78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Medway Test
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.
How to prepare
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.
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 is the missing digit in this addition?
1
7
7
□
4
+
3
9
5
4
2
1
6
7
8
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 2
How to work it out
Work from the right, carrying as you go.
The column with the box gets no carry, so □ + 5 must end in 7.
That makes □ = 2.
Why the other options are wrong
B (5): Test this digit in the column: it does not give the answer shown.
C (1): This adds a carry that is not there: the column to the right does not pass 9.
D (3): One too many: check the carry again.
E (7): This is the digit in the answer, not the missing digit in the number being added.
Question 2Aim for about 35 seconds
Complete the analogy.
doctor is to hospital as teacher is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, school
How to work it out
Say the link between “doctor” and “hospital” as a sentence.
The same sentence links “teacher” and “school”.
Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “discreet” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, careful not to attract attention or upset people
How to work it out
“Discreet” (adjective) means careful not to attract attention or upset people.
For example: She gave a discreet cough to warn him.
What entrance test does The Rochester Grammar School use?
The Rochester 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.
What score does my child need for Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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.