About Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School (RMGS) is a co-educational selective grammar school in Rainham, Medway, admitting 180 pupils per year. Entry uses the Medway Test (set by GL Assessment) — the same test shared by all six Medway grammar schools. Three papers: English (×2 weighting), Mathematics (×2), Reasoning (×1) = max 700 pts. Pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26% of Medway Year 6). For 2023 entry, 948 applications were received for 235 places — highly competitive. Rainham Mark and Rochester Grammar also require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for Pupil Premium pupils.
Rainham Mark Grammar School offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. GCSE 9–7: 39.9%.
About the Medway Test for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School is a selective state grammar school in Medway, Kent. Entry to Year 7 is by the Medway Test, set by GL Assessment: three one-hour papers covering English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), plus a school-set extended writing task. The Medway Test is shared by all six Medway grammar schools, so a child sits it once. The school admits approximately 180 Year 7 pupils each September, and applications must be made through your home Local Authority via the Common Application Form (CAF).
The Medway Test consists of one or two papers covering English (comprehension, cloze passages, vocabulary), Mathematics (numerical reasoning, problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Test scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. The reasoning paper covers both verbal and non-verbal questions.
For 2026 entry, the test is sat in Wednesday 17 September 2025 and results are released on Mid-October 2025. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2025, with National Offers Day on Monday 2 March 2026.
Rainham Mark Grammar School is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (180 places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School Admissions Criteria
Rainham Mark Grammar School (RMGS) is a co-educational selective grammar school in Rainham, Medway, admitting 180 pupils per year. Entry uses the Medway Test (set by GL Assessment) — the same test shared by all six Medway grammar schools. Three papers: English (×2 weighting), Mathematics (×2), Reasoning (×1) = max 700 pts. Pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26% of Medway Year 6). For 2023 entry, 948 applications were received for 235 places — highly competitive. Rainham Mark and Rochester Grammar also require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for Pupil Premium pupils.
- ✓Register for the Medway Test via Medway Council's Parent Portal (medway.gov.uk) — opens May 2026, closes June 2026.
- ✓Children at Medway primary schools sit the test at their own school on a weekday (16th–17th September 2026).
- ✓Children NOT at Medway primaries sit at a designated test centre on the weekend (20th–21st September 2026).
- ✓Sit three Medway Test papers: English (comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar — 40 min), Mathematics (50 min), Reasoning — Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial (50 min).
- ✓Scoring: English raw score ×2, Maths raw score ×2, Reasoning raw score ×1 = total weighted score (max 700). Historical pass mark approximately 488 (top 25–26% of Medway Year 6 cohort).
- ✓Results released Wednesday 15th October 2026.
- ✓Complete Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if eligible for Free School Meals — submit to the school.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Pupil Premium / Free School Meals pupils given priority at most Medway schools.
- ✓All qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
- ✓Apply via Medway Council Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) by 31st October 2026.
- ✓Note: All six Medway grammar schools are co-educational from September 2026.
Rainham Mark Grammar School Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 180 Year 7 admission number, the Board of Governors / Trust applies the following criteria in priority order. Final ranking uses the standardised score achieved in the Medway Test (GL Assessment).
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the qualifying mark in the Medway Test set by Rainham Mark Grammar School
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Children with sibling(s) currently attending the school
- Children of staff (where staff member has worked at the school for 2+ years)
- Children ranked by total standardised score (highest first) up to the published admission number
- Tiebreak: distance from home to school (straight-line) for children with equal scores
Key Dates & Deadlines — Rainham Mark Grammar School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2025 |
| 📌 Registration closes | Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration) |
| 📌 Medway Test (GL Assessment) | Wednesday 17 September 2025 (Medway Test — English + Maths + VR) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2025 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2025 |
| 📌 National Offers Day | Monday 2 March 2026 |
How to Apply to Rainham Mark Grammar School via the Common Application Form
Step 1 — Register for the Medway Test (GL) Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal when registration opens. Closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration). There is no fee to sit the test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Rainham Mark Grammar School
Visit during Year 5 or early Year 6 to assess fit before listing this school on your CAF.
Step 3 — Sit the Medway Test (GL Assessment)
Test held on Wednesday 17 September 2025. Covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with age-standardised scoring.
Step 4 — Receive standardised test results
Test results released on Mid-October 2025, BEFORE the CAF deadline.
Step 5 — Complete your Common Application Form (CAF)
List Rainham Mark Grammar School as one of your preferences on the CAF submitted via your home Local Authority.
Step 6 — Submit the CAF by the deadline
Submit by Friday 31 October 2025. Late applications are processed only after on-time ones.
Step 7 — Receive your school offer on National Offers Day
Offers issued on Monday 2 March 2026 via your Local Authority.
Subjects Tested at Rainham Mark Grammar School
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School uses the Medway Test (GL Assessment) format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Rainham Mark Grammar School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Rainham Mark Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Rainham Mark Grammar School is a popular co-educational selective grammar in Gillingham and one of Medway’s largest, with consistently strong outcomes.
- GCSE: strong results across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: a wide sixth-form offer supporting competitive university applications.
- Progression: high rates of entry to Russell Group and other leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Admission to Year 7 is by the Medway Test, administered by Medway Council on the school’s behalf and produced by GL Assessment: papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial). A qualifying standard is set each year at roughly the top 25% of the cohort, and reaching it makes a child eligible but does not guarantee a place. Rainham Mark has no catchment area; it is Medway’s largest grammar with a Published Admission Number of 235 and is heavily oversubscribed (recently over 1,000 applications). A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is required.
Families register for the Medway Test with Medway Council in late May/June, sit it in September, receive results in October, and then name the school on the Medway Common Application Form by 31 October. Always confirm the current dates, qualifying score and oversubscription criteria with the school and Medway Council. After looked-after children, priority runs: pupils eligible for Free School Meals; then siblings; medical/health needs; children of staff (3+ years); and finally by distance from the school.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1923, Rainham Mark has been co-educational throughout its history and educates students aged 11–18. It combines high academic expectations with a broad, supportive environment.
The school offers a wide extracurricular programme spanning sport, music, drama and a range of clubs and societies. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainham Mark Grammar School
How do I apply to Rainham Mark Grammar School for Year 7?
Applications to Rainham Mark Grammar School are made through your home Local Authority's Common Application Form (CAF), not directly to the school. Your child must sit the Medway Test (registration closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration)), then list Rainham Mark Grammar School on the CAF by Friday 31 October 2025.
Does Rainham Mark Grammar School use the Medway Test?
Rainham Mark Grammar School uses the Medway Test for Year 7 selection. The Medway Test is set by GL Assessment (it was previously run by CEM) and is shared by all six Medway grammar schools. GL Assessment-style practice papers remain valuable preparation as the topic areas (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) are still tested in most formats.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. The Medway Test, including its reasoning paper, is now provided by GL Assessment.
How many Year 7 places does Rainham Mark Grammar School have?
Rainham Mark Grammar School admits approximately 180 Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Rainham Mark Grammar School?
For 2026 entry, Rainham Mark Grammar School's 11+ entrance assessment is held in Wednesday 17 September 2025 (Medway Test — English + Maths + VR). Registration closes Friday 30 June 2025 (Medway Test registration).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Rainham Mark Grammar School?
Rainham Mark Grammar School sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) up to 180 places.
Is Rainham Mark Grammar School a state school or fee-paying?
Rainham Mark Grammar School is a state-funded grammar school — there are no tuition fees. As a state grammar, it is academically selective via the Medway Test.
How can my child prepare for the Rainham Mark Grammar School 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete GL Assessment 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Rainham Mark Grammar School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Rainham Mark Grammar School 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.