Holcombe Grammar School
School summary
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.
How hard is it to get in?
Moderate · 1 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Entry is selective, but demand for the 180 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.
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Latest results
Attainment 8
62.4
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
85%
National average 47%
A-level A*-A
20%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
46%
National average 55%
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.
Languages
Headteacher · Mr L. Preston
Beyond the classroom
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 2.7%
- EHC plans
- 0.39%
- English as additional language
- 9.7%
- Free school meals
- 12.9%
Mobile phone policy
Students may bring a mobile device to school, but devices must be turned off during the school day and kept in a safe place such as a locker. Pupils in Years 7-11 are not allowed to use mobile devices at break, lunch or in lessons unless given permission by staff; phones used without permission are confiscated and may be collected from Student Services after 3:10pm. Sixth formers may be given permission by staff to use phones for work in the hub and hive.
Schools nearby
Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School
Rochester, South East
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Chatham, South East
Rainham Mark Grammar School
Gillingham, South East
Invicta Grammar School
Maidstone, South East
Maidstone Grammar School
Maidstone, South East
Gravesend Grammar School
Gravesend, 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 Medway grammar that pairs strong GCSE outcomes with a more diverse intake than many selective schools.
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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Holcombe 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.