Rainham Mark Grammar School
Pump Lane, Gillingham, ME8 7AJ
Pupils
1551
Ages
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
1551
Headteacher
Mrs Agnes Hart
Type
Grammar
Ofsted
Good
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
Sixth form
Yes
About Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School is a grammar school in Rainham, near Gillingham for children aged 11 to 18, teaching boys and girls. Around 1551 pupils are on roll. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Medway still coordinates the application process. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Mrs Agnes Hart leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 24 May 2022, Rainham Mark Grammar School was judged Good. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At A level the published average grade is B- (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 5.4%, which is attendance of about 94.6% (2024/25). Around 10.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School is selective, so a place depends on the Medway Test as well as the usual application. You register for the Medway Test in the summer before Year 6 and then name the school on the common application form by 31 October. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
Rainham Mark Grammar School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Rainham Mark Grammar School contact details and location
You will find Rainham Mark Grammar School at Pump Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 7AJ. The school office can be reached on 01634 364151. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Overall effectiveness
Last inspection: 24/05/2022
Quality of Education
How well pupils are taught and what they learn
Behaviour and Attitudes
How pupils behave and their attitude to learning
Personal Development
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Leadership and Management
How well the school is run
Sixth Form
Quality of post-16 education
Rainham Mark Grammar School admissions and catchment area
This is a Medway grammar school
To be considered for a place at Rainham Mark Grammar School, your child needs to sit the Medway Test in September of Year 6. Places are offered on academic ability, with distance and siblings used as tie-breakers.
Official links
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Medway Council. Medway school admissions →
How to apply
1. Register for the Medway Test
Register with Medway Council in June of Year 5. Registration is free and done online.
2. Sit the test (September, Year 6)
Three papers: extended writing, maths and reasoning. Pupils sit the test at a Medway test centre.
3. Get the result (October)
Results are released in mid-October, before the national secondary application deadline.
4. Apply through Medway (by 31 October)
List Rainham Mark Grammar School on the Medway Secondary Common Application Form, in preference order (check the Medway Council site for the number of preferences allowed).
5. National Offer Day (1 March)
You'll be told your allocated school by email. If 1 March falls on a weekend or bank holiday, offers go out the next working day - for 2026 entry KCC emailed offers on Monday 2 March 2026. Appeals open shortly after.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If Rainham Mark Grammar School is not offered on 1 March, you can appeal the decision. Medway Council runs its own appeals process; check your offer letter for the deadline.
How to appeal a school offerRainham Mark Grammar School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at Rainham Mark Grammar School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Rainham Mark Grammar School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Rainham Mark Grammar School term dates: Medway standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Medway Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
Rainham Mark Grammar School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Rainham Mark Grammar School?
Register your child for the Medway Test in the summer before Year 6, then name Rainham Mark Grammar School on the secondary common application form by 31 October. Offers are made on National Offer Day in March.
What is Rainham Mark Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated Rainham Mark Grammar School Good at its inspection on 24 May 2022. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Rainham Mark Grammar School and what ages does it take?
Rainham Mark Grammar School has around 1551 pupils on roll and covers ages 11 to 18. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does Rainham Mark Grammar School offer?
Rainham Mark Grammar School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Rainham Mark Grammar School's term dates and INSET days?
Rainham Mark Grammar School follows the standard Medway pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
Where is Rainham Mark Grammar School and how do I contact the school?
Rainham Mark Grammar School is at Pump Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 7AJ. The office number is 01634 364151. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
Report an update →Do you run a business for families in Gillingham?
Local businesses, tutors, clubs and nurseries can have a full profile page here, in front of the parents already reading about Gillingham schools.
Get my profile builtSchools near Rainham Mark Grammar School
The closest schools to ME8 7AJ, measured from each school's own location.
Gillingham · Secondary · 0.5 miles
The Howard School
Gillingham · Secondary · 0.6 miles
Rainham School for Girls
Gillingham · Secondary · 1.5 miles
The Robert Napier School
Sittingbourne · Independent · 2.0 miles
Alchemy School
Chatham · Grammar · 2.0 miles
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
Gillingham · Secondary · 2.5 miles
Brompton Academy
Help us keep this page accurate
Spotted something wrong?
Tell us what needs updating on Rainham Mark Grammar School and we'll review it before the page changes.