Tonbridge Bean

If your child is set to start secondary school in September 2026, now is the time to start thinking ahead to the Kent Test – also known as the 11+ – and to understand how it works. The Kent Test helps determine eligibility for Kent’s grammar schools, but there’s a lot to consider before you register. Whether you’re weighing whether your child should take the test or you’re simply trying to navigate the process, here’s everything you need to know to make informed decisions.

Key Dates You Can’t Afford to Miss

To ensure your child doesn’t miss the opportunity to sit the Kent Test, you’ll need to be aware of the critical dates. Here’s what’s coming up for children applying for secondary school in 2026:

• Registration opens: Monday 2 June 2025
• Registration closes: Tuesday 1 July 2025 (at midnight)
• Kent Test for Kent primary school pupils: Thursday 11 September 2025
• Kent Test for pupils outside Kent primary schools: Weekend of 13 and 14 September 2025
• Results day: Thursday 16 October 2025

It’s crucial to ensure you register your child within the allotted time, as late registrations cannot be accepted. Once the test has been taken, you’ll receive results on 16 October 2025 – either by email (if you’ve provided an address) or by post.

Who Can Take the Kent Test?

The Kent Test is available to children who are in Year 5 during the 2024-2025 school year (going into year 6 in 2025-2026) and were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015. If your child is outside of this age group but expected to transfer to secondary school in 2026, you may need to contact Kent Admissions to discuss your options.

Remember: Children must be registered to sit the Kent Test if they want to apply for a Kent grammar school. If you live outside Kent, registering for the test doesn’t obligate you to apply to a Kent grammar school, but it’s a necessary step if that is your intention.

What’s Involved in the Kent Test?

The Kent Test consists of multiple-choice questions, with the aim of assessing your child’s academic ability in several key areas:

1. English and Maths Test (1 hour total):
   • This test is made up of comprehension exercises and additional literacy-based questions to assess your child’s understanding of written material.
2. Reasoning Paper (1 hour total):
   • This includes verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, designed to test your child’s ability to think logically and solve problems.
3. Writing Exercise (40 minutes):
   • Although not scored, the writing task will be reviewed by a headteacher panel as part of their assessment process.

These tests are designed to measure your child’s abilities, but they also provide an opportunity to gauge whether a grammar school is the best fit. Grammar schools cater to the top 25% of pupils based on academic performance, so it’s important to assess whether your child is ready for such a challenge. If you’re unsure, it’s worth consulting your child’s primary school to discuss their academic progress and whether they might thrive in a grammar school environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Considerations

If your child has special educational needs or a disability that could impact their ability to take the test, it’s essential to discuss this with the school’s SEN coordinator. Requests for additional support must be made by 1 July 2025, so act quickly to ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place.

Test Results and What They Mean

Once your child has sat the Kent Test, their results will be communicated on 16 October 2025. The results consist of three standardised scores: one each for English, maths, and reasoning, along with a total (aggregate) score.

To be assessed for a grammar school, your child typically needs a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106. However, just because your child qualifies doesn’t guarantee them a place at a Kent grammar school. Grammar schools are highly competitive, and they often receive more applications than there are places available.

Things to Consider Before Registering

Before you commit to registering your child for the Kent Test, keep these key points in mind:

• It’s for Kent grammar schools only
• No guarantee of a place: Even if your child passes the Kent Test, there’s no guarantee they will be offered a place at a grammar school. Admissions depend on the school’s criteria and how competitive the applicant pool is.
• Research the schools: Take the time to understand the admissions criteria for the grammar schools you’re interested in. Kent grammar schools can only consider children who have been assessed and tested as suitable.

What If You Live Outside Kent?

If you’re considering applying for a Kent grammar school from outside the county, be aware that some schools give priority to children with the highest test scores – particularly if you live in a neighbouring area. If your child passes the Kent Test and you’re applying from outside Kent, make sure the grammar schools you’re interested in are listed on your application.

What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Pass the Kent Test

If your child doesn’t pass the Kent Test or is not deemed suitable for a grammar school, don’t worry. You can still apply to Kent grammar schools, but your child’s application may be rejected if they haven’t met the required criteria. However, you can appeal the decision and explain why a grammar school would be a good fit for your child.

Full details and registration information can be found on the Kent County Council website.

---

Whether you’re in the midst of preparing your child for the Kent Test or are just beginning to think about it, understanding the process and key deadlines will help you navigate the next few years with ease. If you have any questions about the Kent Test or the registration process, it’s always a good idea to reach out to Kent Admissions early to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Have you subscribed?

Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.