Dartford Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School: Dartford Grammar School
Location: Dartford, Kent
Type: Foundation selective school for boys (ages 11-19), co-educational sixth form
Current Roll: Approximately 1,203 students (461 in sixth form)
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Special Recognition: International Baccalaureate School of the Decade

About Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School represents academic excellence in Kent's selective education system. Founded in 1864, this prestigious institution has built an outstanding reputation for nurturing bright young minds over more than 150 years. The school serves boys from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, whilst welcoming girls into its co-educational sixth form environment.

Located in the historic town of Dartford, the school combines traditional values with modern educational approaches. Students benefit from exceptional facilities and a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire. The school's commitment to developing global citizens is evident through its International Baccalaureate programme, which earned recognition as IB School of the Decade.

Academic achievement remains consistently high, with students regularly securing places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The school's ethos centres on academic rigour balanced with extensive co-curricular opportunities, ensuring students develop both intellectually and personally.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Dartford Grammar School uses Kent's standardised 11+ testing system to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a selective environment. The assessment evaluates candidates across four key areas designed to measure natural ability and academic readiness.

Assessment Components:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests understanding of language, vocabulary, and ability to follow written instructions
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates logical thinking through patterns, sequences, and spatial awareness
• Mathematics: Assesses numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts
• English: Tests reading comprehension, grammar, and written communication skills

Students achieving scores in the top 25% of all Kent candidates qualify for grammar school admission. The school particularly values students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the resilience needed for academic challenge.

How to Apply

The application process for Dartford Grammar School follows Kent County Council's coordinated admissions system, ensuring fairness and transparency for all candidates.

Application Steps:

• Registration: Complete your application through the KentChoices online system
• School Preference: List Dartford Grammar School as one of your preferred schools
• Assessment Registration: Register separately for the Kent Test (11+) through Kent County Council
• Test Date: Attend the 11+ assessment at your designated test centre
• Results: Receive qualification status and school allocation through KentChoices

Key Requirements:

• Student must achieve qualifying score in Kent Test
• Application must be submitted by the specified deadline
• Student must be in Year 6 when applying for September entry
• Permanent address must be eligible under Kent's admissions criteria

The school operates a fair and transparent admissions process, with oversubscription criteria clearly defined in their admissions policy. Priority is given to students meeting specific geographical and family circumstances criteria.

Preparing for the Dartford Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Dartford Grammar School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Kent and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.