Ages 
Sound progress and solid self-confidence to pursue relevant paths is all up for grabs at this savvy option for girls who were maybe unseen in primary school and need a bit of TLC and belief to turn that around. Locals ‘wish there was a Hillview for boys’ as many non-selectives struggle in the shadows of the grammars and independents
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,562 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 338 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Kent County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
Hilary Burkett Ba (Hons) Pgce Npqh
Since 2016, Hilary Burkett, previously head of school at Rainham School for Girls for three years, which she joined as an NQT, working through the ranks over 16 years. Graduated in three-dimensional multi-disciplinary design from Buckingham New Un
Entrance
Non-selective. Eight form entry into year 7. Oversubscribed with a variable catchment (average eight miles). Twenty performing and visual arts scholarships awarded for pupils outside catchment (auditions at the beginning of the preceding academic
- Open days
- October
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Half depart post-GCSEs, mainly for sixth form colleges, a few for local grammars to study subjects not on offer eg economics and physics. Around 30 students continue at The View @ East Street (a satellite centre for qualifications and skills to pr
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 18 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 76 per cent 9-4 in both and maths and English. At A level, 14 per cent A*/A (46 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
This is a busy, bustling school offering a non-elitist educational pathway. It works hard to leave no stone unturned for pupils’ interests – avoiding imposing traditional subjects. Parents say that the EBacc results (10 per cent) take the limeligh
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
The 13 per cent of pupils on the SEN register receive ‘hybrid’ support of small group interventions in the curriculum support hub (a stand-alone block with five classrooms, admin and meeting rooms) and the classroom (11 TAs across the school). Mai
Arts & extracurricular
As a performing and visual arts academy, this school lives up to its promise minus any ego or sassy attitude (times have moved on since the TV series, Fame!). The facilities and specialist teaching sets it apart. Plenty of tangible inspiration too
Sport
Sport’s ‘head (tactical), hands (skills) and heart (effort)’ mantra makes this a popular subject – a favourite for many pupils. Low staff turnover means staff know pupils well, and their professional experience seems to get the best out of all pup
Ethos & heritage
The school motto, ‘Pure potential’, neatly sums up the ethos – particularly welcome in an area entrenched in the grammar school system. Not burdened by tradition, the 1970s campus has grown to address its pupils’ needs. Creeping up the hill, it ha
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Big focus on wellbeing and supporting pupils with life skills. ‘You are enough,’ says one of the very many display boards covering the whole gambit of issues from body positivity (eg ‘love your body the way it loves you’) to organising finances. P
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The Hillview mobile phone policy is centred around education, information and support. Students are allowed to bring mobile phones to school, but they must be kept in the bottom of bags in lessons, unless specifically authorised by the teacher.
Pupils & parents
Pupils are (on occasion, disarmingly) honest, grounded and modest. They say the single-sex environment is ‘empowering’, that by sixth form they’re ‘well prepared to deal with boys’. Parents from all walks of life and backgrounds, some the ‘typical
Money matters
The performing and visual art scholarships have no monetary value.
The last word
Sound progress and solid self-confidence to pursue relevant paths is all up for grabs at this savvy option for girls who were maybe unseen in primary school and need a bit of TLC and belief to turn that around. Locals ‘wish there was a Hillview fo
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Good |
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