A state grammar school in Medway for boys and girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
Medway’s selection test covers verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning and an extended writing task.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medway Test | Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Medway Test | Mathematical Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The Medway Test covers maths, verbal reasoning and English. 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.
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.
On a map, 1 cm stands for 3 km. Two villages are 3 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?
Answer: B, 9 km
Each centimetre is 3 km, so 3 cm is 3 × 3 = 9 km.
If DESK is written in code as ABPH, what is the code for RAIN?
Answer: D, OXFK
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Answer: A, During the competishun,
“competishun” should be spelt “competition”.
Rainham Mark Grammar School uses the Medway Test, which tests maths, verbal reasoning and English 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Schools do not publish pass marks.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 Rainham Mark Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.