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
Oscar spends £3.09 and pays with a £5 note. What is the smallest number of coins Oscar can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 5
How to work it out
The change is £5.00 − £3.09 = £1.91.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £1 + 50p + 20p + 20p + 1p.
That is 5 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (6): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
B (4): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
D (7): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
E (3): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, "Stop!" shouted the guard.
How to work it out
The correct sentence is: "Stop!" shouted the guard.
Speech marks go round the words spoken, with the punctuation inside them.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is the odd one out?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, onion
How to work it out
The others are all body; “onion” belongs with vegetables.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
The figure turns 90° clockwise, and then becomes shaded solid.
What entrance test does Harvey Grammar School use?
Harvey 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 Harvey 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 Harvey 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 Harvey 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.