Best secondary schools in Canterbury (2026)
Canterbury has 6 ranked secondary schools with published results. The top-ranked is Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, in the top 4% in England. The average Attainment 8 here in 2025 was 52.4, against 46.1 for England. 3 are in England's top 10%, and 0 are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. There are 3 grammar schools.
| Rank | School | Attainment 8 (2023–2025 average) | Attainment 8 2025 | Trend | Grade 5+ Eng & maths | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Top 4% in England |
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys Canterbury · Grammar · Boys |
67.1 | 66.8 | 89% | Not judged | |
2 Top 5% in England |
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School Canterbury · Grammar · Girls |
66.8 | 67.7 | 90% | No rating | |
3 Top 5% in England |
Barton Court Grammar School Canterbury · Grammar |
65.3 | 66.4 | 85% | Good | |
4 Bottom 23% in England |
St Anselm's Catholic School, Canterbury Canterbury · Roman Catholic |
41.5 | 39.4 | 21% | Good | |
5 Bottom 16% in England |
The Canterbury Academy Canterbury |
38.6 | 39.0 | 34% | Report card | |
6 Bottom 9% in England |
The Archbishop's School Canterbury · Church of England |
36.5 | 35.2 | 21% | Good |
Other towns in Kent
- Ashford
- Broadstairs
- Chatham
- Dartford
- Dover
- Folkestone
- Gillingham (Medway)
- Gravesend
- Maidstone
- Margate
- Rochester
- Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Sittingbourne
- Tonbridge
Also see
Questions
What is the best secondary school in Canterbury?
On exam results over the last three years, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys is the top-ranked secondary school in Canterbury, in the top 4% of schools in England.
How are the schools ranked?
By published Department for Education exam results averaged over three years: for secondary schools, Attainment 8 plus a quarter of the share getting grade 5+ in English and maths; for primary schools, the share reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths plus half the share reaching the higher standard. The order uses the three-year average, so a school can rank above one with a higher single-year result. Schools with fewer than 10 pupils taking the tests are not ranked. Exam results are only part of the picture: visit, read the Ofsted report and check admissions rules, as living nearby does not guarantee a place.