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Schools in Rochester.

43 schools in Rochester, Kent. 7 rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See them on the map, or open any school for admissions, results and contact details.

43 Total
32 Primary
6 Secondary
2 Grammar
7 Independent

About schools in Rochester

Rochester has 43 schools listed on Schools in Kent, across every stage of a child's education, from nursery and reception through to sixth form. Families here can choose between 32 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 7 independent schools and 11 schools with dedicated SEND provision such as a specialist setting, SEN unit or resourced provision, giving parents genuine flexibility whether they are moving to the area or simply weighing up next steps. Many schools in Rochester publish SEND information. Support varies by school, so check each school's SEND section and speak to the SENCO about your child's needs. Ofsted currently rates 98% of inspected schools in Rochester as Good or Outstanding, including 7 judged Outstanding.

Local highlights include Medway Green School, Bligh Primary School Infants and Cliffe Woods Primary School. You will also find 7 schools with a sixth form, 2 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Rochester, which is useful if you are planning for the longer term. Use the interactive map to see catchment areas at a glance, filter by phase, or open any school for admissions, results, term dates, contact details and the latest Ofsted or ISI report. Every entry is independent and free to browse.

What parents should know about Rochester

Rochester sits within the Medway unitary authority rather than Kent County Council, which matters a great deal for admissions. Medway runs its own admissions process, its own selective testing arrangements and its own timetable, so a Rochester family and a Maidstone family are not filling in the same form.

The town itself mixes historic schools near the cathedral and castle with larger academies serving Strood, Wainscott and the wider Medway conurbation. Because Medway towns run into one another, families here frequently consider schools in Chatham, Gillingham and Strood as part of the same shortlist.

Primary schools (32)

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Secondary schools (6)

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Grammar schools (2)

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Special schools and SEND provision (3)

Independent schools (7)

See all independent schools in Rochester →

Schools by village near Rochester

Villages and neighbourhoods in the Rochester area, with every school we list in each one.

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Parent FAQs

How many schools are there in Rochester?

There are 43 schools in Rochester covering 32 primary, 6 secondary, 2 grammar and 7 independent.

Which are the best-rated schools in Rochester?

Ofsted has judged 7 schools in Rochester as Outstanding: Medway Green School, Bligh Primary School Infants, Cliffe Woods Primary School, High Halstow Primary Academy and The Pilgrim School. Around 98% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.

Are there grammar schools in Rochester?

Yes — Rochester has 2 selective grammar schools (Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School and The Rochester Grammar School). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.

How do school catchment areas work in Rochester?

Kent County Council does not use strict catchment areas for most community schools. Distance from home to the school is one of several oversubscription criteria, alongside siblings, looked-after status and, for faith schools, religious criteria. Always check each school's individual admissions policy.

Can I compare schools in Rochester side by side?

Yes. Tap "Add to compare" on any school card to line up Ofsted ratings, results, pupil numbers, admissions and facilities on our compare page.

Does Rochester use the Kent Test?

No. Rochester is in Medway, and Medway operates its own selective testing arrangements with its own registration window and results date, separate from the Kent Test run by Kent County Council. If you live in Medway you apply through Medway Council. Some families register for both tests where they are within reach of schools in each area.

Can Rochester children apply to Kent County Council schools?

Yes. You always apply through your home local authority, but you can name schools in a neighbouring authority on that application. Medway residents naming a Kent school, or the reverse, is common along the boundary. The receiving school's own oversubscription criteria still apply.