Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School (TWGGS)
• Location: Southfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9UJ
• Type: Selective state grammar school for girls aged 11-18
• Established: 1905
• Current Pupils: Approximately 1,042 students
• Headteacher: Mrs Katie Marchant
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (September 2023)
• Entry Requirements: Pass the Kent Test (11+ examination)
• Application Deadline: October (Year 6)

About Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School has been providing exceptional education for young women since 1905, establishing itself as one of Kent's most academically rigorous institutions. Located in the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, TWGGS combines traditional values with modern educational excellence, consistently achieving Outstanding Ofsted ratings.

The school's selective intake ensures a challenging academic environment where bright, motivated students thrive alongside like-minded peers. With approximately 1,042 pupils across seven year groups, TWGGS maintains an intimate yet vibrant community atmosphere that fosters both academic achievement and personal development.

TWGGS offers an extensive curriculum featuring traditional academic subjects alongside modern languages, sciences, and creative arts. The school's sixth form is particularly renowned, with students regularly securing places at Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Beyond academics, the school emphasises character development through its house system, extensive extracurricular programme, and strong pastoral care framework.

The school's ethos centres on developing confident, articulate young women who will become future leaders in their chosen fields. This holistic approach combines intellectual rigour with opportunities for creative expression, sporting achievement, and community service.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is determined exclusively through the Kent Test, administered by Kent County Council each September for Year 6 pupils. This standardised assessment evaluates academic potential across four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking using written material
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and problem-solving using diagrams and shapes
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical competency, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills
• English: Tests reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and written expression

The Kent Test is designed to identify students who will flourish in a selective academic environment. To qualify for TWGGS, candidates must achieve the grammar school standard set by Kent County Council, typically requiring performance in the top 25% of test-takers.

The examination takes place over two sessions, usually held on consecutive Saturdays in September. Results are released in October, indicating whether students have qualified for grammar school consideration. Meeting the qualifying standard does not guarantee a place at TWGGS, as the school remains highly competitive with applications typically exceeding available places.

How to Apply

The application process for Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School follows Kent County Council's coordinated admissions system:

Step 1: Register for the Kent Test
Parents must register their daughter for the Kent Test by the specified deadline, typically in June of Year 5. Registration is completed online through Kent County Council's website, requiring proof of address and the child's birth certificate.

Step 2: Sit the Kent Test
Candidates take the Kent Test in September of Year 6 at their designated test centre. The examination is conducted over two sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Step 3: Receive Test Results
Results are released in October, indicating whether the child has achieved the grammar school qualifying standard. This qualification is required for consideration at TWGGS.

Step 4: Submit Secondary School Application
Parents complete Kent's secondary school application form by the October deadline, ranking up to four preferred schools. TWGGS should be listed if the child has qualified through the Kent Test.

Step 5: Allocation Results
School places are allocated in March of Year 6, with offers sent directly to families. If demand exceeds places at TWGGS, allocation follows the school's published oversubscription criteria, prioritising looked-after children, siblings, and distance from school.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition specialises in preparing ambitious students for selective school entry, with particular expertise in Kent Test preparation and grammar school admissions. Our comprehensive support programme is designed specifically for families seeking places at prestigious institutions like Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

Personalised Kent Test Preparation
Our experienced tutors provide targeted preparation across all four Kent Test components, using authentic practice materials and proven strategies. We identify each student's strengths and areas for development, creating bespoke learning programmes that maximise performance potential.

Strategic Application Guidance
Navigating Kent's coordinated admissions system requires expert knowledge of timelines, procedures, and school-specific requirements. We guide families through every stage, from initial registration to final school selection, ensuring applications are submitted correctly and strategically.

Mock Examinations and Assessment
Regular mock examinations under timed conditions help students develop confidence and exam technique whilst identifying areas requiring additional focus. Our detailed performance analysis enables targeted intervention and measurable progress tracking.

Ongoing Academic Support
Beyond test preparation, we provide continuing academic support to ensure students are fully prepared for the rigorous curriculum at TWGGS. Our tutors understand the school's academic expectations and help students develop the study skills and subject knowledge required for success.

With extensive experience supporting successful applications to Kent's most competitive grammar schools, Taylor Tuition combines subject expertise with deep understanding of the admissions landscape, positioning your daughter for success at Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.