Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
• Location: Langton Lane, Nackington Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7AS
• Established: 1881
• Type: Selective grammar school for boys (11-18) with mixed sixth form
• Headteacher: Dr. Ken Moffat
• Student Population: Approximately 1,400 students
• Entry Points: Year 7 (11+) and Sixth Form
• Admissions Authority: Kent County Council

About Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys

Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, affectionately known as "The Langton," has been a cornerstone of educational excellence in Canterbury since 1881. This historic institution has cultivated a distinctive academic philosophy centred on open-ended research and intellectual curiosity, preparing students for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

The school's academic pedigree is exceptional, with a remarkable track record of securing places at Oxford and Cambridge universities. What sets The Langton apart is its commitment to developing confident, self-assured young men who think critically and engage deeply with their subjects. The curriculum encourages students to go beyond prescribed boundaries, fostering the analytical skills essential for success at the most prestigious universities.

Operating through a traditional house system, the school maintains strong connections to its Canterbury heritage whilst embracing modern educational methods. The school's distinctive maroon and blue blazer with red, yellow, and blue tie reflects its proud traditions, whilst the diverse sixth form environment provides an excellent transition to university life.

Located in the cathedral city of Canterbury, students benefit from the rich cultural and historical environment, with many taking advantage of the city's academic resources and cultural offerings. The school's proximity to both London and Europe provides additional opportunities for educational enrichment.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys participates in Kent's selective 11+ system, which determines entry to all grammar schools in the county. The assessment is designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a grammar school environment.

Assessment Components

The Kent 11+ comprises three key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to analyse written information. Students must demonstrate sophisticated language comprehension and reasoning skills.
• Mathematics: Covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Key Stage 2. Emphasis is placed on applying mathematical knowledge to solve complex problems.
• English: Evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and writing ability. Students must show proficiency in analysing texts and expressing ideas clearly.

Scoring and Selection

Students must achieve the Kent qualifying score to be eligible for grammar school places. The Langton typically receives applications from high-achieving candidates, making competition particularly intense. Academic potential rather than coached performance is prioritised in the selection process.

How to Apply

The application process for Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys follows Kent County Council's coordinated admissions system:

Key Steps

1. Registration for 11+ Assessment: Register through Kent County Council between May and June for the following September entry. Late registrations are not accepted.
2. 11+ Test Date: The Kent 11+ typically takes place in September, approximately one year before entry.
3. School Preference Application: Submit your school preferences through Kent's online system by the October deadline, ranking up to four grammar schools in order of preference.
4. Results Notification: Receive 11+ results in October, followed by school place allocations in March.

Admission Criteria

Following achievement of the Kent qualifying score, places are allocated based on:

• Students in public care or previously in public care
• Students with exceptional medical or social circumstances
• Proximity to the school (measured by straight-line distance)

Important Deadlines

• May-June: 11+ registration opens
• September: 11+ assessment takes place
• October: School preference deadline
• March: Secondary school places allocated

Preparing for the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Simon Langton 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.