Expert Guidance from a Specialist 11+ Tutor
The Kent Test: A Complete Guide for Parents
Everything you need to know about the Kent 11+ — test format, key dates, when to start preparing, and how to support your child at home.
Overview
What is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test — sometimes called the 11+ or PESE — is the selective test used by grammar schools across Kent to assess whether a child is suited to a grammar school education. It is taken at the start of Year 6, in September.
All grammar schools within the Kent County Council area use the same test, so your child only needs to sit it once, regardless of how many Kent grammar schools you are applying to. The test is provided by GL Assessment and is designed to identify children working in approximately the top 25% of the ability range.
In 2024, more than 16,000 children sat the Kent Test for around 5,600 available places — making thorough preparation essential.
Key Dates 2025
Kent Test Dates and Deadlines
Registration must be completed during Year 5. Missing the registration deadline means your child cannot sit the test.
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 2nd June 2025 | Registration opens via Kent County Council’s Synergy portal |
| 1st July 2025 | Registration closes — do not miss this deadline |
| 11th September 2025 | Test date for children attending Kent primary schools |
| 13th–14th September 2025 | Test date for children not attending Kent primary schools |
| 16th October 2025 | Results released to parents by email (or post if registered on paper) |
| 31st October 2025 | Deadline for secondary school applications (SCAF) |
| 2nd March 2026 | National school offer day |
Test Structure
What Does the Kent Test Consist Of?
The Kent Test is made up of three papers, all taken on the same day. The first two are multiple choice with a separate answer sheet, marked by automated scanning. There is also a creative writing exercise.
English
Includes a reading comprehension exercise plus additional questions testing literacy skills — grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Begins with a 5-minute practice section.
Maths
Covers a variety of topics. Some questions are based on curriculum content, but many are designed to test a child’s ability to apply skills to unfamiliar problems. Begins with a 5-minute practice section.
Reasoning
Covers Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (including Spatial Reasoning) in roughly equal sections. Each section is timed individually. Tests logical thinking, pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
Creative Writing
All children complete a creative writing exercise. This is only marked in borderline cases or for appeals — it does not form part of the standard score. However, it is worth practising, as it may be needed.
Timing
When Should My Child Start Preparing?
Many families begin Kent Test preparation in Year 3 or Year 4. This is not about putting pressure on young children — it is about giving them enough time to develop skills gradually and confidently, without the anxiety that comes from rushing preparation in Year 5.
Starting early means children can:
- Build strong foundations in Maths and English before tackling reasoning
- Become genuinely familiar with the question types — not just practised at them
- Develop speed and accuracy over time, rather than cramming
- Approach test day feeling prepared and calm, not pressured
A professional 11+ assessment is the ideal first step — it gives a clear picture of exactly where your child is now, and what preparation they need.
Supporting Your Child
What Can Parents Do at Home?
Specialist tuition provides the structured, expert preparation your child needs — but there is plenty parents can do at home to support progress alongside tuition.
Reading regularly
Daily reading is one of the most effective things a child can do to improve their English performance. Encourage a wide variety of books — fiction, non-fiction, news articles — to build vocabulary and comprehension skills naturally.
Times tables and mental maths
Confident recall of times tables up to 12×12 is essential for the Maths paper. Regular, short practice — five to ten minutes daily — is far more effective than occasional long sessions.
Little and often
Short, regular practice sessions are much more effective than occasional intensive ones. Twenty minutes of focused practice four times a week will produce better results than two hours at the weekend.
Keep it calm and positive
How parents talk about the Kent Test at home has a significant impact on how children feel about it. Try to frame preparation as building skills, not passing a test. Children who feel supported rather than pressured consistently perform better.
Work with your tutor’s guidance
If your child is working with a specialist tutor, follow their recommendations on what to practise at home. Targeted practice based on your child’s individual gaps is always more valuable than generic workbooks.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All children applying for a place at a Kent grammar school must register for and sit the Kent Test. There is no alternative route to assessment for Kent grammar schools.
There is no fixed pass mark. The Kent Test identifies children working in approximately the top 25% of the ability range. Results are described as “suitable for grammar school” or “not suitable” — not as a numerical pass or fail. However, for the most competitive grammar schools, children with the highest scores are given priority.
Yes. Children living outside Kent can register and sit the test. They sit on a different date (13th–14th September 2025) rather than in school. Note that the Medway Test and Bexley selection test are separate — the Kent Test does not cover those areas.
Children with a disability or special educational need that affects access to testing may be eligible for access arrangements. These must be requested by the child’s primary school SENCO before registration. Contact your school’s SENCO as early as possible if this applies to your child.
No. A child who passes the Kent Test is assessed as suitable for grammar school, but this does not guarantee a place. Places are allocated by each school based on their individual admissions criteria, which typically includes distance from home and, in some cases, score.
The earlier the better — ideally in Year 3 or Year 4. A professional 11+ assessment gives a clear, objective picture of your child’s current level, identifies exactly what preparation is needed, and allows tuition to be tailored from the start. Waiting until Year 5 leaves less time to address any gaps identified.
Ready to Start Your Child’s Preparation?
A professional 11+ assessment is the clearest first step — giving you an honest picture of where your child is and exactly what they need.
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