Key Information Summary
- School: Highsted Grammar School
- Location: Highsted Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 4PT
- Type: State-funded selective grammar school for girls
- Established: 1904
- Headteacher: Ms Anne Kelly
- Pupils: Approximately 842 (182 in Sixth Form)
- Entry Requirements: Pass the Kent Test (11+)
- Application Deadline: October (following September testing)
About Highsted Grammar School
Highsted Grammar School has been nurturing academic excellence in Kent for over a century, establishing itself as one of the county's most respected selective schools for girls. Originally founded in 1904 as Sittingbourne High School for Girls, the school relocated to its current purpose-built site in the late 1950s and achieved academy status in 2011.
The school's distinctive house system creates a strong sense of community and belonging, with houses named after inspirational women: Chanel, Eliot, Franklin, Keller, Roddick, and Seacole. This structure encourages healthy competition whilst fostering collaboration and mutual support amongst students.
What sets Highsted apart is its commitment to developing confident, articulate young women who are prepared to embrace challenges and take calculated risks. The school's ethos centres on creating an environment where academic rigour meets personal growth, ensuring each student maximises her potential across all areas of school life.
The curriculum extends well beyond the National Curriculum requirements, with particular strengths in STEM subjects, humanities, and the arts. The school's Sixth Form provision is especially notable, offering a comprehensive range of A-Level subjects that prepare students for the most competitive universities.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Entry to Highsted Grammar School is determined by performance in the Kent Test, administered by Kent County Council. This standardised assessment evaluates students across three core areas:
Verbal Reasoning
Tests logical thinking, vocabulary comprehension, and language manipulation skills. Students encounter word relationships, code-breaking exercises, and logical sequences that assess their ability to think analytically about language.
Mathematics
Covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 students. Questions focus on arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, requiring both computational accuracy and mathematical reasoning.
English
Assesses reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and grammar through multiple-choice questions. Students must demonstrate understanding of written passages and apply knowledge of English language conventions.
The test typically takes place in September, with results determining eligibility for grammar school places. Students must achieve scores that place them amongst the top performers in their testing cohort to secure a place at Highsted.
How to Apply
The application process for Highsted Grammar School follows Kent County Council's coordinated admissions procedure:
Step 1: Register for the Kent Test
Registration opens in June for the following September's testing. Parents must complete the online registration through Kent County Council's website, providing essential details about their child and preferred testing centre.
Step 2: Sit the Kent Test
The test takes place in September at designated centres across Kent. Students should arrive well-prepared, having familiarised themselves with the test format through practice papers and preparation materials.
Step 3: Submit School Application
Following test results, parents must submit their secondary school application through Kent's online portal by the October deadline. Highsted should be listed as a preference, with parents able to express up to four school choices in order of preference.
Step 4: Await Results
Offer letters are distributed in March, with successful applicants invited to attend transition events during the summer term. Places are allocated based on test scores and distance from the school for those meeting the qualifying threshold.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise your daughter's chances of securing a place at selective schools like Highsted Grammar School. Our expert tutors understand the unique demands of the Kent Test and provide targeted support that builds both confidence and competence.
Personalised Assessment and Planning
We begin with a thorough diagnostic assessment to identify your child's strengths and areas for development. This enables us to create a bespoke preparation plan that addresses specific learning needs whilst building on existing abilities.
Expert Tutoring in All Test Areas
Our specialist tutors provide focused instruction in verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English, using proven techniques that enhance performance across all areas of the Kent Test. We employ practice materials that closely mirror the actual assessment format.
Strategic Application Guidance
Beyond test preparation, we offer comprehensive guidance on the application process, helping families navigate deadlines, school choices, and appeals procedures. Our knowledge of Kent's grammar school landscape ensures you make informed decisions about your daughter's educational future.
Confidence Building and Exam Technique
We understand that test performance depends not only on knowledge but also on confidence and technique. Our programme includes timed practice sessions, stress management strategies, and detailed feedback that prepares students for the pressures of the actual assessment.
With Taylor Tuition's support, your daughter will approach the Kent Test with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure her place at Highsted Grammar School.
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