Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
School summary
A selective boys' grammar in the heart of Canterbury, Simon Langton draws on the Kent Test for entry and consistently sets a high academic bar. With 1,211 pupils against a capacity of 1,280, it is a large and well-subscribed school operating close to full. Ofsted has rated its quality of education, behaviour, personal development and sixth form all Outstanding, with leadership judged Good. Around a fifth of pupils speak English as an additional language, reflecting a broad intake.
How hard is it to get in?
Competitive · 2 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Demand exceeds the 150 Year 7 places in most years, though less sharply than at the most oversubscribed 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
66.8
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
89%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Not judged
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 26 November 2024
Teaching & academics
Results are a clear strength. An average Attainment 8 score of 66.8 sits well above the national figure of 46.9, and 89% of pupils secure grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national average of 47%. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 16 is typical for a school of this size, and the Outstanding sixth-form judgement points to strong provision through to A-level.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 0.41%
- EHC plans
- 3.88%
- English as additional language
- 21.1%
- Free school meals
- 7.1%
Schools nearby
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
Canterbury, South East
Barton Court Grammar School
Canterbury, South East
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Faversham, South East
Sir Roger Manwood's School
Sandwich, South East
The Norton Knatchbull School
Ashford, South East
Highworth Grammar School
Ashford, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A large, oversubscribed Canterbury grammar where strong teaching translates into results far above the national norm. Suited to academically able boys who will thrive in a demanding, high-achieving environment.
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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Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys 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.