Borden Grammar School: 11 Plus entry

A state grammar school in Kent for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type: Grammar school
Pupils: Boys
Area: Kent, South East
Entry: 11+
Entrance test: Kent Test
Tested: Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition: Selective
Prism’s suggested target: 78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)

About the Kent Test

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.

How to prepare

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.

Practice questions in the style of the test

Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.

Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds

What is the range of these numbers?

37, 29, 43, 42, 44

Show the worked answer

Answer: A, 15

How to work it out

Range = largest − smallest = 44 − 29 = 15.

Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

Which word correctly completes the sentence?

I think ___ going to be late.

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, they're

How to work it out

“they're” is correct here.
“They’re” = they are.

Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds

Choose one word from each group. Which two words are closest in meaning?

( pebble, table, glad ) ( pleased, marble, window )

Show the worked answer

Answer: E, glad and pleased

How to work it out

“glad” and “pleased” are synonyms: they mean nearly the same.
Try each word from the first group with each word from the second.

Why the other options are wrong

A (glad and window): “glad” is right, but “window” is not linked to it.
B (pebble and marble): These two words are not linked in meaning.
C (table and pleased): “pleased” is right, but “table” is not linked to it.
D (table and window): These two words are not linked in meaning.

Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

Show the worked answer

Answer: A

How to work it out

Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.

Other selective schools in Kent

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Borden Grammar School use?

Borden Grammar School uses the Kent Test, which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.

What score does my child need for Borden Grammar School?

Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.

When should my child start preparing for Borden Grammar School?

Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.

Preparing for Borden Grammar School?

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.

Start the free assessment

Prism Learning is not affiliated with Borden Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.