Holcombe Grammar School
Chatham, Kent, South East · ME4 6JB
A selective boys' grammar in Chatham, Holcombe combines strong academic outcomes with a notably mixed intake, where roughly one in eight pupils is eligible for free school meals. With around 1,036 boys on roll against a capacity of 1,000, the school is running slightly over its intended size, reflecting healthy demand. Entry is at 11 through the Medway Test, and the school forms part of Medway's selective system. Families looking for a state grammar with genuine academic ambition and a broad social mix will find much to consider here.
1,036
Pupils
180
Places (PAN)
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Schools nearby
Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- state grammar school
- Pupils
- 1,036
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 19.1
- Location
- Chatham, Kent, South East
- Website
- http://www.holcombegrammar.org.uk
Entrance & admissions
- Consortium
- Medway Test
- Exam board
- GL Assessment
- Subjects tested
- English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
- Places (PAN)
- 180
- Entry age
- 11
Key dates· 2027 entry
Application deadlineNext
31 October 2026
Offers date
1 March 2027
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Latest results
Attainment 8
62.4
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
85%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks. The average Attainment 8 score of 62.4 comfortably outstrips the national figure of 46.9, and 85% of pupils secure grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national average of 47%. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 19.1, classes are sizeable, which is typical of a large school of this kind.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 2.7%
- EHC plans
- 0.39%
- English as additional language
- 9.7%
- Free school meals
- 12.9%
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- No
The last word
A high-performing Medway grammar that pairs strong GCSE outcomes with a more diverse intake than many selective schools.
The Passmate verdict
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Holcombe Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Holcombe Grammar School located?
Holcombe Grammar School is located at Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JB.
What type of school is Holcombe Grammar School?
Holcombe Grammar School is a state grammar school in South East.
What subjects does Holcombe Grammar School test in the 11+?
Holcombe Grammar School tests English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning at 11+.
Which exam board does Holcombe Grammar School use for the 11+?
Holcombe Grammar School's 11+ uses GL Assessment.
How do I apply to Holcombe Grammar School?
For 2027 entry, the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
When are Holcombe Grammar School 11+ offers released?
For 2027 entry, Holcombe Grammar School releases offers on 1 March 2027.
Which consortium does Holcombe Grammar School belong to?
Holcombe Grammar School is part of the Medway Test consortium.
How many places does Holcombe Grammar School offer?
Holcombe Grammar School has a published admission number of 180 places.
How many pupils attend Holcombe Grammar School?
Holcombe Grammar School has approximately 1,036 pupils on roll.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.