
Head: David Clark
An accessible co-educational grammar school in Kent with a Good Ofsted rating.
0
Year 7 Places
0.0:1
Applicants/Place
Pass Mark
0
Pupils
Max Score
423
Qualifying Score
332
78% of max
Cutoff Score
349
83% of max
Applications
272
Offers Made
89
Catchment, then Score
Catchment area students get priority. Within catchment, places by test score.
The civil parishes of Cranbrook and Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Staplehurst, Frittenden, Benenden, Sandhurst and Hawkhurst as defined by civil parish boundaries. Any other property which is not within the civil parish boundaries as outlined above, but is within 8.5 kilometres (5.28166 miles) of the school by straight line.
Max distance: 5.28 miles
Sibling Priority
Pupil Premium
Process
Appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. All appeals will be heard online. Use the specific link to complete your appeal online. Include all evidence with your appeal form and state the grounds for appeal. Additional information must be received by 12 noon, 5 working days before the hearing.
Waiting List
From Reallocation Day, Cranbrook School will hold the Waiting List
1. Register
1 Jun 2026
2. Take Test
Kent Test
3. Results
15 Oct 2026
4. Offer Day
1 Mar 2027
A shared 11+ entrance exam used by 32 grammar schools, administered by GL Assessment, testing English, Mathematics, Reasoning. Three multiple-choice papers administered by GL Assessment. Each paper is 50 minutes. State-funded grammar school for boys and girls catering for top 20-25% of academic ability range. Places always oversubscribed. Entry via Kent PESE Test (11+), which is administered through Kent County Council. Historic lowest scores offered: 2025 - 338, 2024 - 337, 2023 - 353. All applications made via KCC, not directly to Cranbrook School. Those living in Priority Area given priority in accordance with Over Subscription Criteria.
Max
423
Qualifying Score
332
78% of max
Registration Opens
Registration opens for the 11+ exam
1 Jun 2026
Open Evening
Years 7 & 9 Day + Year 9 Boarding Open Morning
23 Jun 2026
8:45am
Registration Deadline
Final day to register for the 11+ exam
1 Jul 2026
Exam Date
11+ entrance exam
10 Sep 2026
9:00am
Results Released
11+ results released to parents
15 Oct 2026
CAF Deadline
National Common Application Form deadline (set by each local authority — usually 31 October).
31 Oct 2026
CAF Deadline
Common Application Form deadline (all LAs)
31 Oct 2026
National Offer Day
National Offer Day — places confirmed
1 Mar 2027
National Offer Day
National Offer Day. All secondary school offers are released today.
1 Mar 2027
66.9
Attainment 8
Average achievement across 8 qualifications
86%
English + Maths 5+
Grade 5 or above in both
95%
English + Maths 4+
Grade 4 or above in both
88%
EBacc Entry
Entered the English Baccalaureate suite
6.58
EBacc APS
Average points across EBacc subjects
B
Avg A-Level Grade
Average grade achieved across all A-Level entries
Bar shows this school. Ticks mark the England state-funded average (grey) and the typical grammar-school average (indigo).
Grammar median computed from up to 163 grammars.
51%
Higher Education
−17pp vs grammar avg
63%
Russell Group
Cohort destination breakdown
Destinations trend
Strongest at
Drama
52 entries
50%
+5.6pp vs school
Music
36 entries
50%
+5.6pp vs school
Biology
256 entries
50%
+5.2pp vs school
Watch list
Combined Science
50 entries
0%
-44.4pp vs school
Physical Education
106 entries
38%
-6.7pp vs school
Strongest at
Business Studies
84 entries
50%
+0.1pp vs school
Psychology
82 entries
50%
+0.1pp vs school
Chemistry
78 entries
50%
+0.1pp vs school
No subject clearly underperforms vs the school average.
Not enough data to derive strengths and areas for improvement.
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 35 points from best six GCSE subjects on a 1-9 point scale. At least Grade 5 at GCSE in Maths and either English Language or English Literature. Must meet specific requirements for each A level course.
Subjects Offered
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form
Good
Per-Pupil Funding
2025/2026918 / 954(96%)
£0
Per Pupil Funding
Subjects Offered
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 35 points from best six GCSE subjects on a 1-9 point scale. At least Grade 5 at GCSE in Maths and either English Language or English Literature. Must meet specific requirements for each A level course.
1:18.7
Staff:Pupil Ratio
96.1%
Qualified Teachers
5.06%
Absence Rate
8.79%
Persistent Absence
Mixed state day and boarding school with historic buildings and modern facilities including Queen's Hall Theatre.
Sports
25-metre indoor swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium, all-weather pitch, tennis courts, netball courts, rugby pitches, football pitches, cricket pitches, athletics track, and extensive playing fields covering over 90 acres.
STEM
Science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics projects
Arts
Queen's Hall Theatre, drama studios, music facilities
Library
Well-resourced library with over 15,000 books, periodicals, and digital resources. Open access during school hours with study areas for individual and group work. Online databases and e-book access available.
Capital Projects
Recent projects include refurbishment of science laboratories, upgrade of IT facilities across the school, and improvements to the sixth form centre. Plans are in place for further development of sports facilities and classroom spaces.
CCF Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh programme, extensive clubs and activities, sports, drama productions, music groups, trips and exchanges.
Sports
Music & Performing Arts
Music groups, drama productions, theatre performances
Clubs & Societies
Young Farmers club participation, Latin competitions, extensive clubs and societies
Duke of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh programme available
Trips & Exchanges
Trips, tours and exchanges programme available
Community Service
Students participate in various community service activities including charity fundraising, volunteering at local primary schools, environmental projects, and supporting elderly residents in the local community.
Uniform
School uniform and sports kit required - see School Uniform & Sports Kit page
School Meals
Cranbrook Catering provides school meals
Homework Policy
Homework is set regularly across all subjects with clear expectations. Years 7-9 receive approximately 4-5 hours per week, Years 10-11 receive 8-10 hours per week, and Sixth Form students are expected to complete independent study equivalent to their timetabled hours.
Behaviour Policy
The school operates a positive behaviour policy based on mutual respect, high expectations and clear boundaries. A house point system rewards positive behaviour and achievement. Sanctions are applied fairly and consistently for inappropriate behaviour.
Mobile Phone Policy
Mobile phones must be switched off during lessons and may only be used in designated areas during break and lunch times. Phones must not be used to take photographs or videos on school premises.
SEND Provision
The school has a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) policy and provides support for students with additional needs. They work with parents, external agencies, and specialists to ensure appropriate provision. The school has a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who oversees support arrangements. Specific provisions include learning support, exam access arrangements, and pastoral care adapted to individual needs. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are supported through regular reviews and tailored interventions.
Enter your postcode to see directions to Cranbrook School
Dedicated school bus services operate from Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Headcorn, and surrounding villages. Routes include services from Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, and Benenden areas.
Nearest Station: Staplehurst
Transport Info
The school is accessible by car via the A229 and A262. Public transport includes regular bus services from Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and surrounding areas. Parents are encouraged to use public transport or car sharing where possible.
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