Kent 11+ Grammar School: Complete Preparation Guide
Everything parents need to know about preparing for the Kent Test — GL Verbal Reasoning question types, exam dates, qualifying scores, and how to get exam-ready with daily practice.
Kent Grammar Schools: The Full List
Kent has 33 grammar schools across the county. Here are some of the most popular:
The Kent Test Format (GL Assessment)
Year-by-Year Preparation Timeline
Prepare for the Kent Test on 11PlusQuest
All 17 GL Verbal Reasoning question types covered. Adaptive AI. Exam-date tracking. 7-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kent 11+ exam?
The Kent Test (KS2 to grammar school selection) is typically held in September of Year 6 — usually the second week of September. Registration opens in the summer term of Year 5. Results are sent to parents in October.
What is the Kent Test format?
The Kent Test is administered by GL Assessment and consists of three papers: English (including reading comprehension and writing), Maths, and Reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning). The Verbal Reasoning paper tests GL question Types A–U.
What score do you need to pass the Kent 11+?
Kent uses a standardised score. The grammar school qualifying score is typically around 320–332 out of 423 (depending on the area and year). Scores are standardised by age, so summer-born children are not disadvantaged.
How many grammar schools are in Kent?
Kent has 33 grammar schools — making it the largest remaining fully selective county in England. There are grammar schools across Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend, Dartford, Folkestone, Dover, Canterbury, and Medway.
What verbal reasoning skills does the Kent Test assess?
The Kent GL paper tests synonyms (Type A), antonyms (Type B), analogies (Type E), anagrams (Type J), compound words (Type K), hidden words (Type L), boundary words (Type M), letter transfer (Type N), move a letter (Type P), codes (Type S/T), and alphabetical sequences (Type U).
How should my child prepare for the Kent 11+ verbal reasoning?
Start in Year 4 or early Year 5. Focus on building vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, word meanings), then work through each GL question type systematically. Game-based daily practice of 10–15 minutes is more effective than weekend cramming sessions.