The Best Grammar Schools in Bexley

Dec 08, 2022

Education is an important aspect in a child’s life, so finding the best school for your children should be a priority. This can see them going from strength to strength. One schooling option is finding a reputable grammar school in the Bexley area.

Grammar schools are slightly different than a run-of-the-mill school; this is due to the selective nature of a grammar school. Before receiving a spot in a grammar school, 11-year-old children take an entrance exam known as the “11-plus”. This examination includes English, mathematics, non-verbal reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

But how do you know a good grammar school when you see one? This is where the Ofsted rating and average grades of past students come in handy. Ofsted, otherwise known as the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, reviews and rates schools on the quality of education, behaviour and attributes, personal development of students, and leadership and management. There are four ratings available, as shown below:

1 - Outstanding

2 - Good

3 - Requires Improvement

4 - Inadequate

As well as Ofsted ratings, the grades of past pupils can tell you a lot about the school. The better the average grade of the school, the better the school is. If choosing a grammar school in Bexley, the grades to focus on are GSCE and A Level. Since A Level exams provide students with UCAS points for studying an undergraduate degree, these can be seen as the most important.

The average A Level result for all schools and colleges in England is C-, which means state-funded schools in Bexley rank slightly above the country standard with an average A Level result of C. To help you make your decision, eight grammar schools found in the Bexley area have been ranked below by average A Level result:

1. Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School

Address: West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HW

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽¹⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 298

Average A Level Grade: B+ ⁽²⁾ % of 132 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: N/A%

Founded in 1576, Dartford Grammar School ⁽³⁾ is one of the oldest schools in England. The school’s success has been created by the unique curriculum and upholding the mission statement, which is “a learning community developing international citizens”.

Sixth Form students have the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school has won several awards in relation to this part their curriculum, like The Sunday Times 1B School of the Year award.

2. Townley Grammar School

Townley Grammar School

Address: Townley Rd, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AB

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽⁴⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 212

Average A Level Grade: B ⁽⁵⁾ % of 208 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 28.8%

Townley Grammar School ⁽⁶⁾ students are taught with the belief that both hard work and dedication are vital parts to achieve success. The school’s website states, “Our students know that everything worth achieving is outside their comfort zone.” This aspect has been dubbed “Scholastic Endeavour”.

In September 2004, Townley Grammar School was awarded Specialist Status for the Performing and Visual Arts, then for Mathematics and Computing in 2009. By having specialisms, the school has expanded its education to students in the related subjects.

3. Dartford Grammar School for Girls

Dartford Grammar School for Girls

Address: Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2NT

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding⁽⁷⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 158

Average A Level Grade: B- ⁽⁸⁾ % of 149 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 12.8%

Dartford Grammar School for Girls ⁽⁹⁾ first opened in 1904. The school has upheld its traditions and values throughout the years to achieve high standards in all areas of academia, offering students the chance to develop as individuals.

The subjects available to students throughout their years at Dartford Grammar School for Girls are selected to motivate and challenge young minds. There are three main parts of the curriculum; core, extended core, and optional subjects.

Then, in Sixth Form, the curriculum forces on preparing students for the world after school, such as higher education and/or employment.

4. Beths Grammar School

Beths Grammar School

Address: Hartford Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1NE

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good ⁽¹⁰⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 234

Average A Level Grade: C+ ⁽¹¹⁾ % of 224 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 13.4%

Beths Grammar School ⁽¹²⁾ aims to develop each student as a whole, creating well-rounded students who are ready to face the world. Offering a varied curriculum, such as mathematics, science, languages - Mandarin Chinese, Latin, and Italian - and sports, is essential in this.

By attending this school, students have a variety of trips and visits to choose from, depending on the subjects they choose to study and clubs they join.

For example, those who have joined the public speaking team in the past have visited the official headquarters of the English-Speaking Union in West London.

5. Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School

Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School

Address: Hurst Rd, Sidcup, DA15 9AG

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good ⁽¹³⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 212

Average A Level Grade: C+ ⁽¹⁴⁾ % of 209 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 12.4%

Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School ⁽¹⁵⁾ highlights three key areas to become the best place for young people; these are students being and feeling safe, students being happy and ready to learn, and students maximising their potential. This helps the school offer high-quality education.

When it comes to extracurricular activities, school pupils are encouraged to take at least one. The opportunities available range from chess, drama, music, and a range of different sports. There is even the chance to write for the school Chronicle or join school concerts and productions.

6. Wilmington Grammar School for Boys

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys

Address: Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7DA

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good ⁽¹⁶⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 120

Average A Level Grade: C+ ⁽¹⁷⁾ % of 114 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 6.1%

As a “forward-thinking grammar school”, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys ⁽¹⁸⁾ offers a varied curriculum for boys between the ages of 11 and 16 as well as a co-ed Sixth Form. Their focus on providing the best education ensures that there is personal development beyond the classroom for each pupil.

Some of the subjects on offer to students include design technology, finance, media, and photography. There are also a number of enrichment opportunities available, like bitcoin club, squash club, and wildlife club, to name a few.

7. Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Address: Parsons Lane, Wilmington, Kent, DA2 7BB

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽¹⁹⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 124

Average A Level Grade: C ⁽²⁰⁾ % of 115 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 4.3%

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls ⁽²¹⁾ takes a lot of pride in offering a positive community which “respects the individual” while celebrating the diverse student and staff populations. The school’s smaller student roll ensures each individual student is heard and their talents recognised.

As well as a range of subjects and extracurriculars, Wilmington Grammar School for Girls offers the “Endeavour Mindset” programme. In this subject, students are encouraged to embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and seek improvement; this follows the school’s motto of “in pursuit of excellence”. This is thought to help students become effective members of the community.

8. Bexley Grammar School

Bexley Grammar School

Address: Danson Lane, Welling, Kent, DA16 2BL

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽²²⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 7

Average A Level Grade: C- ⁽²³⁾ % of 115 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: No Entries

On the school’s website, it is stated that students are taught in a manner that raises aspirations, grows confidence, and develops compassionate leadership. Bexley Grammar School ⁽²⁴⁾ aims to provide children with the best academic environment to bring the best out of each individual student.

The curriculum at Bexley Grammar School is varied, with students given the opportunity to study the likes of art, classics, drama and theatre, as well as computer science and modern languages.

By knowing the Ofsted rating and average A Level results for the grammar schools in Bexley, you can now choose the right schooling option for your child.