Complete Guide to Kent Grammar Schools: Selection, Testing & Application

Understanding the Kent Grammar School System

Kent maintains one of England's most extensive selective education systems, with 32 grammar schools serving the county. These state-funded selective schools educate approximately 25% of Kent's secondary pupils, making the region unique in preserving this traditional pathway to academic excellence.

Competition for grammar school places in Kent remains intense, with multiple applicants for every available seat. The county operates a coordinated admissions system that differs significantly from other selective regions, requiring careful planning and understanding of local procedures. Families moving to Kent specifically for grammar school access should research catchment arrangements thoroughly, as proximity can influence allocation outcomes.

The Kent Test remains the primary gateway to selective education across the county, though individual schools maintain distinct oversubscription criteria. Understanding both the assessment process and subsequent allocation mechanisms proves essential for families navigating this competitive landscape.

Kent's Grammar Schools by District

Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School serve the western reaches of the county, both achieving consistently strong academic outcomes. The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells provides single-sex education for boys aged 11-18, whilst Tonbridge Grammar School offers co-educational provision.

Maidstone and Mid-Kent

Maidstone Grammar School (boys) and Maidstone Grammar School for Girls anchor selective education in the county town. Invicta Grammar School and Oakwood Park Grammar School provide additional capacity for girls in this heavily subscribed area. Valley Invicta Academies at Holmesdale operates as an academy grammar school serving South Maidstone.

Sevenoaks and West Kent

Weald of Kent Grammar School maintains sites in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, offering girls' education across western Kent. Knole Academy in Sevenoaks provides mixed provision, whilst Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls serve the Dartford periphery.

Canterbury and East Kent

Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School dominate Canterbury's selective sector. Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury and The Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone extend provision eastward.

Medway Towns

Medway operates separate selective admissions under its unitary authority status, including Chatham Grammar School for Girls, Fort Pitt Grammar School, The Howard School, Holcombe Grammar School, Rochester Grammar School, and Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School.

North and Coastal Kent

Folkestone School for Girls (grammar stream), Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, and Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs serve coastal communities. Gravesend Grammar School provides selective education in the northwest.

Additional Provision

Borden Grammar School (boys, Sittingbourne), Highworth Grammar School (girls, Ashford), Highsted Grammar School (girls, Sittingbourne), Mayfield Grammar School (girls, Gravesend), Norton Knatchbull School (boys, Ashford), and The Judd School (boys, Tonbridge) complete Kent's comprehensive grammar network.

The Kent Test: Selection Process and Timeline

Kent County Council administers centralised testing for all Kent grammar schools except those in Medway. Registration typically opens in June for tests taken in September, with families required to register regardless of residence—even those living within Kent boundaries must formally register their child for assessment.

The Kent Test consists of two papers taken approximately one week apart in early September. Schools hosting these assessments accommodate registered candidates across the county, with arrangements made for pupils attending primary schools outside Kent.

Key Timeline:

• June: Registration opens for September testing
• Early July: Registration deadline (strict enforcement)
• September: Test papers administered
• Mid-October: Results notification to parents
• October 31: Secondary school application deadline
• March 1: National offer day

Children born between 1 September and 31 August in the relevant academic year sit the test during Year 6, entering grammar school the following September. No appeals exist against test outcomes, though procedural complaints may be submitted if administrative errors occurred.

Kent Test Format and Assessment

Test Structure

Paper 1 assesses English and Mathematics across 60 minutes, featuring separate timed sections for each subject. Paper 2 evaluates Reasoning abilities (verbal and non-verbal) over 60 minutes. Both papers employ multiple-choice formats with candidates marking answers on dedicated sheets.

Subject Content

English: Reading comprehension passages with inference questions, grammar and punctuation tasks, vocabulary and spelling challenges. Questions assess understanding beyond literal interpretation, requiring analytical engagement with texts.

Mathematics: Number operations, fractions and decimals, problem-solving scenarios, measurement and geometry, data interpretation. Questions demand mathematical reasoning rather than formula recall.

Reasoning: Verbal reasoning (word relationships, codes, logic puzzles), non-verbal reasoning (pattern recognition, spatial awareness, sequence completion). These sections measure cognitive ability distinct from curriculum knowledge.

Scoring and Standardisation

Raw scores undergo age-standardisation to ensure fair comparison across the academic year cohort. Kent employs standardised scores with 100 representing average performance. The qualifying threshold fluctuates annually based on cohort performance but typically falls between 332-335 (aggregate across three scored areas).

Children achieving qualifying scores receive grammar-suitable designation, making them eligible for grammar school places subject to individual school oversubscription criteria. Schools may prioritise by distance, sibling connections, or supplementary criteria once academic suitability establishes baseline eligibility.

Effective Preparation Strategy

Preparation Timeline

Most Kent families begin focused preparation 12-18 months before testing, though longer timelines suit children requiring foundational skill development. Starting in Year 4 allows gradual familiarisation with question formats without excessive pressure. Intensive cramming proves less effective than sustained, moderate practice embedding understanding.

Familiarisation Phase (12-18 Months Before)

Introduce test formats through sample questions and practice papers. Children should encounter all question types across English, Mathematics, and Reasoning to reduce test-day anxiety. Regular reading habits—particularly non-fiction and varied text types—strengthen comprehension skills essential for English sections.

Skill Development Phase (6-12 Months Before)

Address identified weaknesses through targeted practice. Mathematics problem-solving and multi-step questions require particular attention, as these differ from standard classroom exercises. Reasoning skills develop through regular puzzle-solving and pattern recognition activities rather than memorisation.

Practise Phase (3-6 Months Before)

Complete timed practice papers under test conditions to build stamina and time management. Review incorrect answers to understand error patterns. Maintain balance between preparation and wellbeing—excessive pressure undermines performance.

Essential Resources

Official Kent Test familiarisation materials published by Kent County Council provide authentic question styles. Commercial publishers including CGP, Bond, and GL Assessment offer practice books aligned with Kent Test formats. Past paper collections—though not officially released by Kent—circulate among tutoring communities.

Local Tutoring Landscape

Kent's competitive environment sustains numerous tutoring providers specialising in grammar preparation. Group classes and individual tuition both flourish, with families often combining approaches. Quality varies significantly, making careful provider selection crucial.

Taylor Tuition's Kent Grammar School Support

Our nationwide network includes specialist tutors thoroughly familiar with Kent's unique testing arrangements and competitive landscape. We recognise that Kent Test preparation requires distinct approaches compared to other selective regions, with particular emphasis on reasoning skills and stamina across two separate test sessions.

Our Kent-Specific Approach

We match families with tutors experienced in Kent Test preparation who understand local grammar schools' oversubscription criteria and catchment complexities. Our tutors work with current Kent Test materials and question formats, ensuring preparation aligns precisely with assessment requirements.

Tuition programmes balance familiarisation with skill development, avoiding the anxiety that excessive drilling can create. We emphasise understanding over memorisation, building mathematical reasoning and reading comprehension skills that serve children throughout their education, not merely for test day.

Flexible Support Options

Whether families require comprehensive preparation starting from Year 4 or focused intervention closer to test dates, we adapt support to individual circumstances. Online and in-person tuition options accommodate Kent's geography, connecting families in coastal towns with specialist tutors as readily as those in Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells.

Beyond Test Preparation

Grammar school success extends beyond securing a place. We support pupils transitioning into demanding selective environments where academic expectations increase significantly. Our tutors provide ongoing support with entrance into specific subjects, examination preparation, and study skill development throughout secondary education.

Begin Your Kent Grammar Journey

If you're considering Kent grammar schools for your child, early exploration of options and preparation approaches maximises outcomes. Our education consultants understand the Kent system thoroughly and can discuss your family's specific circumstances, timeline, and preparation needs.

Visit our enquiry page to arrange a consultation. We'll discuss your child's current abilities, the schools you're considering, and how our tutoring support can strengthen their grammar school application.