11+ in Kent
Kent runs the largest grammar-school system in England via the Kent Test (Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education). Most children in the county sit it, and there are far more grammar places than in London — though the best-known schools remain highly competitive.
Exam board
Kent Test (PESE) — GL-style, set by the local authority
Competition
Kent has selective places across many towns, so the system as a whole is less of a bottleneck than London — but specific super-selectives still attract strong fields.
Deadlines
Registration for the Kent Test usually closes around the end of June/start of July of Year 5, with testing in September of Year 6. Out-of-county pupils must register directly.
Parent guide
- The Kent Test covers English, Maths and reasoning in a GL-style format, so GL practice papers are well aligned.
- A "head teacher assessment" route exists for children who narrowly miss the standardised threshold — ask your primary about it.
- Because Kent has many grammars, ranking your preferences carefully on the common application form is as important as the test itself.
We’re adding individual school guides for Kent. In the meantime, browse all grammar school guides or compare GL vs CEM.
Top tips for Kent
- Practise the GL question types until the format is second nature — Kent rewards familiarity and pace.
- Confirm whether your target schools have additional catchment or aptitude criteria on top of the Kent Test.
FAQs
What is the Kent Test?+
It is the county’s 11+ assessment (GL-style) in English, Maths and reasoning, used to determine eligibility for Kent grammar schools.
Can out-of-county children sit the Kent Test?+
Yes — children from outside Kent can register to sit the test, usually directly with Kent County Council, to apply for Kent grammar places.
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