The Kent Test (11+) guide

Kent Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information

Are you thinking about sending your child to a grammar school in Kent? We have compiled comprehensive information regarding admissions for the academic year 2024-2025. Continue reading to:

Discover additional information regarding grammar schools in Kent
Find out more about the 11+ exam, the Kent Test
Discover which subjects your child will be tested on

Introduction:

The Kent Grammar School Consortium comprises a collective of grammar schools located in the Kent region, working together to provide administration for the 11+ entrance examination. The primary objective of the consortium is to provide an equitable and uniform admissions procedure for all selective grammar schools in Kent. Based on their results in the 11+ admission exam, students may be eligible to be considered at numerous schools within the consortium.

The primary objective of the consortium is to improve the effectiveness and fairness of the admissions procedure for its affiliated educational institutions. Through collaboration, the schools pool resources, knowledge, and administrative responsibilities, guaranteeing a cohesive and efficiently organised selection process. The objective of this collaborative effort is to ensure that kids from various backgrounds have equitable access to top-notch education at all the grammar schools involved.

Which grammar schools use the Kent Test?

The Kent Grammar Schools Consortium presently has a total of 32 grammar schools.

Important Dates

It is advisable to consult the target schools for accurate dates, as they may vary.

Registration closing date:	July
Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) closing date:	October
Exam date:	September
Exam board type:	GL Assessment
Results date:	October
Allocations date:	March
Admissions info:	Kent County Council, 03000 412121

Kent Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Admissions

In order to be eligible for admission to a Year 7 programme at any Kent grammar school, it is necessary for your kid to successfully complete the Kent eleven plus examination and meet the prescribed criteria.

Prior to submitting an application, it is highly recommended that you participate in the open events organised by the appropriate school. These events provide an opportunity for you and your kid to explore the facilities and seek clarification regarding the admissions procedure.

The coordination of Year 7 admissions to Kent grammar schools is facilitated by the Kent County Council, whereby parents are required to complete an online registration process prior to their child’s 11 Plus examination in September.

Kent Test registration opens:	June 2024 (exact date TBC)
Kent Test registration closes:	July 2024 (exact date TBC)
Kent Test exam date:	September 2024 (exact date TBC)
Kent Test results released:	October 2024 (exact date TBC)
Secondary school application deadline:	31st October 2024
School allocations:	3rd March 2025

What is the Kent Test?

The Kent Test is an 11 plus exam used by grammar schools in Kent. The Kent Test is used by all grammar schools within the Kent County Council authority. Consequently, your child will be required to complete the test just once, irrespective of the number of grammar schools in Kent to which they are applying.

GL Assessment is responsible for providing the test papers. Grammar schools use the exam, which is meant to be difficult, to choose students who perform in the top 25% of their year group. For the 5,801 spots that were available in 2023, almost 17,000 kids took the Kent Test.

The Kent Test takes place in September in Year 6. Your child will probably take the test on a school day at their own school if they attend a Kent primary school. If a kid attends a primary school located outside of Kent, there is a possibility that they may receive an invitation to participate in the test at a grammar school in Kent during the weekend.

It should be noted that in the event that your child is seeking admission to a grammar school located in Medway or the London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, they will be required to undergo a separate examination.

How to Register for the Kent Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Exam?

Prior to the July deadline, it is imperative that you register your child to take the Kent Test. Kent County Council makes it easy to do this online. After the completion of the test in September, parents will be provided with their child’s results in October. Subsequently, parents are required to submit the Secondary School Common Application Form (SCAF) on the Kent local government website, specifying their child’s preferred school or schools.

What’s on the Kent Test?

The Kent Test comprises two multiple-choice exams, each designated with a time limit of one hour. Children indicate their responses on distinct answer sheets, which are digitally marked.

In addition, your child will be assigned a short writing assignment.

Paper 1: English and maths

One hour

Multiple choice English and maths questions

Each section comprises a five-minute practise exercise, followed by a 25-minute test

English Paper:

One of the components of the English part is a reading comprehension exercise. Additionally, there exist enquiries that evaluate proficiencies in areas such as grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Question types vary, but might include things like:

choosing the best words to complete a sentence

finding synonyms and antonyms

spotting mistakes in sentences

Maths Paper:

The mathematics component of the test will evaluate your child’s comprehension of the subjects they have studied in school until the beginning of Year 6. Your child should possess a proficient understanding of their times tables and possess a level of knowledge that is suitable for their age.

the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)

fractions and decimals

percentages and ratio

geometry, including area, perimeter and measurements

Paper 2: Reasoning

Paper 2 assesses both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, as well as spatial reasoning. These subjects are not taught at primary school.

Several 11+ examinations use these categories of enquiries to evaluate a child’s aptitude, rather than acquired expertise.

Verbal Reasoning	Evaluates an individual’s ability to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving by utilising textual knowledge. These elements encompass letters, words, symbols, and numbers. For example, it may be necessary for a child to examine the correlation between numbers in order to make predictions about the subsequent number in a sequence.
Non-Verbal Reasoning	Refers to the ability of engaging in cognitive processes and problem-solving by utilising visual stimuli, including shapes, diagrams, and pictures. Your child must analyse the resemblances and disparities among shapes, and recognise alterations between shapes in a sequential manner.
Spatial Reasoning	Bears resemblance to non-verbal reasoning. But it evaluates how well you can work with shapes and space in your mind.

It takes 30 minutes to complete the verbal reasoning section. This consists of a 10-minute pre-test and a 20-minute exam.

The duration of the section on non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning is 30 minutes. Nevertheless, this is segmented into shorter exams that are timed independently. Each session begins with an unscheduled practise period, during which your child will practise under the supervision of the invigilator. The completion time for each of the smaller portions is approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Kent 11 Plus (11+) Exam Passing Marks and Target Scores

Upon completion of the examination, your child will be awarded three standardised scores, specifically one for English, one for Mathematics, and a comprehensive score encompassing Reasoning. Standardised scores are employed as a means of comparing the performance of one’s child with the average performance of other students who have taken the test.

The observed range of single standardised scores spans from 69 to 141

Maximum achievable total standardised score reaching 423.

To pass the examination, it is necessary for your child’s individual score to exceed 109, while their cumulative score must reach or surpass 332.

The mere fact that your child passes the test does not ensure that they will receive a spot. It signifies that they have exceeded the necessary threshold. Therefore, it makes sense to try to get the highest score possible. It means that they can be considered for any Kent grammar school you name on the Common Application Form (CAF).

How can I help my child prepare for the Kent Test?

Mock Exam Centre can be a valuable resource in preparing your child for admission to Kent School or any similar academic institution. Here’s how it can help:

Simulating Exam Conditions: Mock exam centres create an environment that closely resembles the actual exam setting. This helps familiarise your child with the format, timing, and atmosphere of the test, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence on the day of the actual exam.

Practice Tests: We provide access to a variety of practise tests that closely mirror the content and difficulty level of the entrance exam. Regular practise tests help identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted study in areas that need improvement.

Feedback and Assessment: Mock exam centre provide detailed feedback and performance analysis after each practise test. This feedback can highlight areas where your child needs to focus more attention and provide strategies for improvement.

Time Management Skills: Practising under timed conditions helps improve your child’s time management skills, ensuring they can complete each section of the exam within the allotted time frame.

Familiarity with Exam Format: Becoming familiar with the format and structure of the exam can boost your child’s confidence and reduce test-day anxiety. Mock exams allow them to understand the types of questions asked, the instructions provided, and the overall layout of the test.

Building Confidence: Success in mock exams can boost your child’s confidence and morale, reassuring them that they are well-prepared for the actual exam.

Benchmarking Performance: Mock exams can serve as benchmarks to track your child’s progress over time. By comparing scores from multiple practise tests, you can gauge improvement and adjust study strategies accordingly.

Reducing Exam Stress: Regular exposure to the exam format through mock tests can help alleviate test anxiety, enabling your child to perform at their best on exam day.

In summary, Mock Exam Centres offer a structured and supportive environment for your child to prepare effectively for the Kent School admission exam, ultimately increasing their chances of success. Looking to equip your child with a clear pathway to success in the Kent Test? Look no further than Mock Exam Centre. With our comprehensive package, we provide everything your child needs for effective preparation, all in one place.

Access online and printable Kent Test practise papers, meticulously designed to mirror the actual exam format and content.
Benefit from a vast bank of adaptive questions, ensuring your child gets ample practise across all areas of the test.
Gain access to on-demand video lessons, covering key concepts and strategies to tackle each section of the Kent Test with confidence.
With automatic marking and instant progress data, you can track your child’s improvement every step of the way, allowing for targeted focus where needed.

At Mock Exam Centre, we’re dedicated to helping your child succeed in the Kent Test and secure a spot at their desired grammar school. Trust us to provide the support and resources they need to excel. Contact us Now!