Dartford Grammar School
School summary
A selective boys' grammar school in Dartford, Kent, Dartford Grammar stands out for academic results that sit far above national norms and an Ofsted judgement of Outstanding across every category at its most recent inspection. With around 1,543 pupils against a capacity of 1,550, it is a large school running close to full. Just over a third of pupils speak English as an additional language, reflecting a notably diverse intake, while the proportion eligible for free school meals is relatively low at 7.8%.
How hard is it to get in?
Highly competitive · 4 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Applications far outnumber the 180 Year 7 places each September, so exam performance matters more here than at most selective schools.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Key dates · 2028 entry
Free month · No payment needed
Latest results
Attainment 8
79.9
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
99%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 6 December 2022
Teaching & academics
The results are exceptional: an average Attainment 8 score of 79.9 against a national average of 46.9, and 99% of pupils gaining grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with 47% nationally. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 16.8 supports a strong sixth form, which Ofsted also rated Outstanding. This is a school geared towards able pupils who will thrive in a demanding academic environment.
Languages
Head · Julian Metcalf
Beyond the classroom
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1576
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 5.77%
- EHC plans
- 0.45%
- English as additional language
- 36.3%
- Free school meals
- 7.8%
Schools nearby
Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Dartford, South East
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Dartford, South East
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Dartford, South East
Beths Grammar School
Bexley, Greater London
Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
Sidcup, Greater London
Bexley Grammar School
Welling, Greater London
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
Entry is via the Kent Test, with 180 places contested each year and assessment in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. For a confident, academically ambitious boy, the rewards here are clear.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Dartford Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Passmate rating: benchmarked against every selective school in England using official admissions data. It measures demand for places, not school quality. Updated July 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.