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
Find the missing number that makes both sides equal.
76 + 516 = ? + 509
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 83
How to work it out
The left side is 76 + 516 = 592.
So ? + 509 = 592, and ? = 592 − 509 = 83.
A quicker way: 509 is 7 less than 516, so ? must be 7 more than 76.
Why the other options are wrong
A (69): The right side's number is 7 smaller, so the missing number must be 7 bigger, not smaller.
C (592): This is the total of the left side. The right side already has 509 in it, so the missing number is smaller.
D (76): This assumes 516 and 509 are the same; they differ by 7.
E (7): This is only the difference between 516 and 509.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, It's time for the children's lunch.
How to work it out
The correct sentence is: It's time for the children's lunch.
An apostrophe shows missing letters (can’t) or that something belongs to someone (the cat’s).
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Change one letter at a time to turn the first word into the last. Every step must be a real word. Which word goes in the middle?
LOST → ? → LOVE
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, LOSE
How to work it out
LOST → LOSE (one letter changed) → LOVE (one more letter changed).
Why the other options are wrong
A (LOSS): LOSS is one step from LOST, but it needs two more changes to reach LOVE.
B (LOFT): LOFT is one step from LOST, but it needs two more changes to reach LOVE.
C (LAST): LAST is one step from LOST, but it needs two more changes to reach LOVE.
E (POST): POST is one step from LOST, but it needs two more changes to reach LOVE.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: A
How to work it out
Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.
What entrance test does Gravesend Grammar School use?
Gravesend 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 Gravesend 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 Gravesend 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 Gravesend 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.