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KENT TEST GUIDE

The Kent Test, explained simply

What is in each paper, how long it takes, how it is scored and when it happens. Then practice for every part.

The short version

  • The Kent Test is the 11+ test for grammar schools in Kent. Children sit it at the start of Year 6.
  • The papers are written by GL Assessment. They are multiple choice, with a separate answer sheet.
  • There are two papers of about one hour each: English and Maths, then Reasoning.
  • Each child gets three scores: English, Maths and Reasoning.

What is in the test

PartWhat it testsTiming
EnglishComprehension, then spelling, punctuation and other literacy questions5-minute practice, then a 25-minute test
MathsMultiple-choice maths questions5-minute practice, then a 25-minute test
Verbal ReasoningThinking with words and letters10-minute practice, then a 20-minute test
Non-Verbal and Spatial ReasoningThinking with shapes and space, in short sections timed one at a timeUntimed practice, then about 4 to 5 minutes for each section
Writing taskOne piece of writing. It is not marked, but a headteacher panel may look at it40 minutes, including 10 minutes to plan

English and Maths are in the first paper. Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning are in the second paper.

How it is scored

  • Each of the three scores runs from 69 to 141. The highest possible total is 423.
  • Scores are adjusted slightly for age, so younger children are not at a disadvantage.
  • For September 2026 entry, a child needed a total of 332 or more, with no single score below 108.
  • The pass mark is set each year and can change.

If the score is just short

A primary headteacher can ask a panel of local headteachers to look again. The panel considers the scores, the child's school work and the writing task. This is called the Headteacher Assessment.

Key dates for September 2027 entry

Registration openedMonday 1 June 2026
Registration closedWednesday 1 July 2026
Test day for pupils at Kent primary schoolsThursday 10 September 2026
Test day for other pupilsSaturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
ResultsThursday 15 October 2026
National offer dayMonday 1 March 2027

Dates for September 2028 entry have not been published yet. Registration usually opens in June and the test is usually in early September. Always check the dates with Kent County Council.

32 grammar schools use the Kent Test

Some schools also run their own test as a second way to qualify. A few rank children by score, so a higher score matters more there.

See every Kent grammar school

Practice for every part of the Kent Test

Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against information published by Kent County Council. MeritLeap is independent and is not connected with Kent County Council or GL Assessment.