Gravesend Grammar School Review 2026: Technical Heritage & Ambition

Founded in 1893, Gravesend Grammar School (GGS) occupies a distinct position in the Kent selective landscape. While many grammar schools lean heavily on classical tradition, GGS has cultivated a reputation for blending academic rigour with a forward-looking, technical ethos. Sitting just south of the town centre, the campus is a mixture of Edwardian red brick and modern teaching blocks, serving approximately 1,100 students.

It is a school that understands its local context. Competition for places is fierce, with over three applicants for every Year 7 spot in 2024. The school is part of the Aletheia Academies Trust and holds a strong reputation locally. While it remains a boys' school from Year 7 to Year 11, the Sixth Form is co-educational, admitting girls who meet the academic threshold.

The atmosphere at Gravesend Grammar is purposeful and energetic. The school motto, Consule Cunctis (Take thought for everyone), is visible in the school's ethos, but the daily reality is modern. The architectural mix tells the story of the school's evolution, from the original 1893 building to the specialist science and mathematics facilities added in recent decades.

Mr Malcolm Moaby has led the school since 2018, establishing a culture that values discipline without being stifling. Students move between lessons with a sense of urgency. The "GGS learner" profile encourages resilience and curiosity, traits that are visibly reinforced in assemblies and pastoral time.

There is a notable absence of the stuffiness sometimes associated with the grammar sector. The relationships between staff and students are respectful but relaxed. Teachers are subject specialists who often go beyond the syllabus, particularly in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), which act as a major pillar of the school's identity.

Academic performance is robust, placing the school comfortably in the upper tiers of state education.

In 2024, GCSE results were strong. The school ranks 816th in England and 2nd in Gravesend for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). 36% of all grades awarded were 9-7 (A*-A), while nearly 17% were at the very highest grades of 9-8. The Progress 8 score of +0.18 indicates that students make progress above the national average from their primary school starting points.

At A-level, the picture remains solid. The school ranks 1033rd in England and 1st in Gravesend for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 52% of grades were A*-B. While this sits in the middle 35% of schools in England (middle 35% of schools in England), it represents consistent delivery for a large cohort.

The curriculum is broad but traditional. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students cover the full National Curriculum with the addition of Latin and two modern foreign languages. The pace is fast. Teachers assume a high level of prior attainment and pitch lessons accordingly.

Science and mathematics are particular strengths. The teaching in these departments is rigorous, supported by specialist laboratories and a culture of inquiry. The school has embraced digital learning, with established platforms for homework and independent study.

Literacy is not neglected despite the technical strength. The library is a central hub, and the English department runs regular debating competitions and creative writing clubs.

The majority of students progress to higher education. In 2024, 66% of leavers went on to university. The school has a functional pipeline to elite institutions; in the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge.

Interestingly, the school also supports high-quality vocational routes. 8% of the 2024 cohort moved into apprenticeships, a figure significantly higher than many grammar schools. This reflects the school's pragmatic recognition that degree apprenticeships in engineering, finance, and technology often rival traditional university degrees in value.

Employment is also a viable path, with 12% of leavers entering the workforce directly, often with local industry partners.

Entry to Gravesend Grammar School is by selection. The school is part of the Kent coordinated admissions scheme and uses the Kent Test (11-plus).

Demand is exceptionally high. In 2024, the school received 681 applications for 209 places, a ratio of 3.3 applications per offer. The school was officially oversubscribed.

To apply, parents must register their son for the Kent Test in the summer of Year 5 (usually June/July). The test is taken in September of Year 6. Passing the test does not guarantee a place; if the school is oversubscribed, priority is given to Looked After Children, siblings, and then those living in the catchment area. The catchment is defined by postcodes and distance, and in recent years, successful applicants have needed to live relatively close to the school.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical catchment radii, as these can shrink in years with high sibling numbers.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system. The houses, including Cliffe, Downs, Hill, School, and Town, provide a vertical structure where older students mentor younger ones. House competitions are fiercely contested, covering everything from rugby and cricket to chess and debating.

The school employs a dedicated pastoral team, including non-teaching Student Support Managers who are available throughout the day. This ensures that students have someone to talk to without needing to find a teacher between lessons.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses online reporting tools to allow students to raise concerns discreetly. Parents generally report that issues are dealt with swiftly, though the robust environment may take some adjustment for quieter boys.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and essential to the GGS experience. The school operates a "period 6" concept where clubs and societies run after formal lessons.

Sport

Rugby is central to the school's sporting identity. The First XV is competitive on the regional circuit, and large numbers of boys represent the school on Saturday mornings. Cricket and athletics are also major sports, with excellent use made of the on-site gym and playing fields.

STEM: Innovation and Engineering

The school punches above its weight in engineering and technology. The Formula 24 Greenpower racing team is a highlight, where students design, build, and race electric cars. This is not just a club but a serious engineering enterprise that involves sponsorship, design, and mechanics. The "GGS Aerospace" society has previously engaged in rocketry projects, reflecting the technical ambition of the student body.

The Arts

Music and drama provide creative outlets. The school choir and jazz band perform regularly, including at the annual expansive Carol Service. Drama productions are often collaborative efforts with local girls' schools, ensuring students gain experience in mixed settings before Sixth Form.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Education is funded by the government.

Parents are generally asked to cover the cost of uniform, sports kit, and optional residential trips. Some departments may request contributions for materials in subjects like Design Technology.

The school receives Pupil Premium funding for eligible students. This can support the cost of school trips, music lessons, and academic resources. Families who believe they may be eligible should contact the school office.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm, though extracurricular activities extend well beyond this. The school is located centrally in Gravesend, making it accessible via Gravesend railway station and local bus routes. There is no dedicated school bus service run by the school itself, so most students rely on the substantial public transport network or walking.

The 11-plus hurdle. Entry depends entirely on the Kent Test. The pressure surrounding this assessment is real, and families should be prepared for the competitive nature of the process.

A traditional environment. While innovative in STEM, the school retains a traditional structure with uniforms, houses, and hierarchies. It suits boys who respond well to clear rules and structure.

Catchment reality. Being a grammar school does not mean it is open to all who pass. The distance criteria are strictly applied. Families living outside the immediate Gravesend area should check historical offer distances carefully before setting their heart on a place.

Gravesend Grammar School offers a high-quality, free education that rivals independent schools in outcome and ambition. It is a place that celebrates technical skill as much as classical knowledge, making it distinct in the Kent grammar system. Best suited to bright, energetic boys who will thrive on the rugby pitch as much as in the physics lab. The main challenge is securing a place in this heavily oversubscribed local institution.