Holcombe Grammar School | 11+

11+

CEM

Holcombe Grammar School | 11+

Age:11+

Holcombe Grammar School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Selective State Grammar School | Chatham, Medway, Kent | Boys 11–16, Co-ed Sixth Form

📚 History of Holcombe Grammar School

Holcombe Grammar School, formerly known as Chatham Grammar School for Boys, has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence in the Medway area. The school dates back to the early 20th century and has been a cornerstone of selective education in Chatham, Kent.

In 2016, the school was renamed Holcombe Grammar School to reflect its modernisation and to distinguish it as part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT), which focuses on developing metacognitive and critical thinking skills in students.

Though historically a boys’ grammar school, Holcombe is now co-educational in the Sixth Form, offering a more inclusive academic environment post-16.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & Structure

Total enrolment: Approximately 950–1,000 pupils
Year 7 entry: Around 180 pupils per year
Ages: 11–18 (Years 7–11 boys only, Sixth Form mixed)
Sixth Form: Co-educational, with around 150–200 students

The school offers a selective, high-achieving environment with strong pastoral care and a focus on developing independent learners.

🎓 Academic Reputation

Holcombe Grammar School is one of the leading grammar schools in the Medway region. As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, it places a strong emphasis on:

Metacognition (learning how to learn)
High aspirations and academic growth
Personalised learning and strong teacher-pupil relationships

✅ Key Academic Strengths:

Strong performance at GCSE and A-Level
Broad curriculum with opportunities in STEM, humanities, and the arts
High university progression rate, including Russell Group universities

📊 Recent Results (Typical Years):

GCSEs:
- Over 80% of students achieve Grade 5+ in English and Maths
- Strong performance in sciences, maths, and humanities
A-Levels:
- Consistently above national average for A*–C grades
- Students progress to top universities and higher-level apprenticeship

🏫 Holcombe Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: Holcombe Grammar School
Type: Selective Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
Part of: Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT)

📍 Address:

Holcombe Grammar School
Luton Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 5JB
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)333 360 2130

📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment

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

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

Admission to Year 7 at Holcombe 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 Holcombe 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 Holcombe 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 Holcombe 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.

Holcombe 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 Holcombe Grammar School.

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

📝 Holcombe Grammar School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

✅ Entry to Year 7

Holcombe Grammar is part of the Medway Grammar Schools and uses the Medway Test (11+) as its entrance examination.

🧪 1. Medway Test (11+)

Pupils must sit the Medway Test, administered by Medway Council
The test typically takes place in September of Year 6
Designed by GL Assessment

📋 The test includes:

English (extended writing and comprehension)
Mathematics
Verbal Reasoning

📌 Scoring:

Standardised score out of 600 (English and Maths double-weighted)
Minimum cut-off scores vary year to year depending on demand and performance

🏠 2. Catchment and Oversubscription

Holcombe Grammar gives priority in admissions based on:

Test score ranking (highest scorers ranked first)
Looked-after or previously looked-after children
Siblings of current pupils
Pupils in catchment area (Chatham, Rochester, nearby towns)
Proximity to school (distance in miles)

📅 Admissions Timeline

Event	Date
Register for Medway Test	June–July
Sit the Medway Test	September
Results Issued	October 2024
Apply via Local Authority CAF	Deadline: 31 October
National Offer Day	1 March

👉 Apply via: www.medway.gov.uk

🧾 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Register your child for the Medway Test through Medway Council (summer of Year 5/6)
Sit the test in September of Year 6
Receive results (October)
List Holcombe Grammar School on your Common Application Form (CAF)
Receive offer via your local authority on National Offer Day (1 March)

🎓 Sixth Form Admissions

Sixth Form is co-educational
Entry is based on GCSE results and subject-specific requirements
Offers a wide range of A-Level and Level 3 qualifications

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