Dover Grammar School for Boys: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School: Dover Grammar School for Boys (DGSB)
Location: Astor Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT17 0DQ
Age Range: 11-16 (boys only), co-educational sixth form
School Type: Selective state grammar school
Headteacher: Mr Philip Horstrup
Entrance: 11+ examination required
Website: www.dgsb.co.uk

About Dover Grammar School for Boys

Dover Grammar School for Boys occupies a distinguished position amongst Kent's selective grammar schools, serving the historic port town of Dover and surrounding areas. Founded as part of the maintained grammar school system, DGSB has built a reputation for academic rigour whilst maintaining a supportive environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and personal development.

The school's location in Dover provides unique educational opportunities, with the proximity to continental Europe offering enhanced language programmes and cultural exchanges. DGSB's curriculum extends well beyond traditional academic subjects, encompassing a comprehensive range of co-curricular activities that develop leadership skills and character.

What sets DGSB apart is its commitment to maximising each student's potential through personalised learning approaches. The school's ethos centres on academic excellence combined with strong pastoral care, ensuring that boys develop both intellectually and personally during their formative secondary years.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Dover Grammar School for Boys employs the Kent Test (Kent's 11+ examination) as its primary selection mechanism. This assessment is designed to identify students who will thrive in a selective academic environment.

Assessment Components

The Kent Test comprises three distinct sections:

• Reasoning: Tests logical thinking and problem-solving abilities through both verbal and non-verbal reasoning tasks
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical competency, mathematical reasoning, and application of key mathematical concepts
• English: Assesses reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and written expression skills

Test Format and Timing

The examination typically takes place in September of Year 6, with results released in mid-October. Students have approximately two hours to complete all sections, with specific time allocations for each component designed to assess both accuracy and working pace.

Assessment Criteria

DGSB looks for students who demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and reasoning capabilities
• Solid foundational knowledge in core subjects
• Ability to work effectively under timed conditions
• Potential to succeed in a challenging academic environment

How to Apply

The application process for Dover Grammar School for Boys follows Kent County Council's coordinated admissions procedures:

Step 1: Register for the Kent Test

Parents must register their child for the 11+ examination through Kent County Council's online portal. Registration typically opens in early summer for tests in September, with specific deadlines strictly enforced.

Step 2: Complete the Test

Students sit the Kent Test at their designated test centre in September of Year 6. Results determine eligibility for grammar school places across Kent.

Step 3: School Application

Following successful completion of the Kent Test, parents submit their secondary school application through Kent's online admissions system, ranking their preferred schools in order of preference.

Step 4: School Events

DGSB hosts open evenings for prospective families, providing opportunities to tour the facilities, meet staff, and understand the school's educational philosophy. These events are invaluable for families considering the school.

Key Dates

Parents should monitor Kent County Council's admissions calendar and DGSB's website for specific dates, as these can vary annually and early preparation is essential for success.

Preparing for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, 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.