Kent Test 11+ Guide for Parents
The Kent Test is the 11+ assessment used by grammar schools in the Kent County Council area to help decide whether grammar school is a suitable option for a child.
This guide explains what the Kent Test assesses, how the papers are structured, which skills pupils should build, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test is designed to assess whether grammar school is a suitable option for a child. It is used by grammar schools in the Kent County Council area as part of the Year 7 admissions process.
Children must be registered for the Kent Test if parents want them to be assessed for Kent grammar school suitability. A grammar school assessment does not automatically guarantee a place at a particular grammar school, because school admissions policies and oversubscription rules still apply.
Which Grammar Schools Use the Kent Test?
All grammar schools in the Kent County Council area use the Kent Test to help decide which children should be offered places.
The Kent grammar schools listed in the official secondary admissions information include:
| Kent Grammar School |
|---|
| Barton Court Grammar School |
| Borden Grammar School |
| Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School |
| Cranbrook School |
| Dane Court Grammar School |
| Dartford Grammar School |
| Dartford Grammar School for Girls |
| Dover Grammar School for Boys |
| Dover Grammar School for Girls |
| Folkestone School for Girls |
| Gravesend Grammar School |
| Harvey Grammar School |
| Highsted Grammar School |
| Highworth Grammar School |
| Invicta Grammar School |
| Judd School |
| Maidstone Grammar School |
| Maidstone Grammar School for Girls |
| Mayfield Grammar School |
| Norton Knatchbull School |
| Oakwood Park Grammar School |
| Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School |
| Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School |
| Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys |
| Sir Roger Manwood's School |
| Skinners' School |
| Tonbridge Grammar School |
| Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School |
| Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys |
| Weald of Kent Grammar School |
| Wilmington Grammar School for Boys |
| Wilmington Grammar School for Girls |
Parents should check the admissions policy for each Kent grammar school they are considering. Some schools may also have school-specific arrangements, priority areas, oversubscription criteria or additional information that parents need to understand before listing schools on the secondary application form.
What Does the Kent Test Assess?
The Kent Test assesses English, Maths and reasoning skills. In practical preparation terms, pupils should build confidence across:
- English comprehension
- Literacy skills
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths problem solving
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial reasoning
- Writing under test conditions
- Multiple-choice technique
- Working accurately under time pressure
A balanced preparation plan should not focus only on Maths and English. Reasoning skills are a major part of the Kent Test and need regular practice.
Kent Test Format
The Kent Test includes two multiple-choice papers and a writing exercise.
| Part of the Kent Test | What It Includes | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| English and Maths paper | A combined English and Maths paper. The English section includes comprehension and additional literacy questions. The Maths section reflects Key Stage 2 National Curriculum requirements. | English comprehension, SPAG, vocabulary, Maths arithmetic and Maths reasoning. |
| Reasoning paper | A reasoning paper with verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Non-verbal reasoning is split into short timed sections. Spatial reasoning skills may also be assessed. | VR, NVR, spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, logic and timed accuracy. |
| Writing exercise | A writing task completed under test conditions. It is not marked as part of the main computer-marked test but may be used by a local Headteacher Assessment Panel. | Planning, clear writing, sentence structure, vocabulary, SPAG and written accuracy. |
The multiple-choice papers use separate answer sheets and are marked by computer. The writing task is separate from the computer-marked papers.
Important Preparation Point
Because the Kent Test includes English, Maths, reasoning and writing, pupils need both multiple-choice exam technique and clear written communication skills.
Kent Test Timing
Kent County Council describes the English and Maths paper as taking about 1 hour. Each section includes a short practice exercise followed by a timed test section.
The reasoning paper also takes about 1 hour, including practice sections and questions. The writing exercise allows time for planning and writing.
Parents should treat timings as entry-year specific and should always check the latest Kent Test information for the relevant admissions year.
Kent Test Scores and Threshold
Children receive three standardised scores:
- English
- Maths
- Reasoning
They also receive a total aggregate score. Standardisation compares each child’s performance with other children and makes a slight adjustment for age so younger children are not disadvantaged.
The grammar school threshold can be entry-year dependent. As a recent published example, the 2025 grammar school threshold required a total score of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 108. Parents should check the relevant year’s Kent Test results information because thresholds and arrangements can change.
Writing Task and Headteacher Assessment
The Kent Test includes a writing exercise completed under test conditions. This writing task is not marked as part of the main test score.
However, it may be considered by a local Headteacher Assessment Panel as part of the headteacher assessment stage. This means pupils should still practise writing clearly, accurately and with good structure.
Writing preparation should include:
- Planning quickly
- Writing clear openings
- Using paragraphs
- Choosing precise vocabulary
- Using varied sentence structures
- Checking spelling and punctuation
- Finishing within the time available
Registration and Test Centres
Parents must register their child for the Kent Test within the published registration window. Registration rules and deadlines are strict, so parents should check them carefully each year.
Most children attending Kent primary schools usually take the test in their primary school. Children from schools outside Kent County Council boundaries are usually invited to attend Kent testing centres.
Test arrangements are confirmed by Kent County Council. Parents should follow the official instructions for their child’s school and residence situation.
Special Arrangements
If a child has special educational needs, a disability or usual classroom arrangements that may affect access to the test, parents should discuss this with the child’s school SENCO as early as possible.
Requests for special arrangements normally need to be submitted by the child’s current primary school and are considered by a panel. Parents should check the current Kent guidance for deadlines and requirements.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Kent
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Kent Test preparation should focus on English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, spatial reasoning, SPAG and writing.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets are useful because they combine:
- English + Verbal Reasoning
- Maths + Non-Verbal Reasoning
This supports the Kent Test skill areas: English, Maths, reasoning and mixed exam-style problem solving.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear categories. For Kent, the most relevant areas are Core Subjects, Mock Exams, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
11+ Mock Exams
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — mixed sets for GL, CEM and ISEB-style preparation.
- 11+ SPAG — spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
11+ Foundation
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
- Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Poems
English Preparation for the Kent Test
The English section includes comprehension and literacy skills. Pupils should build reading confidence, vocabulary and accuracy.
Your child should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Inference
- Retrieving information from a passage
- Vocabulary in context
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Sentence structure
- Careful reading of question wording
- Multiple-choice English questions
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
Maths Preparation for the Kent Test
The Maths section reflects Key Stage 2 National Curriculum requirements. Pupils should practise arithmetic and problem solving.
Your child should practise:
- Times tables and mental maths
- Written calculations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Data handling
- Algebra basics
- Number patterns
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
- Checking calculations
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
Reasoning Preparation for the Kent Test
The Kent Test reasoning paper contains verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Non-verbal reasoning is administered in shorter timed sections and may include spatial reasoning skills.
Verbal Reasoning
- Word relationships
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Letter codes
- Word codes
- Compound words
- Hidden words
- Logical word sequences
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning
- Shape patterns
- Sequences
- Matrices
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- Spatial awareness
- Visual problem solving
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ Foundation VR
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
Creative Writing Preparation for Kent
The Kent writing task is not marked as part of the main score, but it may be considered during headteacher assessment. It is therefore sensible for pupils to practise writing under timed conditions.
Your child should practise:
- Planning a story or description quickly
- Writing clear openings
- Using paragraphs
- Choosing precise vocabulary
- Using varied sentence structures
- Developing character, setting or atmosphere
- Using accurate spelling and punctuation
- Checking work before the end of the task
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ SPAG
Printed Paper Sets for Kent Test Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, multiple-choice answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
Printed papers should be used alongside online practice. Online practice helps target weak areas, while printed papers help pupils apply skills in a realistic paper format.
Multiple Choice Format
The main Kent Test papers use multiple-choice questions with separate answer sheets. Pupils need to solve questions accurately and mark answers carefully.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- Read each question carefully
- Identify key information
- Use rough working effectively
- Eliminate incorrect options
- Avoid rushing
- Check calculations and reasoning
- Mark answer choices accurately
- Manage time across timed sections
Suggested Weekly Kent Test Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths or word problems
- 1 day per week: Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Non-Verbal or spatial reasoning
- 1 day per week: Writing practice, mixed practice or mistake review
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed practice and printed paper work. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter, focused sessions.
Common Kent Test Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Practising only English and Maths while ignoring reasoning
- Leaving Non-Verbal Reasoning until the final weeks
- Ignoring spatial reasoning practice
- Forgetting the writing task completely
- Doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- Starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Not practising answer-sheet accuracy
- Missing the registration deadline
- Assuming a grammar school assessment guarantees a specific school place
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make Kent Test preparation more effective by keeping it steady, calm and balanced.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the current Kent Test registration and admissions timetable
- Read individual grammar school admissions policies
- Encourage daily reading and vocabulary discussion
- Practise mental maths regularly
- Review mistakes after each test
- Keep a notebook of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Practise reasoning consistently
- Add occasional timed writing practice
- Avoid last-minute cramming
- Focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test is the 11+ assessment used by grammar schools in the Kent County Council area to help decide whether grammar school is a suitable option for a child.
What does the Kent Test assess?
The Kent Test assesses English, Maths and reasoning skills. The reasoning paper includes verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with non-verbal sections timed separately.
How many papers are in the Kent Test?
The Kent Test includes a combined English and Maths multiple-choice paper, a reasoning multiple-choice paper and a separate writing exercise.
Is the Kent writing task marked?
The writing task is not marked as part of the main computer-marked test, but it may be used by a local Headteacher Assessment Panel during the headteacher assessment stage.
What scores does my child receive?
Children receive standardised scores for English, Maths and reasoning, as well as a total aggregate score.
What is the Kent Test pass mark?
The grammar school threshold can change by year. As a recent published example, the 2025 threshold required a total score of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 108. Parents should check the relevant year’s Kent Test results guidance.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for Kent Test preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ VR, 11+ NVR, 11+ SPAG, Creative Writing and 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets.
Do children outside Kent sit the test at their primary school?
Children from schools outside Kent County Council boundaries are usually invited to attend Kent testing centres. Parents should follow the instructions issued for the relevant entry year.
Are printed paper sets useful for Kent Test preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise multiple-choice technique, timed sections, concentration and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Which grammar schools are included in the Kent Test area?
The Kent Test is used by grammar schools in the Kent County Council area. This guide includes the Kent grammar school list from the official secondary admissions information. Parents should still check each individual school’s current admissions policy before applying.
Does passing the Kent Test guarantee a grammar school place?
No. A grammar school assessment means the child can be considered for grammar school, but places are allocated according to school admissions policies and oversubscription criteria.
Final Advice
Kent Test preparation should be balanced across English, Maths, reasoning and writing.
Pupils should build strong comprehension, literacy, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, spatial reasoning, SPAG, writing and multiple-choice skills, supported by regular mistake review.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen these areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
For Kent Test preparation, the 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets under 11+ Mock Exams are useful because they combine English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work, writing practice, careful mistake review and up-to-date admissions checking, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the Kent Test.