Kent Grammar Schools (Using GL Assessment) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Kent has the largest grammar school system in England, with 33 fully selective grammar schools and several partially selective schools. These schools offer state-funded, academically selective education, admitting students based on performance in the Kent 11+ Test, which is provided by GL Assessment.
This test is commonly referred to as the PESE (Procedure for Entry to Secondary Education) and includes English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers.
🧠 Kent GL Assessment 11+ Grammar Schools
These schools all use the Kent Test (GL Assessment) as part of their admissions process:
📍 Examples of Notable Kent Grammar Schools using GL Assessment:
🔹 1. Tonbridge Grammar School (Girls)
- Location: Tonbridge
- Founded: 1905
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- IB World School (offers International Baccalaureate instead of A-Levels)
- Frequently ranked among the top 10 grammar schools nationally
- High university success, including Oxbridge & international universities
🔹 2. Dartford Grammar School for Girls
- Location: Dartford
- Founded: 1904
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Excellent GCSE & A-Level results
- Strong in STEM and Humanities
- Active in music, languages, and global exchanges
🔹 3. Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School (Canterbury)
- Founded: 1881
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
- Ofsted: Good (with Outstanding features)
Highlights:
- High academic results with creative and research-based enrichment
- Strong co-curricular offering in debating, STEM and arts
- Excellent Sixth Form university destinations
🔹 4. Highworth Grammar School
- Location: Ashford
- Founded: 1904
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Excellent academic outcomes and high-quality teaching
- Offers a wide subject range at A-Level
- Highly inclusive with strong student support
🔹 5. Oakwood Park Grammar School (Boys)
- Location: Maidstone
- Founded: 1918
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Good
Highlights:
- STEM-focused with strong GCSE and A-Level performance
- Known for pastoral care and co-curricular breadth
- Growing Sixth Form and improved university placements
🔹 6. Maidstone Grammar School (Boys)
- Founded: 1549
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Good
Highlights:
- Strong academic tradition with modern facilities
- Excellent results in Maths, Physics, Economics
- High university progression, including medicine and Oxbridge
🔹 7. Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS)
- Founded: 1887
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Academic excellence across all disciplines
- High A-Level results and competitive university entry
- Known for student leadership and enrichment
🔹 8. The Judd School (Boys)
- Location: Tonbridge
- Founded: 1888
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Elite grammar school, regularly in top 10 nationally
- Exceptional results, especially in Maths and Sciences
- High volume of Oxbridge and medical school entries
🔹 9. Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
- Founded: 1905
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Highlights:
- Highly regarded for academic standards and sixth form destinations
- Strong enrichment in drama, sports, and public speaking
🔹 10. Barton Court Grammar School (Co-ed)
- Location: Canterbury
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,050
- Ofsted: Good
Highlights:
- Mixed grammar school offering excellent results
- Strong Sixth Form options and international links
- Offers A-Level and a range of enrichment pathways
📊 Academic Performance Summary
| School Name | GCSE (7–9) % | A-Level (A*-B) % | University Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonbridge Grammar | 90%+ | 85–90% | IB – Oxbridge, global unis |
| Dartford Grammar for Girls | 85–90% | 80%+ | Oxbridge, Russell Group |
| Simon Langton Girls’ | 80%+ | 75–85% | STEM, Humanities, Oxbridge |
| MGGS | 85–90% | 80–85% | High Oxbridge and Medicine entries |
| Judd School | 90%+ | 90%+ | Consistently top Oxbridge intake |
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Many schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- National winners in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Science Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Debating & Model United Nations
- Eco-Schools, Artsmark, and DofE awards across several schools
🧪 The Kent Test (GL Assessment)
- The GL Assessment test includes:
- English and Maths paper (1 hour, multiple choice)
- Verbal reasoning & non-verbal reasoning paper (1 hour)
- Students sit the test in September of Year 6
- Results determine eligibility for grammar school entry
- Highly competitive, especially in West Kent (e.g. Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells)
Kent’s grammar schools using GL Assessment offer exceptional education, blending historic tradition with modern academic excellence. With strong outcomes, wide co-curricular activities, and a track record of Oxbridge and Russell Group success, they are among the most competitive and sought-after state schools in the UK.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Kent Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Kent Grammar Schools 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 Kent Grammar Schools 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 Kent Grammar Schools 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 Kent Grammar Schools 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.
Kent Grammar Schools 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 Kent Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Kent Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(Using the GL Assessment 11+ Test)
Kent has 33 grammar schools (both single-sex and co-educational), and entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the Kent 11+ Test, provided by GL Assessment. This test is used by all Kent grammar schools (except a few that set additional tests).
✅ Kent 11+ Test Overview (GL Assessment)
The Kent Test assesses a student’s academic ability and potential through multiple-choice papers across the following areas:
🔹 1. Test Subjects
- English (Comprehension & Grammar)
- Mathematics (based on Key Stage 2 National Curriculum)
- Reasoning:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
🔹 2. Writing Task (Optional)
- A short writing task is also included but is not marked unless needed for headteacher appeal reviews.
🔹 3. Scoring
- Each section is standardised to account for age.
- A total score is calculated from:
- English
- Maths
- Reasoning
- To qualify for grammar school, students must meet or exceed the Kent selective standard (typically around 320 total score, with minimum standardised scores in each section — e.g., 107+ in each).
📌 Meeting the standard doesn’t guarantee a place — each school applies its own oversubscription criteria if too many candidates qualify.
🏫 Kent Grammar Schools List Includes (examples):
- Tonbridge Grammar School
- The Judd School
- Dartford Grammar School
- Maidstone Grammar School
- Simon Langton Grammar Schools (Canterbury)
- Weald of Kent Grammar School
- Skinners’ School, and many more.
📝 How to Apply for Kent Grammar Schools – Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Register for the Kent 11+ Test
- Opens: June
- Closes: July
- Register online at:
🔗 www.kent.gov.uk/11plus
✅ Step 2: Take the Test
- Test Date (Kent Primary Pupils): September
- Test Date (Out-of-County Pupils): September
- Pupils take the test at their primary school (if in Kent) or at a Kent Test Centre (if out of county).
✅ Step 3: Receive Test Results
- Results released: October (via email or online)
- You’ll be told whether your child has met the grammar school threshold
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Deadline: October
- Submit via your local authority (e.g., Kent County Council or your home council)
- List up to 6 grammar schools in ranked order
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers released: 1st March
- If oversubscribed, places are allocated based on each school’s criteria (e.g., distance, siblings, Pupil Premium, etc.)
🧮 Oversubscription Criteria (Varies by School)
Each grammar school publishes its own admissions policy, but typical priorities include:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals
- Siblings of current students
- Living in a defined catchment area
- Highest scoring candidates
- Proximity to school (measured in a straight line)
🎓 Additional Information & Links
-
🔗 Kent 11+ Registration & Info:
www.kent.gov.uk/11plus -
🔗 Kent County Council Admissions:
www.kent.gov.uk/schooladmissions -
🏫 Individual Grammar School Policies:
Available on each school’s website
