Kent has long been a standout county for families looking to give their children the best possible education without the hefty price tag of private schooling. Boasting the highest concentration of grammar schools in the country, Kent not only offers some of the best schools in the UK but also allows for an easy daily commute to London. With its unique combination of excellent education, family-friendly living, and proximity to the capital, Kent is an ideal choice for families focused on balancing career and educational aspirations.
The Grammar School Landscape in Kent: A Unique Offering
Kent is home to a disproportionate number of grammar schools compared to other regions in the UK. There are currently 32 grammar schools spread across the county, making it one of the few areas where selective education still plays a significant role in the state school system. For comparison, there are around 163 grammar schools across the whole of England, meaning Kent alone accounts for nearly 20% of all grammar schools in the country.
The county’s grammar schools include some of the most prestigious and high-performing schools in the UK, and many rank consistently in the national league tables for both GCSE and A-Level results. According to the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023 rankings, several Kent grammar schools are among the top-performing state schools in the country. For example:• The Judd School in Tonbridge ranks within the top 50 state secondary schools in England, with a high percentage of students achieving A*-A grades at A-Level. • Dartford Grammar School, another top performer, ranked among the top 30 nationally for A-Level results, with 86% of students achieving A*-B grades. • Tonbridge Grammar School regularly features in the top 20 for GCSE results, with over 70% of its students achieving grades 7-9.
This level of academic excellence means that Kent’s grammar schools are highly sought after, attracting families from across the UK, especially those who are looking for an alternative to the expensive private school system in London.
The Benefits of Living in Kent: Affordable Living with Access to London
One of the main advantages of Kent is its proximity to London, allowing parents to work in the capital while their children benefit from an outstanding education in grammar schools. Kent is well-connected by public transport, with several towns offering fast train services to London. Commuters can reach central London in less than an hour from towns like:• Sevenoaks: A mere 35-minute train journey to London Bridge. • Tonbridge: Around 40 minutes by train to London Charing Cross. • Ashford: Approximately 38 minutes by high-speed train to London St Pancras. • Dartford: About 40 minutes to London Victoria.
This makes Kent an attractive option for families who need to balance a London-based career with providing their children access to an excellent education.
Kent also offers more affordable property prices compared to London and other counties with fewer grammar schools. According to Rightmove, the average house price in Kent is around £400,000, significantly lower than the average price of over £700,000 in Greater London. This cost difference makes it possible for families to live in larger homes, with access to better educational opportunities, without the financial strain associated with living in London.
Kent’s Grammar Schools: Academic Excellence and National Rankings
As mentioned, Kent’s grammar schools consistently rank among the best in the country. In the latest GCSE league tables, schools like Tonbridge Grammar School, The Judd School, and Dartford Grammar School were ranked within the top 50 state schools nationally, with impressive performances in both GCSEs and A-Levels.
The high standards of education provided by Kent’s grammar schools are reflected in the percentage of students who go on to attend top universities. According to The Sutton Trust, grammar school students are more likely to attend elite universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions, than their counterparts in non-selective schools. In fact, many of Kent’s grammar schools report that over 40% of their students secure places at top-tier universities, putting them on par with leading private schools in terms of university progression rates.
Why the Grammar School System Thrives in Kent
The success of grammar schools in Kent can be attributed to a combination of historical factors and continued local support for selective education. While many areas in the UK phased out grammar schools in favour of comprehensive education, Kent maintained and expanded its selective school system, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the county’s educational landscape.
Kent County Council continues to back the grammar school system, and local residents often support the idea of selection based on academic ability. As a result, grammar schools in the region continue to flourish, attracting both local students and families moving into the area specifically to access these schools.
The Catchment Area Challenge: Why Early Relocation Matters
Despite the availability of 32 grammar schools, competition for places can still be fierce. Grammar schools typically base admissions on the 11+ exam, and while students from outside Kent can apply, living within the catchment area of a school significantly increases the likelihood of securing a place. According to Kent County Council, children living within a grammar school’s designated catchment area are given priority, meaning early relocation is often necessary for families serious about grammar school admission.
Moving into a catchment area well ahead of the 11+ exam allows children to adjust to their new environment and attend local primary schools, which can also help them prepare academically for the demands of grammar school. In towns like Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and Tonbridge, families benefit not only from access to top grammar schools but also from a high quality of life, with excellent amenities, green spaces, and strong transport links to London.
The Cost-Saving Argument: Grammar Schools vs Private Schools
For families looking at private education in London, grammar schools in Kent offer a significant financial advantage. The average annual fee for a private day school in London is around £15,000, meaning parents could spend upwards of £105,000 for a child to attend a private school from Year 7 to Year 13. If boarding is required, this figure could rise to £250,000 or more.
In contrast, grammar schools in Kent provide a similar level of academic excellence without the cost. While property prices in grammar school catchment areas can be higher, the one-off investment in a home is far more affordable than ongoing private school fees. Moreover, homes in sought-after areas such as Sevenoaks or Tunbridge Wells often hold or increase their value, making the decision to relocate a financially sound one in the long term.
Conclusion: Kent’s Grammar Schools Offer the Best of Both Worlds
With its high concentration of top-performing grammar schools, Kent is an exceptional place for families looking to provide their children with the best education possible. The combination of academic excellence, proximity to London, and more affordable property prices makes it an ideal location for parents who want to maintain a career in the capital while ensuring their children receive a first-class education.
By planning an early move into the right catchment area, families can maximise their chances of securing a place at one of Kent’s prestigious grammar schools, avoiding the high costs of private education and investing in both their child’s future and the value of their home. For London commuters seeking the perfect balance of work, family life, and education, Kent’s grammar schools offer a unique and highly desirable opportunity.
Sources:
1. Kent County Council – Grammar school admissions and catchment area guidelines (2023)
2. Sunday Times Parent Power – National rankings of grammar schools (2023)
3. The Sutton Trust – University progression rates from grammar schools (2022)
4. Rightmove – Property prices in Kent (2023)
5. The Independent Schools Council – Private school fees (2022)
6. Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Commuter data for Kent and London (2022)