Medway Grammar Schools: Your Complete 11+ Guide
Key Takeaways
- Medway has six grammar schools using GL Assessment 11+ papers
- The Medway and Kent 11+ systems are entirely separate, register for each independently
- Registration opens in May with the test in September of Year 6
- Achieving the qualifying score does not guarantee a place due to oversubscription
The Medway towns of Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Strood are served by a cluster of selective grammar schools that consistently deliver strong academic results. Medway operates its own 11+ testing system, separate from neighbouring Kent, which means parents need to understand the specific registration process, exam format and timelines that apply. Competition for grammar school places in Medway is intense, with far more children sitting the test than there are places available. Understanding how the system works, and preparing your child thoroughly, makes a real difference. This guide explains the schools, the exam structure, the admissions process and the most effective ways to approach preparation so your family can navigate the Medway 11+ with confidence.
Medway's six grammar schools use GL Assessment 11+ papers covering English, maths and reasoning. Registration is via Medway Council in May, with exams in September and results in October. The system is separate from Kent, and oversubscription means the qualifying score alone may not secure a place.
Overview of Medway Grammar Schools
Medway has six grammar schools, providing selective education for both boys and girls. The boys' schools are Chatham Grammar School for Boys, Fort Pitt Grammar School and Rochester Grammar School. The girls' schools are Chatham Grammar School for Girls, Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls and Rainham Mark Grammar School.
Each school has its own distinct identity. Rochester Grammar is known for its strong emphasis on STEM subjects, while Fort Pitt has a well-established reputation for the performing arts. Chatham Grammar schools serve the heart of the Medway towns, and Rainham Mark draws families from the eastern side of the area.
All six schools are oversubscribed, meaning that achieving the qualifying score is necessary but not always sufficient. Oversubscription criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school. Because Medway is a relatively compact urban area, the distance factor can be very tight, with places sometimes decided by a few hundred metres.
Parents living on the border between Medway and Kent should be aware that the two areas operate entirely separate 11+ systems. Sitting the Medway test does not qualify a child for Kent grammar schools, and vice versa. If you wish to apply to schools in both areas, your child must register for and sit both tests independently.
The Medway 11+ Test Format Explained
Medway uses GL Assessment for its 11+ examination. The test consists of two papers, each lasting around 50 minutes. Paper one typically covers English comprehension and verbal reasoning, while paper two covers mathematics and non-verbal reasoning. Both papers are multiple-choice.
The English comprehension section presents a passage of text followed by questions that test retrieval, inference, vocabulary in context and the ability to summarise key ideas. Verbal reasoning questions assess word relationships, codes, letter patterns and logical deduction.
Mathematics questions span the full Key Stage 2 curriculum, with a strong emphasis on arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and multi-step word problems. Non-verbal reasoning tests pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, reflection and rotation, skills that are not explicitly taught in primary school and require dedicated practice.
The Medway 11+ takes place in September of Year 6. Registration typically opens in May and closes in late June, though exact dates vary each year. Parents must register online through the Medway Council website. Results are released in mid-October, giving families time to finalise their secondary school preferences before the 31 October national deadline. EdifyPod Nexus covers every question type in the Medway 11+, with adaptive practice that adjusts to each child's strengths and gaps.
Families can also use EdifyPod Nexus to track their target school requirements and align preparation with the specific demands of each Medway grammar school.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Medway 11+
Effective preparation for the Medway 11+ combines consistent practice with strong foundational skills. Begin in Year 4 by encouraging daily reading, fiction, non-fiction, newspapers and poetry all help build the vocabulary and comprehension stamina needed for the English paper.
In mathematics, ensure your child is confident with times tables up to 12x12, can handle the four operations fluently, and understands fractions and decimals at a conceptual level. These fundamentals underpin the more complex problem-solving that the 11+ demands.
By early Year 5, introduce formal reasoning practice. Start with untimed question sets to build familiarity with question types, then gradually introduce time limits as confidence grows. Verbal reasoning codes and non-verbal reasoning sequences often feel alien to children at first, so patience and repetition are key.
Mock exams should feature prominently from the spring of Year 5 onwards. They develop time management, reduce exam anxiety and provide measurable benchmarks of progress. After each mock, review incorrect answers in detail, understanding why a mistake was made is far more valuable than simply moving on to the next paper.
In the final weeks before the test, focus on maintaining confidence rather than introducing new material. Keep sessions short, revisit common error patterns, and ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and physical activity. A well-rested, relaxed child will always outperform one who has been over-drilled.
Admissions Process and Key Dates
The Medway 11+ admissions timeline follows a clear sequence that parents should mark in their calendars. Registration opens online in May via the Medway Council website. There is no fee to register, but the deadline is firm and usually falls in late June or early July.
The test itself takes place across several days in mid-September. Children are allocated a test centre, which may or may not be their preferred grammar school. The council communicates test arrangements directly to registered families.
Results are released in mid-October. Each child receives a standardised score, and Medway Council publishes the qualifying score threshold. Children who meet or exceed this threshold are deemed to have reached the grammar school standard, and their parents can then list grammar schools on the common application form.
The common application form must be submitted to Medway Council by 31 October. Parents can list up to six school preferences, mixing grammar and non-selective schools. Offers are issued on National Offer Day, typically 1 March. Families who are unsuccessful can appeal, and the appeal process is independent and free.
It is crucial to understand that the qualifying score entitles a child to be considered for a grammar school place, but does not guarantee one. When a school receives more qualifying applications than it has places, the oversubscription criteria determine who is offered a spot. Families can explore adaptive practice at edifypod.com/11plus to support their child's preparation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Medway 11+ the same as the Kent 11+?
No, Medway and Kent operate entirely separate 11+ systems. You must register for each independently if you wish to apply to grammar schools in both areas.
How many grammar school places are available in Medway?
Across the six Medway grammar schools, there are approximately 900 Year 7 places available each year, though exact numbers vary by school.
What score does my child need to pass the Medway 11+?
The qualifying score changes each year based on the cohort. In recent years, it has typically been around 320 to 332 out of a possible standardised score, but this is not guaranteed.