Beechings Way is in Rainham, Gillingham and in Gillingham district. ME8 7AY is located in the Rainham North electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Gillingham and Rainham. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Beechings Way, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 7AY and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: ME8 7AZ, ME8 7BS, ME8 7BA, ME8 7BT, ME8 7BB, ME8 7BD, ME8 7AX, ME8 7AP, ME8 7BP.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. However, the area surrounding ME8 7AY, has a female population slightly higher than UK average, with 55% of residents being female. Several factors can contribute to this. Women generally live longer than men, resulting in a higher proportion of women in neighborhoods with significant elderly populations. Typically, as people grow older, they tend to relocate from city center addresses to suburban areas, smaller towns, and rural locations. Consequently, these areas often have a higher number of females. A higher female population can also be found in areas with industries that employ more women, such as healthcare, education, and retail.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 55.1% | 55% | -0.1% | 51.0% | 4.0% |
| Male | 44.9% | 45% | 0.1% | 49.0% | -4.0% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
In the immediate vicinity of ME8 7AY there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 53.7% of the resident population. In contrast, the average marriage rate across the census is about 44%.
Areas with a high percentage of married residents are typically suburban neighborhoods, towns with good schools and family-friendly amenities, and regions with affordable, spacious housing options. Additionally, such areas can be popular among retirees.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 23.9% | 26.6% | 2.7% | 37.9% | -11.3% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 59.3% | 53.7% | -5.6% | 44.2% | 9.5% |
| Separated | 1.8% | 0.9% | -0.9% | 2.2% | -1.3% |
| Divorced | 7.1% | 10.3% | 3.2% | 9.1% | 1.2% |
| Widowed | 8% | 8.4% | 0.4% | 6.1% | 2.3% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 44.2% | 47.2% | 3.0% | 48.4% | -1.2% |
| Good health | 38.5% | 37.2% | -1.3% | 33.6% | 3.6% |
| Fair health | 12.7% | 14.2% | 1.5% | 12.7% | 1.5% |
| Bad health | 4.2% | 1.1% | -3.1% | 4.0% | -2.9% |
| Very bad health | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
This area stands out for its low percentage of residents with higher education degree. The UK average is 33.8%, while in this area it is 19.1%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 27.9% | 22.3% | -5.6% | 18.2% | 4.1% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 16.4% | 13.5% | -2.9% | 9.6% | 3.9% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 19.5% | 17.2% | -2.3% | 13.4% | 3.8% |
| Apprenticeship | 5.8% | 7.9% | 2.1% | 5.3% | 2.6% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 12.4% | 18.1% | 5.7% | 16.9% | 1.2% |
| Degree or Similar | 13.3% | 19.1% | 5.8% | 33.8% | -14.7% |
| Other | 4.9% | 1.9% | -3.0% | 2.8% | -0.9% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 94.7% identifying as such, significantly higher than the UK average of 81.4%. This indicates a lower level of ethnic diversity compared to the broader UK population.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 0.4% | 2.1% | 1.7% | 3.1% | -1.0% |
| Pakistani | 0% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.7% | -1.3% |
| Other Asian | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.6% | -1.2% |
| Black Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.0% | -0.6% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.3% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 1.1% | 0% | -1.1% | 0.9% | -0.9% |
| White | 97.9% | 94.7% | -3.2% | 81.4% | 13.3% |
In this area, 94.3% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is higher than the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 98.2% | 94.3% | -3.9% | 83.2% | 11.1% |
| European Union | 1.1% | 2.1% | 1.0% | 6.1% | -4.0% |
| Africa | 0.7% | 0.4% | -0.3% | 2.7% | -2.3% |
| Middle East and Asia | 0% | 2.8% | 2.8% | 5.6% | -2.8% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 97.5% | 94% | -3.5% | 83.2% | 10.8% |
| 10+ Years | 0% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 9.8% | -5.9% |
| 5-10 Years | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 2.9% | -1.8% |
| 2-5 Years | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 2.2% | -1.1% |
| Less than 2 years | 2.5% | 0% | -2.5% | 1.9% | -1.9% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 85.8% | 76.7% | 9.1% |
| Ireland | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| Italy | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.1% |
| Poland | 1.1% | 1.3% | -0.2% |
| Southern Asia | 0.4% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
| South-East Asia | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| No passport held | 11.3% | 13.5% | -2.2% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 45.4% | 37.2% | 8.2% |
| Christian | 44% | 46.2% | -2.2% |
| Hindu | 0.7% | 1.7% | -1.0% |
| Jewish | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Muslim | 2.5% | 6.5% | -4.0% |
| Other religion | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| Not answered | 6.7% | 6.0% | 0.7% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Beechings Way was 21.0 per 1,000 residents, which is 73.5% lower than the Rainham North average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
Beechings Way has the 14th lowest crime rate of 88 local areas in Rainham North and the 112th lowest crime rate of 820 local areas in Medway .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 14.0 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -93.7%.

Households in this area have a slightly higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 63% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 296 Beechings Way, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £255,540 | 2024-04-22 | £278,695 |
| 264 Beechings Way, Gillingham, Medway Detached, an established residential building | £410,000 | 2021-12-23 | £450,011 |
| 300 Beechings Way, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £262,500 | 2021-10-19 | £294,649 |
| 306 Beechings Way, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £250,000 | 2020-08-07 | £313,363 |
| 278 Beechings Way, Gillingham, Medway Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £240,000 | 2019-11-15 | £302,334 |
ME8 7AY area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 0% residents of this area were unemployed, while the average in the UK was 4.83%. A low level of unemployment in an area indicates a strong job market, where most people who are seeking work can find employment. This generally reflects a healthy economy in the area.
The percentage of retired residents living in ME8 7AY area is much higher than the country's average. According to Census 2011, 33% residents of this area were retired, while the average in the UK was 14%.
| Retired | 72 |
| Full-Time Employee | 69 |
| Part-Time Employee | 28 |
| Self-Employed | 21 |
| Looking after home or family | 12 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 6 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 4 |
| Other | 2 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 1 |
| Unemployed | 1 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 25 |
| Human health and social work activities | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
| Construction | 12 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 11 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 10 |
| Education | 10 |
| Transport and storage | 9 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 5 |
| Real estate activities | 4 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 3 |
| Information and communication | 3 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 3 |
| Other | 2 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thames View Primary School Bloors Lane , Rainham ME8 7DX | 3out of 4 | 457 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Twydall Primary School and Nursery Twydall Lane , ME8 6JS | 1out of 4 | 883 yd | Academy sponsor led | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School Romany Road , Rainham ME8 6JH | 3out of 4 | 1,010 yd | Voluntary aided school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Featherby Junior School Chilham Road , ME8 6BT | 1out of 4 | 1,517 yd | Academy sponsor led | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Featherby Infant and Nursery School Allington Road , ME8 6PD | 3out of 4 | 1,533 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainham Mark Grammar School Pump Lane , Rainham ME8 7AJ | 4out of 4 | 315 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| The Howard School Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | 3out of 4 | 1,226 yd | Academy converter | No | Boys | More About School |
| Rainham School for Girls Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | 3out of 4 | 1,382 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Girls | More About School |
| Leigh Academy Rainham Otterham Quay Lane , Rainham | - not rated | 2,571 yd | Free schools | No | Mixed | More About School |
| The Robert Napier School Third Avenue , ME7 2LX | 3out of 4 | 2,614 yd | Academy sponsor led | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidKent College Medway Road , ME7 1FN | - not rated | 4,636 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danecourt School Hotel Road , ME8 6AA | 3out of 4 | 1,875 yd | Academy special converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Bryony School 157 Marshall Road , Rainham ME8 0AJ | - not rated | 2,012 yd | Other independent school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Will Adams Centre Woodlands Road , ME7 2BX | 3out of 4 | 2,195 yd | Pupil referral unit | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| The GFC School Priestfield Stadium , Redfern Avenue ME7 4DD | - not rated | 2,806 yd | Other independent school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Rivermead School Forge Lane , ME7 1UG | 3out of 4 | 3,554 yd | Academy special converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireaway / NXT LVL GILLINGHAM | 19 Twydall Green, Twydall | 1,026 yd | |
| Twydall Cafe | 16 Twydall Green, Twydall | 1,050 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dewdrop | 100 - 102 Hawthorne Avenue, Rainham | 477 yd | |
| The Three Mariners | Three Mariners, 509 Lower Rainham Road | 913 yd | |
| Gillingham Labour Club | Nye Bevan Memorial Hall, Twydall Lane | 1,075 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasty Kebab & Fish | 63 Twydall Green, Twydall | 980 yd | |
| Uncle Bobs Chicken N Wings | 62 Twydall Green, Twydall | 982 yd | |
| Papa Johns | 51 Twydall Green, Twydall | 1,003 yd | |
| Domino's Pizza | 28 London Road, Rainham | 1,069 yd | |
| Crispin's Fish Bar | 7 Twydall Green, Twydall | 1,081 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Rainham Mark Grammar School PUMP LANE | grass pitches, health and fitness suite, tennis courts | 287 yd |
| Thames View Primary School BLOORS LANE | grass pitches | 339 yd |
| Splashes Sports Centre Bloors Lane | health and fitness suite, swimming pool | 610 yd |
| Cozenton Park Bloors Lane | grass pitches | 701 yd |
| Berengrave Park BERENGRAVE LANE | grass pitches | 830 yd |
| Playfootball Gillingham LONDON ROAD | artificial grass pitch | 893 yd |
| Beechings Way Beechings Way | grass pitches | 893 yd |
| Twydall Primary School TWYDALL LANE | grass pitches | 967 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Median download speed | 100 Mbit/s |
| Average download speed | 124.8 Mbit/s |
| Minimum download speed | 500 Mbit/s |
| Maximum download speed | 500 Mbit/s |
| Median upload speed | 10 Mbit/s |
| Average upload speed | 12.8 Mbit/s |
| Maximum upload speed | 35 Mbit/s |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.