A state grammar school in Kent for girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
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.
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Calculate 8/12 + 1/12. Give your answer in its simplest form.
Answer: E, 3/4
Which word correctly completes the sentence?
Did the rain ___ the match?
Answer: A, affect
Which one letter can be moved from the first word into the second word to make two new words? The other letters stay in the same order.
TRAIN HIS
Answer: B, T
Take T out of TRAIN to leave RAIN, and put it into HIS to make THIS.
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
Answer: E
Highsted 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.
Schools do not publish pass marks.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.
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.
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 assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Highsted Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.