Advice on the Kent 11 plus exam
- Learning Together
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Advice on the Kent 11 Plus Exam
By: Stephen McConkey
I understand how significant and sometimes daunting the Kent 11 Plus exam can be for both parents and children. Preparing for grammar school selection is a big step, and it’s perfectly natural to have questions about the process, timelines, exam structure, and how best to support your child.
This guide provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the Kent Test — including registration dates, format, scoring, and preparation tips — with recommendations for trusted resources used successfully by many families.
What Is the Kent Test 11 Plus Exam?
The Kent Test is the entrance assessment used by the majority of grammar schools across Kent. It is administered by GL Assessment on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC). Your child only needs to take this test once, even if you're applying to multiple Kent grammar schools.
The test is typically sat in September of Year 6. Children at Kent primary schools will take the test at their own school, while those from out-of-county schools attend designated test centres.
Kent Test Registration Dates (2025–2026 Entry)
If your child is starting Year 6 in September 2025, you’ll need to register during this window:
Event | Date |
Registration Opens | Monday 2 June 2025 |
Registration Closes | Tuesday 1 July 2025 (midnight) |
Test Date (Kent Primary Schools) | Thursday 11 September 2025 |
Test Date (Non-Kent Schools) | Weekend 13–14 September 2025 |
Results Released | Thursday 16 October 2025 |
Parents must register via the KCC Synergy portal. Please note that late registrations are only
accepted under exceptional circumstances, so make a note of these key dates early in the school year.
Understanding the Kent Test Format
The Kent Test assesses your child across three key areas:
Paper 1: English & Maths (60 minutes)
English includes comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and cloze tasks.
Maths includes reasoning, number operations, geometry, and data interpretation.All questions are in a multiple-choice format and align with the upper end of the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Paper 2: Reasoning (60 minutes)
Verbal Reasoning: vocabulary, sequences, logic, analogies.
Non-Verbal & Spatial Reasoning: shapes, rotations, matrices, and pattern recognition.
Writing Task (40 minutes)
This creative writing piece (10 mins planning + 30 mins writing) is not marked unless your child is near the pass threshold or an appeal is lodged. It is important, however, to practice writing regularly to build confidence and structure.
Scoring and What It Means
Your child will receive standardised scores in English, Maths, and Reasoning.Each paper is scaled to a score out of 140, with the aggregate usually needing to total 332 or more, and no individual score below 107.
These scores help determine eligibility for grammar school admission but are not the only factor; each school may use them alongside additional criteria (e.g. distance, looked-after status, etc.).
How to Prepare for the Kent Test Effectively
From my experience, the children who perform best are those who prepare gradually and consistently — not under pressure, but with steady confidence.
Here’s how you can help as a parent:
✅ 1. Use High-Quality Practice Materials
The best preparation is exposure to a wide range of relevant and realistic practice questions:
These materials are aligned to the GL Assessment format and offer topic-by-topic coverage.
✅ 2. Use Online Tools to Keep Learning Engaging
Digital tools allow your child to practise interactively and independently. They're especially helpful if you're balancing work and school support.
✅ 3. Build a Realistic Study Routine
Short, focused sessions 3–5 times per week
Rotate subjects: English one day, reasoning another
Try to include mock exams every 3–4 weeks to build speed and stamina
✅ 4. Support Emotional Wellbeing
Even high achievers can experience test anxiety. Reassure your child that effort matters more than perfection. Praise improvement and progress, not just scores.
Final Thoughts from a Headteacher
Preparation for the Kent 11 Plus exam doesn’t have to be stressful. With structured resources, timely registration, and emotional encouragement, your child can approach the test with confidence and calm.
The aim is not just to pass a test — it’s to help your child build problem-solving, resilience, and a love for learning. That’s why I strongly recommend blending written practice papers with interactive tools and keeping lines of communication open.
Use trusted resources from Eleven Plus Exam Papers to give your child the best foundation possible:
Please note: Always verify key details with Kent County Council or your preferred grammar school directly. This guide is intended to support, not replace, official advice.
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