Holcombe Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective boys' grammar school (11-16) with mixed Sixth Form (16-18)
• Location: Chatham, Kent
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Admission Method: Medway Test (11+) for Year 7 entry
• Co-education Status: Currently considering transition to fully co-educational
• Sixth Form: Mixed intake for both boys and girls

About Holcombe Grammar School

Located in the historic Medway towns, Holcombe Grammar School has established itself as a prominent selective institution within Kent's comprehensive grammar school network. The school's mission centres on developing confident, well-rounded young men equipped with both academic excellence and essential life skills for success in an increasingly competitive world.

What distinguishes Holcombe Grammar is its unique position within the Medway selective system, serving boys aged 11-16 before welcoming both male and female students into its thriving Sixth Form. This distinctive model allows the school to maintain its traditional single-sex foundation whilst embracing diversity in the crucial A-Level years.

The school has recently undergone significant consultation regarding a potential transition to full co-education, with majority stakeholder support indicating a forward-thinking approach to modern educational needs. This proposed change aims to address the gender imbalance within Medway's grammar school provision, demonstrating the institution's commitment to educational equity and community service.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Holcombe Grammar School requires successful completion of the Medway Test, the standardised 11+ examination used across all Medway grammar schools. This rigorous assessment evaluates students' academic potential and readiness for grammar school education through multiple components:

• Verbal Reasoning: Testing comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assessing spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking
• Mathematics: Evaluating numerical competency and mathematical problem-solving abilities
• English: Testing reading comprehension, writing skills, and language understanding

The Medway Test typically takes place in September, with results determining eligibility for all grammar schools within the Medway authority. Students must achieve the required pass mark to qualify for consideration at Holcombe Grammar School.

How to Apply

The application process for Holcombe Grammar School follows the standard Medway admissions procedure:

For Year 7 Entry:

• Register for the Medway Test through your primary school or directly with Medway Council
• Sit the 11+ examination in September of Year 6
• Achieve the required pass mark for grammar school eligibility
• Include Holcombe Grammar School as a preference on your secondary school application form
• Submit applications by the national closing date (31st October)

For Sixth Form Entry:

• Meet specific course entry requirements for chosen A-Level subjects
• Complete the online Sixth Form application through the school's website
• Attend the school on the designated results day (typically late August) with original GCSE results
• Participate in subject-specific interviews where required

External Sixth Form applicants benefit from the school's inclusive approach, with equal consideration given to students from both grammar and comprehensive backgrounds who meet academic requirements.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Medway Test preparation ensures your child approaches the 11+ examination with confidence and comprehensive preparation. Our understanding of Holcombe Grammar School's specific requirements and the broader Medway selective system enables us to provide targeted support tailored to this competitive environment.

Our personalised approach includes:

• Medway Test Mastery: Intensive preparation covering all four assessment components with emphasis on timing and technique
• Mock Examination Practise: Regular assessment under examination conditions to build familiarity and confidence
• Strategic School Selection: Expert guidance on grammar school preferences within the Medway system
• Interview Preparation: Comprehensive coaching for Sixth Form interviews and subject-specific discussions

Our tutors possess intimate knowledge of the Medway selective landscape, having successfully prepared numerous students for entry to Holcombe Grammar School and its peer institutions. We understand the nuances of the local system and can provide strategic advice on maximising your child's chances of securing a place at their preferred grammar school.

Beyond examination preparation, we offer ongoing academic support to ensure students thrive once they secure their place, helping them adapt to the rigorous academic standards expected at this prestigious institution.