Maidstone Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective boys' grammar school (girls admitted to Sixth Form)
• Location: Maidstone, Kent
• Founded: 1549 by Royal Charter
• Current Enrollment: 1,292 pupils
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (January 2019)
• Entry Requirements: 11+ Kent Test for Year 7; GCSE requirements for Sixth Form
• Application Deadline: Via Kent County Council common application form

About Maidstone Grammar School

Maidstone Grammar School represents one of England's most established educational institutions, with nearly five centuries of academic excellence since its Royal Charter in 1549. Located in the heart of Kent's county town, MGS has evolved into a modern centre of learning whilst maintaining its distinguished traditions and commitment to scholarly achievement.

The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its exceptional standards across all areas of education. With 1,292 pupils, MGS maintains an intimate learning environment where boys from Year 7 through to Year 11 benefit from specialist teaching and comprehensive pastoral care. The Sixth Form welcomes both boys and girls, creating a dynamic mixed environment for A-Level studies with over 25 subject choices available.

MGS prides itself on developing well-rounded individuals through an extensive programme of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, drama productions, music ensembles, and academic societies. The school's strong house system fosters leadership skills and community spirit, preparing pupils for future success in higher education and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Maidstone Grammar School for Year 7 is determined exclusively through the Kent Test, commonly known as the 11+. This selective assessment is administered by Kent County Council and evaluates pupils across three core areas:

• English: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and written expression
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, spatial awareness, and logical thinking

The Kent Test typically takes place in September of Year 6, with pupils sitting the examination at their primary school or designated test centres. Results are standardised and age-adjusted to ensure fairness across the cohort. Successfully passing the 11+ places pupils on the grammar school register, making them eligible for consideration at MGS and other Kent grammar schools.

For Sixth Form entry, the school sets rigorous academic standards requiring a minimum average GCSE grade of 5.7 across all subjects, with at least grade 5 in Mathematics and English. Individual A-Level subjects may have additional specific requirements, particularly in sciences and modern languages.

How to Apply

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

Year 7 Entry:

• Register for the Kent Test through Kent County Council (typically opens early September)
• Complete the secondary school application form via Kent's online portal
• List MGS as a preference on your application (up to four grammar schools can be selected)
• Submit application by the October deadline specified by Kent County Council
• Await Kent Test results and school allocation notifications in March

Sixth Form Entry:

• Applications open in early December and close in late January
• Apply directly through the school's website using their online application system
• Attend open events held in January to explore the Sixth Form programme
• Provide predicted GCSE grades and subject preferences
• Complete any subject-specific assessments or interviews as required

The school strongly encourages prospective families to attend open events and arrange individual visits to experience the MGS community firsthand.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's specialist 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise your child's potential for grammar school success, with particular expertise in Kent Test requirements. Our approach combines rigorous academic preparation with strategic test technique development.

Our experienced tutors provide comprehensive coverage of all Kent Test components, using proven methodologies that have successfully prepared hundreds of pupils for grammar school entry. We offer both intensive courses and ongoing tuition programmes, allowing families to choose the level of support that best suits their needs.

For families considering MGS, our consultants provide detailed guidance on the application process, school selection strategy, and alternative options within Kent's grammar school system. We understand the competitive nature of grammar school admissions and work closely with families to develop realistic expectations whilst maximising opportunities for success.

Our Sixth Form advisory service supports students transitioning to MGS's challenging A-Level programme, offering subject selection guidance and bridging support to ensure academic success. With our deep understanding of the school's expectations and culture, we help students integrate seamlessly into the MGS community whilst maintaining their academic momentum.