Highsted Grammar School 11+ Practice Papers and Video Answers

Highsted Grammar School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Selective Grammar School for Girls | Sittingbourne, Kent | Ages 11–18 | Co-educational Sixth Form

📚 History of Highsted Grammar School

Highsted Grammar School is a selective girls’ grammar school located in Sittingbourne, Kent. It was originally established in 1904 as Sittingbourne Girls’ Grammar School and moved to its current site in 1959. The school became known as Highsted Grammar School thereafter and continues to serve academically able girls from across Sittingbourne and surrounding areas.

The school has a long-standing tradition of excellence, emphasising both academic achievement and personal development. In the Sixth Form, the school becomes co-educational, welcoming a small number of boys alongside girls.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

Total Pupils: Approximately 880
Year 7 Intake: ~120 pupils
Sixth Form: ~200 students (co-educational)
Gender: Girls only (Years 7–11), Co-educational in Sixth Form
Age Range: 11–18

🎓 Academic Reputation

Highsted Grammar School is consistently among the top-performing schools in Kent. It offers a traditional, knowledge-rich curriculum with a strong focus on STEM, languages, and the arts, alongside a supportive pastoral structure.

✅ Academic Highlights:

Strong performance in GCSE and A-Level results
High numbers of students progressing to Russell Group universities
Curriculum designed to promote critical thinking, leadership, and resilience

📊 Exam Results (Typical Year):

GCSEs:
- ~95% of students achieve 5 or more GCSEs at Grades 9–5, including English & Maths
- High percentage of Grades 7–9 (A–A*) in Maths, Science, and English
A-Levels:
- ~70% of grades at A–B*
- Leavers go on to study Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Arts at top UK universities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (latest inspection)
Member of the Kent Association of Headteachers of Grammar Schools (KAHGS)
Recognised in:
- Sunday Times Parent Power League Tables
- Local and national awards for Science, Public Speaking, and Girls in STEM

🏫 Highsted Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: Highsted Grammar School
Type: Selective Grammar School for Girls (Co-educational Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent

📍 Address:

Highsted Grammar School
Highsted Road
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 4PT
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1795 424223

📝 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 Highsted Grammar School Entrance Exam

The Highsted Grammar School is a highly selective grammar school, known for its academic excellence and competitive admission process. To gain entry into Year 7, students must excel in the Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test, which assesses skills in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

To secure a place at Highsted Grammar School, students need a well-structured study plan and regular practice with exam-style questions. ExamTutor’s 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a comprehensive and effective preparation strategy, helping students:

✔ Familiarise themselves with the Kent 11 Plus test format and question types
✔ Master essential skills in English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning
✔ Identify weak areas early and focus on improvement
✔ Develop time management techniques for answering questions efficiently
✔ Boost confidence with structured and challenging practice

Step 1: Understand The Folkestone School for Girls Entrance Exam Format

The Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test used by FSG consists of:

📌 English & Maths Paper (60 minutes total, split into two sections)

English: Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary.
Maths: Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and numerical reasoning.

📌 Reasoning Paper (60 minutes total, split into two sections)

Verbal Reasoning: Word-based problem-solving, logical thinking, and code-breaking.
Non-Verbal & Spatial Reasoning: Shape sequences, patterns, and spatial awareness.

📌 Writing Task (40 minutes, not marked but considered in borderline cases)

Creative writing or persuasive writing to assess literacy and expression skills.

Step 2: Use Timed Practice Papers to Build Exam Stamina

The Kent Test is strictly timed, so practicing under exam conditions is critical.

Why Timed Practice is Important:

✔ Develops speed and efficiency – Helps students complete all sections within the time limit.
✔ Builds exam stamina – Ensures students stay focused and perform well under timed conditions.
✔ Identifies areas needing improvement – Helps adjust study plans to target weaker topics.

How to Use Timed Practice Effectively:

1️⃣ Start with untimed practice – Focus on understanding different question types.
2️⃣ Gradually introduce timed conditions – Simulate real exam conditions.
3️⃣ Analyse performance after each test – Identify weak areas and adjust study focus accordingly.

Step 3: Use Video Explanations to Strengthen Understanding

A major advantage of ExamTutor’s practice papers is the detailed video explanations, which help students:

🎥 Understand complex questions – Step-by-step solutions simplify problem-solving.
🎥 Learn from mistakes – Reviewing errors helps students avoid repeating them.
🎥 Improve problem-solving techniques – Teaches effective strategies for tackling difficult questions.

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

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

Step 4: Identify Weak Areas and Strengthen Key Skills

A targeted study plan ensures that weak areas are addressed before the exam.

How to Identify Weak Areas:

✔ Analyse previous practice test scores – Identify patterns in mistakes.
✔ Spend extra time on difficult subjects – Focus on areas requiring improvement.
✔ Use question-specific drills – Practice weak areas separately before reattempting full tests.

Example Study Plan for FSG 11+ Preparation:

📅 Monday: Verbal Reasoning (Word Puzzles, Logical Thinking, Sequences)
📅 Tuesday: Non-Verbal Reasoning (Shapes, Patterns, Spatial Awareness)
📅 Wednesday: Mathematics (Algebra, Problem-Solving, Word Problems)
📅 Thursday: English (Comprehension & Grammar)
📅 Friday: Full Timed Practice Test + Review Video Explanations
📅 Saturday: Writing Practice – Creative & Persuasive Writing Tasks

Step 5: Develop Effective Exam Strategies

To excel in the Kent Test, students must develop strong exam techniques.

Key Exam Strategies:

⏳ Time Management:

Don’t spend too long on one question – Move on and return later if needed.
Use time wisely – Ensure all sections are completed within the time limit.

❌ Elimination Techniques:

For multiple-choice questions, eliminate incorrect answers first to improve accuracy.

📖 Reading Strategies:

For comprehension, scan the passage for key details before answering.

🧩 Pattern Recognition:

For Non-Verbal Reasoning, identify repeated shapes and logical sequences.

Practicing these strategies with ExamTutor practice papers will help students improve accuracy, confidence, and efficiency.

Step 6: Track Progress and Adjust Study Plans

Regular assessment helps monitor improvement and refine study techniques.

How to Track Progress:

📌 Keep a record of scores – Compare test results over time to measure progress.
📌 Identify common mistakes – Adjust the study plan based on weak areas.
📌 Reattempt practice papers – Ensure improvement in previously challenging topics.
📌 Celebrate progress – Encourage small successes to boost confidence.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparing early – Ideally 9-12 months before the exam to allow time for skill development.
✔ Encourage daily reading and writing – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English section.
✔ Practice problem-solving frequently – Mathematics and reasoning skills improve with regular exposure.
✔ Use real exam conditions – Simulating the test environment builds confidence.
✔ Maintain a positive mindset – Confidence plays a key role in success.

Using ExamTutor’s 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations is an effective and structured way to prepare for The Highsted Grammar School Kent 11 Plus Test. By following a well-planned study schedule, practicing under timed conditions, and reviewing mistakes with expert video explanations, students can maximise their performance and secure admission to Highsted Grammar School.

Start practicing today to give your child the best chance of success! 🚀

✏️ Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

✅ Entry via Kent 11+ (PESE) Test

Highsted Grammar School admits students based on performance in the Kent Test (11+), part of the PESE (Procedure for Entry to Secondary Education) system run by Kent County Council.

🧪 Kent Test Format (GL Assessment)

The Kent 11+ Test includes:

English and Maths Paper – Multiple choice
Reasoning Paper – Verbal, Non-Verbal & Spatial Reasoning
Writing Task – Used as additional evidence in borderline cases

Tests are taken in September of Year 6
Standardised scores are calculated, and a minimum qualifying score must be achieved (typically around 320 total or 107 per paper, but varies annually)

📋 Oversubscription Criteria (If More Than 120 Qualify)

If more pupils qualify than there are places, the following priorities apply:

Looked-after and previously looked-after children
Pupils with a sibling already at Highsted
Health and Special Access Needs (with evidence)
Proximity to the school (measured in a straight line)

There is no formal catchment area, but distance is a key factor in oversubscription.

📅 Key Admissions Dates

Stage	Date (Indicative)
Kent Test Registration Opens	June
Registration Closes	July
Kent Test Date (in Kent schools)	September
Results Released	October
CAF Application Deadline	31 October
National Offer Day	1 March

📌 Register for the Kent Test via:
🔗 www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test

🧾 How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Register for the Kent Test via Kent County Council
Sit the Kent Test in September of Year 6
Receive results in October
Submit your school choices on the CAF (list Highsted as one of your preferences)
Receive offer on National Offer Day (March)

Highsted Grammar School | 11+

11+

GL Assessment