Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
School summary
A large selective boys' grammar in Tunbridge Wells, this is one of Kent's substantial state schools, with roughly 1,799 pupils on roll. That figure sits well above its stated capacity of 1,308, a sign of how sought-after places here are. Entry at 11 comes through the Kent Test, and the school's strong academic record makes competition for its 300 places keen. Around one in seven pupils speaks English as an additional language, while the proportion eligible for free school meals, at 5.4%, is modest.
How hard is it to get in?
Moderate · 1 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Entry is selective, but demand for the 300 Year 7 places is more manageable than at most selective schools - a solid qualifying performance is usually what matters.
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
63.7
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
91%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
38%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
31%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
65%
National average 55%
Teaching & academics
Results are a clear strength. The school posts an Attainment 8 score of 63.7, comfortably ahead of the national average of 46.9, and 91% of pupils secure grade 5 or above in English and Maths against a national figure of 47%. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 20, these outcomes reflect the calibre of an academically selective intake working at a high level.
Languages
Headteacher · Amanda Simpson
Beyond the classroom
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 2.5%
- EHC plans
- 0.22%
- English as additional language
- 14.8%
- Free school meals
- 5.4%
Schools nearby
Maidstone Grammar School
Maidstone, South East
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School
Rochester, South East
Holcombe Grammar School
Chatham, South East
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Chatham, South East
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Dartford, South East
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Dartford, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A high-performing Kent grammar where demand visibly outstrips space, best suited to able boys ready to thrive in a busy, results-focused 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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Tunbridge Wells 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.