Herne Bay High School, Herne Bay

In its own words: "At Herne Bay High School, we take Careers Education Information and Guidance very seriously and our provision of guidance and support seeks to deliver in accordance with the DfE Careers Guidance (June 2026). Herne Bay High School understands that a strong and stable careers program is the starting block for each student."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is a privilege to serve as the Principal of Herne Bay High School. We are not like every other school; we exist to provide our students with an education that ensures both outstanding academic achievements and the development of exceptional character. Before taking on this role, my leadership experience was shaped by serving in senior school leadership in London."

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 12 May 2027 and an open day on Wednesday 23 June 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2026, pupils at Herne Bay High School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 35.5, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 48.1 in Kent and 47 across England.

23% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 49% in Kent and 47% in England.

That is down from 36.8 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -1.02: pupils made well below average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 29.3, against 38.3 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 9 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 23 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, History and Business Studies.

For September 2026 entry, 249 families put Herne Bay High School as their first choice and 506 named it as one of their preferences, for 274 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Herne Bay High School are The Whitstable School (3.3 miles, Good, Attainment 8 37.4); Orion Spires (3.7 miles, Good, Attainment 8 39.2); and The Archbishop's School (5 miles, Good, Attainment 8 32.1).

Herne Bay High School's 2026 results were higher than 1 of these 3 schools.

Of the 243 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 84% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 34% to a further education college, 3% to an apprenticeship and 4% into work.

Of the 137 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 42% went on to university or other higher education, 4% to apprenticeships and 32% into work. 4% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

2.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Herne Bay Rail Station, about 490 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Herne Bay High School (adjacent), 50 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 229 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Kent (101), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Herne Bay High School issued 127 suspensions, 8.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Herne Bay High School are Hampton Primary School (0.4 miles), Thornden Wood Primary School (0.5 miles), Herne Bay Infant School (0.8 miles) and Herne Bay Junior School (0.9 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.