Three Medway grammar schools are to become co-educational
11 Plus, 13 Plus, Other School Entrance, University Admissions, English & Maths
November 7th, 2024
Three grammar schools in Medway are set to become co-educational. From September 2026, this leaves only one school which will cater for boys only. Read on to find out which schools have changed their provision, and how this will impact families in the Medway area looking to take the 11+ exam.
What changes are happening at Chatham Grammar?
Chatham Grammar is currently a selective grammar school which also has academy status. Chatham Grammar currently admits boys into its sixth form only, but from September 2026, it will allow boys to join from year 7. This is important as previously families who had siblings of different genders were forced to attend different schools. The change means that both boys and girls can attend Chatham Grammar and children will not have to travel as far from their permanent place of residence.
Fort Pitt Grammar School embraces a new era
Fort Pitt Grammar School is currently co-educational in the sixth form only, but from September 2026, boys will be admitted into the Year 7 intake for the first time. The aim with this is to ensure that the demand for grammar school places is spread more evenly across Medway, meaning theoretically it should be easier for those who are deemed of grammar school standard to find a suitable school near their home.
How will Holcombe Grammar School adapt?
Holcombe Grammar School currently accepts girls into the sixth form only, but from September 2026 will take a new cohort of girls into Year 7, this taking the first step to becoming co-educational throughout. This means that girls who wish to attend a grammar school will not have to travel as far as they currently do. Holcombe Grammar School is a leading selective school in the area so this will give both girls and boys access to selective education close to their current place of residence.
What about other grammar schools in Medway?
Sir Joseph Williamson’s School in Medway remains single sex (boys only), although it is co-educational in the sixth form. Rainham Mark School provides a co-educational environment throughout. As a result of these changes, from September 2026, there will only be one single-sex school in Medway.
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