Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Super-selective
Prism’s suggested target
90% 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
One number is in the wrong place in this Venn diagram. Which one?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 27
How to work it out
Check every number against both labels.
27 is not a multiple of 4 and not a square number, so it belongs outside both circles, not in both circles.
Why the other options are wrong
A (32): 32 is correctly placed only multiples of 4.
B (36): 36 is correctly placed in both circles.
D (8): 8 is correctly placed only multiples of 4.
E (9): 9 is correctly placed only square numbers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
We have swimming every _____ after school.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, Wednesday
How to work it out
We have swimming every Wednesday after school.
Say it as it is spelt: Wed-nes-day.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Three of these words go together. Which two words do not belong with them?
bus, chair, tram, bench, bicycle
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, chair and bench
How to work it out
tram, bicycle, bus are all vehicles. bench and chair are furniture.
Why the other options are wrong
A (tram and bench): tram belongs with the vehicles; only bench and chair do not.
B (chair and bicycle): bicycle belongs with the vehicles; only bench and chair do not.
C (tram and bicycle): These are both vehicles, like bus.
E (bus and bench): bus belongs with the vehicles.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
The flag turns 90° clockwise each step and the shading alternates.
The Judd 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 Judd School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% consistently in practice for a super-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 Judd 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 Judd 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.