Taken in September of Year 6 for Kent grammar schools. Papers cover English, maths and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), plus an unmarked writing task used in appeals.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Test | English & Maths | 50 | 60 minutes |
| Kent Test | Reasoning | 56 | 60 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The Kent Test covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Round 940,197 to the nearest 1,000.
Answer: A, 940000
What does the word “perilous” mean?
Answer: D, full of danger
Three of these words go together. Which two words do not belong with them?
turnip, leek, spinach, eagle, swan
Answer: A, eagle and swan
turnip, leek, spinach are all vegetables. swan and eagle are birds.
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
Answer: A
The Kent Test tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, and includes a piece of writing.
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Kent Test format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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