Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the mean of these numbers?
7, 14, 4, 16, 18, 13
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 12
How to work it out
- Add them: 72.
- Divide by how many there are (6): 12.
Tonbridge Grammar School: 11 Plus entry
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.
At a glance
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 2Aim for about 45 seconds
In this sentence, what word class is “climbed”?
Maya and her brother climbed the steep hill.
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, verb
How to work it out
- “climbed” is a verb.
- Verbs are doing or being words.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Change one letter at a time to turn the first word into the last. Every step must be a real word. Which word goes in the middle?
WARN → ? → WAXY
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, WARY
How to work it out
WARN → WARY (one letter changed) → WAXY (one more letter changed).
Why the other options are wrong
- A (EARN): EARN is one step from WARN, but it needs two more changes to reach WAXY.
- B (BARN): BARN is one step from WARN, but it needs two more changes to reach WAXY.
- C (TARN): TARN is one step from WARN, but it needs two more changes to reach WAXY.
- E (WARM): WARM is one step from WARN, but it needs two more changes to reach WAXY.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
- Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
- The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Other selective schools in Kent
- Barton Court Grammar School
- Borden Grammar School
- Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
- Cranbrook School
- Dane Court Grammar School
- Dartford Grammar School
- Dartford Grammar School for Girls
- Dover Grammar School for Boys
- Dover Grammar School for Girls
- Folkestone School for Girls
- Gravesend Grammar School
- Harvey Grammar School
- Highsted Grammar School
- Highworth Grammar School
- Invicta Grammar School
- Maidstone Grammar School
- Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
- Mayfield Grammar School
- Norton Knatchbull School
- Oakwood Park Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham
- Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
- Sir Roger Manwood’s School
- Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
- Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
- The Judd School
- The Skinners’ School
- Weald of Kent Grammar School
- Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
- Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Tonbridge Grammar School use?
Tonbridge 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.
What score does my child need for Tonbridge Grammar School?
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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Tonbridge Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.