Kent Grammar Schools: Complete 11 Plus Guide for Parents
Key Takeaways
- Kent has 32 grammar schools, the Kent Test is set by GL Assessment and covers English, Maths, and Reasoning.
- Registration opens in June and closes in early July, late applications are rarely accepted.
- The pass threshold varies yearly; being deemed suitable does not guarantee a place at your preferred school.
- Preparation should target GL Assessment question formats, especially the combined reasoning paper.
Kent is one of the largest fully selective areas in England, with 32 grammar schools offering over 4,000 places each year. The Kent Test, the county’s version of the 11 plus, is the gateway to these schools, and competition is significant. This guide covers the Kent Test format, registration process, scoring system, and how to prepare your child effectively.
The Kent Test is a GL Assessment exam covering English, Mathematics, and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal combined), sat in September of Year 6 for entry to Kent’s 32 grammar schools. Registration opens in June, results arrive in October, and places are allocated based on standardised scores plus oversubscription criteria including distance and catchment.
The Kent Test Format
The Kent Test is set by GL Assessment and consists of three papers: English (reading comprehension and writing), Mathematics (arithmetic and problem-solving), and Reasoning (a combined paper covering both verbal and non-verbal reasoning). Each paper lasts approximately 40–60 minutes.
The test is multiple-choice for the reasoning and maths components, with a written English section. The reasoning paper is particularly important in Kent, it carries significant weight in the overall score. Children sit the Kent Test at designated test centres, usually in September of Year 6.
Registration and Key Dates
Registration for the Kent Test typically opens in early June and closes in early July. You must register your child through the Kent County Council website, even if you live outside Kent but want your child to attend a Kent grammar school (out-of-county applicants are eligible but must register by the same deadline).
Results are usually released in mid-October. You then include your grammar school preferences on the Kent secondary school application form, which must be submitted by 31 October. National Offer Day is 1 March. Late registrations are rarely accepted, so mark the June deadline firmly in your calendar.
How Kent Grammar School Places Are Allocated
The Kent Test produces a standardised score that accounts for age differences within the cohort. Children who score at or above the “grammar school threshold” are deemed “suitable for grammar school education.” This threshold is not a fixed number, it varies slightly each year depending on the score distribution.
Being deemed suitable does not guarantee a place. Each grammar school then applies its own oversubscription criteria, which typically include distance from the school, catchment area, and sibling priority. Some Kent grammars are heavily oversubscribed even among children who pass the test, particularly schools like Tonbridge Grammar, Tunbridge Wells Grammar, and the Maidstone grammars.
Preparing for the Kent Test
Because the Kent Test uses GL Assessment papers, preparation should focus on the specific GL question formats. For reasoning, work through GL-style verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers, the question types are consistent and learnable. For maths, ensure strong arithmetic fluency and problem-solving skills. For English, practise comprehension techniques and timed writing.
Start preparation 12–18 months before the test. On EdifyPod Nexus, Eddy provides practice across all Kent Test subjects, with questions that match the GL Assessment style. The adaptive system ensures your child is always working at the right level, building both skill and confidence in the months leading up to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are there in Kent?
Kent has 32 grammar schools offering approximately 4,000 places each year. They are spread across the county, with clusters in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Canterbury, Folkestone, and the Medway towns (technically Medway is a separate authority with its own test).
Can children from outside Kent sit the Kent Test?
Yes. Children from neighbouring counties and even further afield can register for the Kent Test and apply to Kent grammar schools. However, some schools prioritise Kent residents in their oversubscription criteria, so check each school’s admissions policy.
What score do you need to pass the Kent Test?
The pass threshold varies each year and is not published in advance. Historically, children need to score in approximately the top 25–30% of the cohort to be deemed suitable for grammar school education. Individual school cut-offs may be higher due to oversubscription.