There are many types of 11+ examinations across the United Kingdom which are designed to assess whether a grammar school is a suitable option for your child. The Kent Test (11+) is commissioned by Kent County Council, written by GL Assessment and is sat by children across the county. The test includes sections involving English, maths and different types of verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning questions.
The Kent Test is taken by Year 6 students during the early part of September, with the results typically returned by late October, once the exams have been thoroughly assessed and scored
The test is optional for students, and approximately 16,000 children take the Kent Test each year. The primary goal is to place roughly 25% of the children in Kent into the local grammar schools.
The pass mark for the Kent Test varies from year to year. Students must pass English, maths, and reasoning papers individually and also achieve an overall score that is adjusted for age-standardisation.
The English test consists of a reading comprehension task and spelling, punctuation or grammar questions. The maths test consists of varying mathematical concepts.
This paper is split into two problem solving parts: verbal reasoning, which focuses on using words and letters, and nonverbal reasoning, which utilises shapes, pictures and patterns.
Once both papers are completed, students sit a short writing task which is not formally assessed. This is used only if your child goes through the headteacher's appeals process.
You can register your child to take the Kent Test via the Kent County Council website between 1 June and 1 July. Registration must be completed when your child is in Year 5.
Some schools have their own admissions policies which may include alternative entry tests. We recommend visiting the website of schools you are interested in to find out more. See a full list of schools here.
Each child is unique and will benefit differently from various preparation techniques. Familiarise yourself with the process and utilise guides and services to get prepared.
