trajectory toward higher education. In 2024, 48% of leavers progressed to university, while a notable 8% secured apprenticeships, reflecting the school's commitment to diverse career pathways. A significant portion of the cohort (31%) entered employment, often in sectors that offer professional training.

According to FindMySchool data, the elite university pipeline remains active; in the most recent measurement period, four students applied to Cambridge, with one student successfully securing and accepting an offer. Students frequently move on to Russell Group institutions and local universities such as the University of Kent, often pursuing degrees in engineering, medicine, and business. The school's dedicated careers team provides structured support for UCAS applications and apprenticeship searches from Year 12.

Securing a place at The Harvey Grammar School is a competitive process centered on the Kent Test (11+). For entry into Year 7 in September 2026, registration opens on 2 June 2025 and closes on 1 July 2025. The test itself is scheduled for 11 September 2025 for children in Kent primary schools. In 2024, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 332 applications for 150 places. The subscription proportion of 2.21 reflects the high demand among families in Folkestone and the surrounding areas.

Entry into the Sixth Form is based on GCSE performance, with specific grade requirements for different subjects. External applicants, including girls, are welcome and undergo a formal application process. Families should consult the Kent County Council admissions website for precise deadlines and the FindMySchool Map Search to understand the distribution of successful applicants in previous years.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, The Harvey Grammar School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all admitted students. However, the school manages a 16-19 Bursary Fund designed to support students in the Sixth Form who may face financial barriers to continuing their education. This fund can assist with costs such as transport, books, and equipment. Families are encouraged to contact the school office for eligibility criteria and application details.

Despite the academic intensity, pastoral care is a clear priority. The school operates a house system that fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Each student is part of a tutor group, providing a consistent point of contact for daily support.

The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted, with inspectors noting the respectful relationships between students and staff. There is a proactive approach to mental health, with staff trained to recognize and support students experiencing pressure. Bullying is rare, and the school has established clear protocols for handling any issues that arise.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied, with a strong emphasis on traditional team sports and creative pursuits. The school field and sports hall host a busy schedule of rugby, cricket, and athletics fixtures.

STEM & Innovation

The Harvey has a particularly strong STEM presence. Students can participate in the Robotics Club or engage in national competitions such as the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges. The school's investment in technology facilities allows for high-level project work in design and engineering.

Musical opportunities are plentiful, including the school orchestra and various smaller ensembles. Drama productions are a regular fixture of the school calendar, often involving collaboration between the main school and the sixth form. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is also popular, encouraging students to develop resilience and leadership through outdoor expeditions.

The school day typically runs from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm. While the school does not offer primary-style wraparound care, many students remain on site for after-school clubs and sports fixtures.

In terms of transport, the school is well-served by local bus routes and is within walking distance of Folkestone West station, making it accessible for students travelling from across the Folkestone and Hythe district. Parking on site is limited, so parents are encouraged to use designated drop-off points in the surrounding area.

• Selective Entry Pressure: The competition for places is high, and the Kent Test remains a significant hurdle. Families should prepare for the possibility that a place may not be secured despite strong academic ability.
• Academic Pace: The curriculum moves quickly. Students who prefer a more vocational or less pressurized environment may find the grammar school pace demanding.
• Gender Transition: The shift from a single-sex environment to a co-educational sixth form is a significant change. While most students adapt well, it is a transition that requires social maturity.
• Kent Test Preparation: The prevalence of tutoring for the 11+ in the local area is high. Families should consider whether their child can manage the academic expectations of the school without ongoing intensive support.

The Harvey Grammar School remains a premier choice for academically able boys in Folkestone who want a traditional education with modern facilities. It combines impressive results with a stable, respectful atmosphere. Best suited to students who thrive on academic challenge and are ready to engage with a broad extracurricular programme. The primary challenge remains the entry process; once secured, the education is exceptional.