Rainham School for Girls Review 2026: Inclusive Ambition in Medway

In a local authority defined by selection, Rainham School for Girls (RSG) demonstrates that a non-selective education can rival grammar school progress. Situated in Gillingham, this large academy for girls aged 11-18 (with a mixed sixth form) serves a loyal local community. The school's Progress 8 score of +0.33 indicates that students here achieve over a third of a grade higher across their subjects than similar peers nationally, a significant achievement given the selective context of Medway where many high-attaining pupils are creamed off at age 11.

Part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) since 2011, RSG balances the scale of a large secondary school (over 1,600 students) with a pastoral structure designed to ensure individuals are known. Mrs Vicki Shaw, who took up the Headship in September 2022, leads a school that prides itself on being a "community school" in the truest sense.

The atmosphere is purposeful but grounded. Unlike the hothouse environment of nearby grammar schools, RSG focuses on "excellence" in a broader sense, valuing vocational pathways and sporting prowess alongside traditional academic routes. The site is extensive, blending older blocks with modern additions, including purpose-built science labs and performing arts facilities.

Students wear a smart navy blazer with the school crest. The motto, "Dedicated to Excellence", is visible throughout the campus. While it is a single-sex environment for five years, the integration of boys in the Sixth Form changes the dynamic at Key Stage 5, providing a natural transition towards university or employment environments.

Academically, the school punches above its weight in the value-added measures.

In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.33. This positive score is the headline story here; it confirms that teaching adds tangible value from students' starting points.

Attainment aligns with the national picture for non-selective schools. The Average Attainment 8 score was 46.1, sitting just above the England average of 45.9. Ranked 2,109th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd locally among comparable schools, RSG sits comfortably in the "national typical" band (top 60%).

At A-level, performance is grounded. In 2024, 37% of grades were A*-B. While this is below the England average of roughly 47%, it reflects an inclusive sixth form entry policy that welcomes a broader range of abilities than many sixth form colleges. The school ranks 1,866th in England for A-level outcomes.

The curriculum is broad, maintaining a strong commitment to the arts and technology alongside the EBacc core. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) is not shortened, ensuring students have three full years to explore subjects before narrowing their choices.

Teaching is structured and supportive. As a TKAT school, RSG benefits from trust-wide professional development, and inspection reports note that teachers have strong subject knowledge. There is a clear focus on literacy, recognising its importance as a gateway to the wider curriculum.

Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is well-regarded. The school has a dedicated SEN hub and integrates support assistants effectively into mainstream lessons rather than isolating students.

Destinations data highlights the school's pragmatic and vocational strengths. In 2024, 41% of leavers progressed to university. While this is lower than the grammar sector, the employment figures are striking: 33% of leavers moved directly into employment, a figure significantly higher than the national norm, suggesting strong careers guidance and local industry links.

Apprenticeships are also a key pathway, with 12% of the cohort securing placements. For students aiming for university, the Sixth Form team provides UCAS support, though families targeting elite Russell Group or Oxbridge entry may need to be proactive in seeking extension opportunities.

Admission to Year 7 is non-selective and coordinated by Medway Council.

Demand is high. In 2024, the school received 599 applications for 268 places, a subscription rate of over 2.2 applicants per seat. Parents should note that "oversubscribed" here translates to real competition; living within the immediate vicinity is often necessary.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and siblings, followed by child health and special access reasons. The remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school.

Important for parents: You do not need to pass the Medway Test (11-plus) to apply here. However, many families list RSG as a high-preference "backup" alongside grammar choices, which inflates application numbers.

The pastoral system is organised by Year Groups rather than vertical houses, allowing the pastoral team to focus on age-specific challenges. A dedicated Student Services team handles day-to-day welfare, separating it from academic leadership.

The school promotes "The Rainham Character", focusing on traits like kindness and determination. Bullying is taken seriously, with clear reporting lines. Parents often cite the caring nature of the staff as a primary reason for choosing the school, particularly for girls who may find larger mixed environments daunting.

Extracurricular provision is a genuine strength, particularly in sport. The school is a hub for netball in the region, hosting the Medway Netball League on its eight floodlit courts. This ensures that competitive sport is a weekly reality, not just an occasional fixture.

Beyond sport, the arts are vibrant. The school boasts a high-quality theatre and dance studio, hosting annual productions that involve large numbers of students.

Clubs range from the traditional (Netball, Choir) to the specific (STEM Club, Debating Society). Trips are regular, with recent excursions including ski trips and geography field work.

The school is located on Derwent Way in Rainham. It is well-served by local buses, and Rainham train station is a short bus ride or a brisk walk away. The school day typically runs from 8:35am to 3:05pm. Wraparound care is not standard for secondary schools, but the library and various clubs extend the day for many students.

Selective Context: Medway is a grammar school area. This means the academic peer group at RSG does not include the top 25% of the ability range by 11-plus standards. Parents should understand this context when looking at raw attainment data; the progress scores are the better measure of quality here.

Mixed Sixth Form: While the main school is girls-only, the Sixth Form is co-educational. This is a positive for social preparation but can be a cultural shift for students moving up from Year 11.

Traffic: The location off a main residential route can lead to significant congestion at drop-off and pick-up times.

Rainham School for Girls offers a nurturing and ambitious alternative to the high-pressure grammar system. It is a school that values progress over pure prestige, ensuring that girls of all abilities make significant strides. Best suited to local families seeking a supportive, single-sex environment where sport and character are valued as highly as grades. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular community hub.