Best 3 Secondary schools in Ashford – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Highworth Grammar School (Secondary) in Ashford; The Norton Knatchbull School (Secondary) in Ashford; Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre (Secondary) in Tenterden — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Highworth Grammar School, The Norton Knatchbull School and Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Ashford, Kent and Tenterden, Kent. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Highworth Grammar School), published Jul 2013. The lowest is 2 (The Norton Knatchbull School), published Jan 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for The Norton Knatchbull School (Jan 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,550, combined total ≈ 4,700, typical FSM 15–20%, range 5–10%–25–30%; all within the TENTERDEN SCHOOLS TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Highworth Grammar School TN24 8UD	The Norton Knatchbull School TN24 0QJ	Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre TN30 6LT
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Ashford Kent TN24 8UD	Ashford Kent TN24 0QJ	Tenterden Kent TN30 6LT
Latest Ofsted	1 5 Jul 2013	2 29 Jan 2024	2 18 Jun 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,850 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1227	1316	2156
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Girls	Boys	Mixed
Admissions policy	Selective	Selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Kent (886)	Kent (886)	TENTERDEN SCHOOLS TRUST
Website	www.highworth.kent.sch.uk	www.nks.kent.sch.uk	www.homewood-school.co.uk
Telephone	01233624910	01233620045	01580764222
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Highworth Grammar School

TN24 8UD

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Ashford
Kent
TN24 8UD
Ofsted: 1 5 Jul 2013
Pupils: ≈ 1,550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Kent (886)
Website: www.highworth.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01233624910

The Norton Knatchbull School

TN24 0QJ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Ashford
Kent
TN24 0QJ
Ofsted: 2 29 Jan 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Kent (886)
Website: www.nks.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01233620045

Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre

TN30 6LT

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Tenterden
Kent
TN30 6LT
Ofsted: 2 18 Jun 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,850 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: TENTERDEN SCHOOLS TRUST
Website: www.homewood-school.co.uk
Telephone: 01580764222

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

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