Cranbrook School 11+ Practice Papers and Video Answers

Cranbrook School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Cranbrook School is a co-educational selective grammar school for students aged 11 to 18, located in Cranbrook, Kent. It is one of the few state boarding schools in the UK, offering both day and boarding places. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, strong university progression rates, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities.

1. History & Background

Founded in 1518, Cranbrook School was established as a free grammar school by John Blubery, a local merchant.
The school received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1574, cementing its status as a prestigious educational institution.
Originally a boys’ school, Cranbrook became fully co-educational in 1972, admitting both boys and girls.
It remains one of only five state boarding schools in England, allowing students from across the UK and internationally to study there.

2. Pupil Numbers

Total student population: Approximately 900 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 600 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 300 students.
Boarding population: Around 250 boarders, with students living in six boarding houses.
Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 is based on performance in the Kent 11+ and 13+ entrance exams, while Sixth Form places require strong GCSE results.

3. Academic Reputation & Results

Cranbrook School is recognised for its strong academic performance, particularly in STEM, humanities, and languages.

📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings

A-Level Results:
- Over 75% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
GCSE Results:
- *Over 80% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
Consistently ranked among the top 100 grammar schools in England for academic performance.

🏆 Awards & Achievements

Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted for boarding provision and “Good” for academic standards.
STEM Excellence – Cranbrook students regularly compete in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and Engineering Competitions.
Sporting Achievements, with teams excelling in rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball at regional and national levels.
Music & Performing Arts Success – The school has a strong tradition in orchestras, choirs, and drama productions.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme, with many students achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Recognised for leadership development, encouraging students to take part in public speaking, debating, and Model United Nations (MUN)

Cranbrook School is one of Kent’s most prestigious selective grammar schools, offering excellent academic results, top university placements, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. With its rich history, strong boarding community, and emphasis on leadership and personal development, Cranbrook provides an exceptional learning environment for ambitious students.

🏫 Cranbrook School – Contact Information

School Name: Cranbrook School
Type: Selective State Grammar School (Co-educational, Ages 11–18) with Boarding

📍 Address:

Cranbrook School
Waterloo Road
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 3JD
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1580 711804

📝 Exam Board: Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test – GL Assessment

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Cranbrook School 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Cranbrook School is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.

To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.

How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.

✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Cranbrook School entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.

2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.

5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the Cranbrook School 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Cranbrook School Preparation?

✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.

How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Cranbrook School Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Cranbrook School.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀

Cranbrook School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Cranbrook School is a co-educational state grammar school located in Cranbrook, Kent. It is unique as one of the few grammar schools in the UK that admits students at 13+ (Year 9) rather than Year 7 for most of its intake. However, a small number of Year 7 places are available for boarding students only.

For Year 7 entry, only boarding students can apply. Day students must apply for entry at Year 9 (13+ entry).

Year 7 Admissions Criteria (Boarding Only)

To gain admission to Cranbrook School for Year 7, students must:

1. Be Applying as a Boarding Student

✔ Cranbrook School does not admit day students in Year 7.
✔ Boarding places are available for UK and international students.
✔ Students must show they are suitable for boarding through an interview and assessment.

2. Pass the 11+ Entrance Exam (For Boarding Admission Only)

📌 Subjects Tested:

English – Comprehension, writing, and grammar.
Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, and numerical reasoning.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – Logical and pattern-based problem-solving.

✔ The entrance test ensures students meet the academic standard required for grammar school education.

3. Attend an Interview

✔ Applicants will be invited to a boarding suitability interview to assess their readiness for boarding school life.
✔ This interview evaluates independence, adaptability, and motivation.

4. Provide a School Reference

✔ Cranbrook School requests a confidential reference from the applicant’s current school.
✔ This reference provides insight into the student’s academic ability, behaviour, and suitability for boarding.

How to Apply for Year 7 Boarding Admission

Step 1: Register for Admission

📅 Registration Deadline: December (Year 6)

Parents must complete the online application form via the Cranbrook School website.
A boarding application fee may be required.

Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)

Cranbrook School offers Open Days for prospective students and parents.
These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet boarding staff, and understand the curriculum.

Step 3: Sit the Entrance Exam

📅 Exam Date: January (Year 6)

The test is conducted at Cranbrook School.
Results determine if the student is eligible for an offer.

Step 4: Attend the Boarding Interview

📅 Interview Date: January-February (Year 6)

Selected candidates are invited for a boarding suitability interview.

Step 5: Receive an Admission Offer

📅 Offer Letters Sent: March (Year 6)

Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
Parents must accept the offer and pay a deposit to secure the place.

Step 6: Induction & Transition

📅 Summer Term (before September start)

Induction events and boarding preparation sessions help students settle into school life.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Registration Deadline: December (Year 6)
📌 Entrance Exam Date: January (Year 6)
📌 Boarding Interviews: January-February (Year 6)
📌 Offer Letters Sent: March (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry

(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Cranbrook School website for updates.)

Scholarships & Bursaries

Cranbrook School offers means-tested bursaries to support boarding students requiring financial assistance.

✔ No academic scholarships are available for Year 7 entry.
✔ Bursaries are awarded based on financial need and require a financial assessment.

📌 Parents must apply for bursaries at the same time as registration.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the entrance exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage independence – Boarding school applicants should be comfortable living away from home.
✔ Attend Open Events – Learn more about the boarding environment and meet key staff.
✔ Show enthusiasm during the interview – Schools look for resilience, confidence, and adaptability.
✔ Stay informed about deadlines – Ensure you complete all steps on time.

Admission to Cranbrook School Year 7 is only available for boarding students, and competition is high. With strong academic preparation, an engaging interview, and an understanding of boarding life, your child can maximise their chances of success.

Cranbrook School | 11+

11+

GL Assessment