Welcome to The Howard School
Thank you for your interest in The Howard School at what I think is a very exciting time to be part of the school’s community. As part of The Howard Academy Trust, we are committed to a shared moral purpose; to make a positive difference to the lives of the young people in our community.
High Standards lead to High Achievement
The Howard School is a highly inclusive school community where every individual matters. High levels of discipline ensure everyone is expected to work hard and make a positive contribution to the learning environment. The school has been recognised as a Rights Respecting School at Gold Level by UNICEF, the only secondary school in Kent or Medway to receive such an award.
An "Exceptional" Rated School
"Pupils feel happy and safe. They are proud to be part of The Howard School community."
"Teaching is highly effective across the curriculum. Teachers are experts in their subjects."
- Ofsted, 2026
Our Curriculum
We endeavour to enhance the life chances of our young people by maximising their educational achievement. Our local and national reputation is one that continues to grow. The curriculum that we offer ensures all our students receive a solid academic education alongside a wide range of opportunities for personal development.
Ethos & Values
At The Howard School we aspire for all our students to gain the academic results and personal skills to make a positive contribution to society, both now and in the future.
House Points
Latest News
26/06/18 14:20:0818 Jun 2026
The Howard School receives the first Exceptional Ofsted Grading for a secondary school in Kent
The Howard School is today celebrating a monumental Ofsted result, having secured the first ‘Exceptional...
26/04/08 00:00:008 Apr 2026
The Howard School Welcomes Minister Sarah Jones to Discuss Knife Crime Prevention
The Howard School was proud to welcome Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire Sarah Jones MP and local...
25/12/19 00:00:0019 Dec 2025
Charity Drive
A MASSIVE festive THANK YOU to our incredible parents and carers! We have been absolutely blown away by the generos...
25/11/14 00:00:0014 Nov 2025
Real World Maths in Action
Today our Year 9 students took part in a special workshop exploring maths in everyday life, with a particular focus on t...
Have you checked whether your child is now eligible for Free School Meals? The eligibility criteria has recently changed, meaning more families may now qualify. Even if your child has received Free School Meals before, you should still complete a new eligibility check. If your child is eligible, they could receive: A free school meal every day A free breakfast Giving you savings of around £500 a year on school meals Plus, every successful application provides an additional £505.40 in funding for our school, helping us to support pupils with resources, enrichment opportunities and learning. Applying takes just 2 or 3 minutes, and you will need your National Insurance number. Check your eligibility today: https://fsm.lgfl.net/app Please share this post with friends and family; you may help another child access the support they're now entitled to.
Come and see why we secured the first 'Exceptional' criteria grading for a secondary school in Kent! We warmly invite parents, carers and students to visit The Howard School, Rainham, at this year's Open Events. Explore our exciting facilities, meet our dedicated staff, hear from our Principal at one of our bookable talks, and see our highly Ofsted rated education in action. Thursday 1st October, 2026 4.30pm till 7pm Saturday 3rd October, 2026 10am till 12pm Book your place here: https://bit.ly/thehoward2026opendays We can't wait to welcome you!
Two months to go until this year's Open Events! Come and explore our exciting facilities, meet our dedicated staff, hear from our Principal at one of our bookable talks, and see why we received the first 'Exceptional' Ofsted rating for a Secondary School in Kent! Thursday 1st October, 2026 4.30pm till 7pm Saturday 3rd October, 2026 10am till 12pm Location: Derwent Way, Gillingham ME8 0BX Book your place here: https://bit.ly/thehoward2026opendays We can't wait to welcome you! #SchoolOpenEvent #FutureStartsHere #TrustTHAT
Considering joining us in September 2027? Booking for this year's Open Events are live, and places are filling up fast! Thursday 1st October, 2026 4.30pm till 7pm Saturday 3rd October, 2026 10am till 12pm Location: Derwent Way, Gillingham ME8 0BX Book your place here: https://bit.ly/thehoward2026opendays
Where you can find us
Open Events
1st & 3rd October
Are you considering sending your child to The Howard School in September 2027? Join us at our Open Events for a chance to take a look around our school!
Open Evening
Date: Thursday 1st October 2026
Time: 4:30pm - 7pm. Bookable Principal Talks at 4:45pm and 5:30pm
Open Morning
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Time: 10am - 12pm. Bookable Principal Talks at 10am and 10:45am
What to Expect:
- Tour our school grounds, and get a taste of the fantastic facilities we have on site
- Speak to our staff and students to hear about life at The Howard School
- Visit our classrooms to learn more about our exciting curriculum
- Hear from Mr Johal, our Principal, at a number of bookable talks
- Come and see our ‘Exceptional’ education for yourselves!
The Howard Ofsted Result
The first ‘Exceptional’ criteria grading for a secondary school in Kent
We are proud to share that The Howard School is celebrating a monumental Ofsted result, having secured the first ‘Exceptional’ criteria grading for a secondary school in Kent, under the new Ofsted framework.
This result comes amidst an overwhelmingly positive Ofsted inspection, which also sees the school receiving four ‘Strong Standard’ and two ‘Expected Standard’ judgements.
Inspectors judged Personal Development and Wellbeing to be ‘Exceptional’, a grade reserved for practice that is among the very best in the country. Inspectors found that the school’s work to support pupils’ mental health, character, and spiritual growth has a "transformational” impact, particularly for its most vulnerable learners.