Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Highly selective
Prism’s suggested target
85% 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 number is CDVI in Roman numerals?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 406
How to work it out
Read from the left.
A smaller numeral before a larger one is taken away (IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900).
CDVI = 406.
Why the other options are wrong
A (416): One X too many: count the tens again.
B (405): One less than the answer: check the units at the end.
C (411): V is 5: count it once.
D (606): This adds every numeral. When a smaller one comes before a larger one, it is taken away.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a grammar mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, which lives
How to work it out
Use “who” for people and “which” for things.
Why the other options are wrong
A (The man): This part is grammatically correct.
C (next door): This part is grammatically correct.
D (is a pilot.): This part is grammatically correct.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: Use “who” for people and “which” for things.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word goes best with these three?
gold, lead, bronze
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, iron
How to work it out
gold, lead, bronze are all metals, and so is iron.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure is the odd one out?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E
How to work it out
Four figures are the same shape turned to different angles.
The odd one out is a mirror image, which no rotation can produce.
What entrance test does Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys use?
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys 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 Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly 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 Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys?
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 Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys?
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.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.