Dartford Grammar School 11+ Practice Papers and Video Answers

Dartford Grammar School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Dartford Grammar School (DGS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious grammar schools in England. It was founded in 1576 by William Vaughan, a local merchant, making it over 450 years old. The school has a long history of academic excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including Sir Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones), Professor Jeremy Black (historian), and Sir Richard Dearlove (former head of MI6).

Originally a boys-only school, DGS has evolved significantly over the years. In 1972, it became one of the first schools in the UK to introduce a co-educational Sixth Form, welcoming girls alongside boys in Years 12 and 13. The school has also expanded its campus with new buildings and facilities, including the Shaw Building (for Maths & Computer Science), the Sixth Form Centre, and the Mick Jagger Centre (for Performing Arts).

Dartford Grammar is a selective school, meaning students must pass the 11+ examination to gain admission in Year 7. It remains one of the most competitive and sought-after grammar schools in the country.

Pupil Numbers

Approximately 1,500 students across Years 7-13.
Around 400 students in the Sixth Form, including both boys and girls.
The school is regularly oversubscribed, with students coming from Dartford and surrounding areas, including London and Kent.

Academic Reputation

Dartford Grammar School is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools in the UK. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in the Sixth Form, rather than A-levels, making it one of the leading IB schools in the country.

Key Academic Achievements:

GCSE Results:
- A very high percentage of students achieve grades 7-9 (A-A equivalent).*
- Strong performance in Maths, Sciences, and Languages.
IB Results:
- The school is often ranked as one of the top IB schools in the UK.
- Students achieve high IB Diploma scores, with many securing places at Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and top global institutions.
STEM & Languages Focus:
- The school has a strong emphasis on Mathematics, Sciences, and Foreign Languages.
- It offers a unique “IB Middle Years Programme” in lower years, encouraging a broad and international approach to learning.

Awards & Recognitions

Dartford Grammar School has received numerous awards for its academic excellence and extracurricular success:

Regularly ranked as one of the best state schools in the UK.
Top IB School in the UK, achieving some of the best IB results nationally.
“Outstanding” rating from Ofsted in all categories.
International School Award, recognising its strong focus on global education and languages.
STEM Awards, including success in the UKMT Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Engineering competitions.
Sports & Arts Achievements:
- Strong participation in national rugby, football, and athletics competitions.
- The Mick Jagger Centre is a well-known venue for performing arts and music.

Dartford Grammar School is a top-tier selective grammar school, known for its exceptional academic performance, strong emphasis on international education, and excellent extracurricular opportunities. Its commitment to the IB curriculum makes it stand out from other UK grammar schools, and its rich history and strong reputation continue to attract high-achieving students.

🏫 Dartford Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: Dartford Grammar School
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)

📍 Address:

Dartford Grammar School
West Hill
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2HW
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1322 223039

📝 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 Dartford Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Dartford Grammar 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 Dartford Grammar 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 Dartford Grammar 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 Dartford Grammar 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.

Dartford Grammar 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 Dartford Grammar School.

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

Dartford Grammar School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Dartford Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school (with a mixed Sixth Form) located in Dartford, Kent. It is one of the top-performing state schools in the UK, known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at Sixth Form.

Admission to Year 7 is highly competitive, and places are offered based on performance in the Kent 11 Plus (PESE) exam.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

Dartford Grammar School admits 180 students into Year 7 each year. To be eligible, students must:

✔ Sit the Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test and achieve the required pass mark.
✔ Meet the school’s oversubscription criteria if there are more qualified applicants than available places.

Oversubscription Criteria (If More Students Qualify Than Places Available)

1️⃣ Looked After or Previously Looked After Children

Children in foster care or previously in care receive the highest priority.

2️⃣ Pupil Premium & Free School Meals (FSM) Students

10% of places are allocated to students eligible for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals (proof required).

3️⃣ Sibling Priority

Boys with a brother currently attending Dartford Grammar School at the time of admission receive priority.

4️⃣ Proximity to the School (Distance Criterion)

Places are then allocated based on straight-line distance from the child’s home to the school.

5️⃣ Students Living Outside the Local Area

If places are still available, students living further away may be considered.

📌 Important: Students who apply for Dartford Grammar School must list it as a preferred school choice on their secondary school application form.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

Step 1: Register for the Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test

📅 Registration Opens: June (Year 5)
📅 Registration Closes: Early July (Year 5)

Parents must register their child online via the Kent County Council (KCC) website.

Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)

Dartford Grammar School holds Open Evenings and School Tours for prospective students and parents.
These provide an opportunity to meet teachers, explore facilities, and learn about the admission process.

Step 3: Sit the Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test

📅 Exam Date: September (Year 6)

The Kent 11 Plus (PESE) test includes:
- English – Comprehension and literacy skills.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving and arithmetic.
- Verbal Reasoning – Logical and language-based reasoning.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness and pattern recognition.

✔ Students must achieve the required score to be considered for a place.

Step 4: Receive 11 Plus Results

📅 Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)

Parents receive Kent 11 Plus results before submitting their school choices.
If the child passes, parents can list Dartford Grammar School as a preference.

Step 5: Submit Secondary School Application Form (CAF)

📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)

Parents must list Dartford Grammar School as a preferred choice on the Common Application Form (CAF) via the Kent County Council website or their local authority portal.

Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision

📅 March 1st (Year 6)

Parents receive confirmation of their child’s school place from Kent County Council.
If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm the child’s place.

Step 7: Appeals Process (If Necessary)

📅 Appeal Deadline: April-May (Year 6)

If an applicant is unsuccessful, parents can appeal the decision.
Appeals are reviewed by an independent admissions panel.

Step 8: Transition & Induction

📅 Summer Term (before September start)

Induction Days and Welcome Events help students adjust to their new school environment.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Open Days: Summer-Autumn (Year 5 & Year 6)
📌 Kent 11 Plus Registration Deadline: Early July (Year 5)
📌 Kent 11 Plus Exam: September (Year 6)
📌 Kent 11 Plus Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Appeals Process: April-May (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry

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

Scholarships & Bursaries

Dartford Grammar School does not offer scholarships or bursaries, as it is a state-funded grammar school. However, students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) or Pupil Premium may receive priority consideration.

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the 11 Plus exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning – These sections are crucial in the Kent 11 Plus.
✔ Strengthen English & Maths skills – Focus on comprehension, problem-solving, and arithmetic.
✔ Attend Open Events – Learn more about the school’s expectations and environment.
✔ Ensure your child is within the catchment area – Proximity to the school affects admissions.
✔ Consider Pupil Premium Eligibility – If eligible, this may increase admission chances.

Admission to Dartford Grammar School Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-planned application, your child can maximize their chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 Dartford Grammar School Website
🔗 Kent County Council Admissions

Dartford Grammar School | 11+

11+

GL Assessment