Kent Test Guide for Parents

Everything You Need to Know from Maidstone Learning Centre

Which Grammar Schools Use the Kent Test?

If your child is applying to a grammar school in Kent, they’ll need to sit the Kent Test. This single exam is used by all grammar schools within the Kent County Council area.

Here’s a full list of the grammar schools that use the Kent Test:

• Barton Court Grammar School
• Borden Grammar School
• Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
• Cranbrook School
• Dane Court Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School for Girls
• Dover Grammar School for Boys
• Dover Grammar School for Girls
• Gravesend Grammar School
• Highsted Grammar School
• Highworth Grammar School
• Invicta Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
• Mayfield Grammar School
• Oakwood Park Grammar School
• Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School
• Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
• Sir Roger Manwood’s School
• The Folkestone School for Girls
• The Harvey Grammar School
• The Judd School
• The Langton Grammar School for Boys
• The Norton Knatchbull School
• The Skinners’ School
• Tonbridge Grammar School
• Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
• Weald of Kent Grammar School
• Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
• Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

 

What Is the Kent Test?

The Kent Test is an 11+ entrance exam used to assess academic ability and potential for grammar school entry. Children typically sit the test in September of Year 6.

• Test Provider: GL Assessment
• Eligibility: Open to all children applying for Kent grammar schools
• Applications: You only need to register once for all Kent grammar schools
• Purpose: To identify children performing in the top 25% of their age group

If you’re applying to grammar schools in Medway, Bexley, or Bromley, please note that different 11+ tests apply.

 

What’s Included in the Kent Test?

Paper 1: English and Maths (1 Hour Total)

• English Section (30 mins):
  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar, punctuation, vocabulary
  • Synonyms/antonyms
  • Sentence correction
• Maths Section (30 mins):
  Based on the Year 6 national curriculum, covering:
  • Four operations
  • Fractions, decimals, percentages
  • Geometry and measurement
  • Problem-solving and reasoning

Each section begins with a short, unmarked practice session.

 

Paper 2: Reasoning (1 Hour Total)

Tests skills not covered in the classroom, including:

• Verbal Reasoning (30 mins):
  Logical puzzles and pattern spotting using letters, numbers, and words.
• Non-Verbal & Spatial Reasoning (30 mins):
  Visual reasoning using shapes, sequences, and spatial awareness.
  Each section includes timed mini-tests with built-in practice.

 

 Writing Task (Creative Writing)

All children complete a short writing task. This is only marked in special cases—such as borderline results or appeals.

 

2025 Kent Test Dates (Provisional)

The Kent County Council hasn’t confirmed 2025 dates yet, but based on the 2024 cycle, here’s what to expect:

• 3rd June 2024: Kent Test registration opens
• 1st July 2024: Registration closes
• 2nd September 2024: Secondary school applications open
• 12th September 2024: Kent Test (Kent schools)
• 14th–15th September 2024: Kent Test (out-of-county schools)
• 17th October 2024: Test results released
• 31st October 2024: School application deadline
• 3rd March 2025: National Offer Day

Always confirm with your chosen grammar schools to stay up to date on key deadlines.

 

Kent Test Preparation at Maidstone Learning Centre

Take the Stress Out of 11+ Preparation

At Maidstone Learning Centre, we support families through every step of the Kent Test journey. Our experienced tutors and structured learning plans give your child the tools to succeed without the overwhelm.

 What We Offer:

• Targeted Learning Plans tailored to your child’s strengths and school choices
• Over 100,000 Practice Questions across English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
• Unlimited Mock Tests that build exam confidence
• Detailed Progress Reports comparing your child’s performance to other applicants
• In-person and Online Support from qualified 11+ specialists

Join the many families we’ve helped secure places at Kent’s top grammar schools. Start your child’s 11+ journey with Maidstone Learning Centre today.

 

Ready to Begin?

Help your child build knowledge, confidence, and exam skills in time for the Kent Test.

Call us today
Email us to book a consultation
Visit us in Maidstone
www.maidstonelearningcentre.co.uk