It offers a partially selective system and is one of only five bi-lateral schools in the United Kingdom.

The partially selective system permits admission to the grammar school section by the 11-Plus selection, however a passing mark is not required if the pupil is seen to have the ability to work in the 'grammar stream', and non-selective admission to the high school.

"[6][7] The deputy head teacher of Howard School, Bill Edgar, said “We very much regret that a highly confidential document about our students had got into the public domain.

"[8][9][10][11] In 2008, 2013, and 2016, The Howard School received a "good" rating from Ofsted inspectors.

Temple Mill Primary School, Strood, joined the Trust at the same time as the conversion to MAT and Deanwood Primary School, Parkwood, Rainham, joined the Trust in September 2016.