MixedIndependent

Gad's Hill School

Rochester, Kent, South East · ME3 7PA

Set within the former home of Charles Dickens in Rochester, Gad's Hill School educates a relatively small community of around 357 pupils from ages 3 to 16. As an independent, day-only school, it offers a continuous journey from the early years through to GCSE, with the main 11+ entry point bringing in pupils at the start of senior school. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school good across both its overall standards and personal development, and found all compliance requirements met. Its modest size suits families who value a close-knit environment over the scale of a larger institution.

357

Pupils

good

ISI

£15,396

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Mixed
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
3-16
Pupils
357
Location
Rochester, Kent, South East
Website
www.gadshill.org
Telephone
01474 822366

Entrance & admissions

Entry age
11

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Headteacher

Head Paul Savage

Latest results

Attainment 8

57.3

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

71%

National average 47%

Teaching & academics

Academic results sit comfortably above national benchmarks: the average Attainment 8 score of 57.3 outpaces the national figure of 46.9, and 71% of pupils secure a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national average of 47%. The curriculum leads to GCSE qualifications, with a broad subject range spanning the three separate sciences, humanities, computing, psychology and creative options such as drama and art. Around 7.6% of pupils receive SEN support, indicating provision for a range of learning needs.

Sixth form

Qualifications offered

GCSE

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
7.56%
EHC plans
1.68%

Arts & extracurricular

Popular GCSE subjects

English LanguageEnglish LiteratureMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyHistoryGeographyComputingDesign & TechnologyD&T Food TechnologyDrama & Theatre StudiesPhysical Education/Sports StudiesArt & DesignPsychologyStatistics

Beyond the classroom

Subjects such as Drama and Theatre Studies, Physical Education, Design and Technology and Food Technology point to opportunities beyond the purely academic. The creative and practical breadth on offer gives pupils room to develop interests alongside their core studies.

Ethos & heritage

Boarding
No

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£13,908 - £15,396

Inspection reports

ISI rating
good
ISI personal development
good
Last inspected
8 October 2024
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small, friendly school with a literary heritage and results that consistently beat the national average. Worth a close look for families seeking strong academics in an intimate setting up to GCSE.

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Gad's Hill School 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is Gad's Hill School located?

Gad's Hill School is located at Higham, Rochester, ME3 7PA.

What type of school is Gad's Hill School?

Gad's Hill School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.

How many pupils attend Gad's Hill School?

Gad's Hill School has approximately 357 pupils on roll.

What is Gad's Hill School's inspection rating?

Gad's Hill School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "good" at its inspection on 8 October 2024.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.