The Kent Test is the 11+ entrance exam used by all grammar schools in Kent. It's administered by GL Assessment and typically taken in September of Year 6. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test is a standardised assessment that determines whether a child is suitable for grammar school education. Around 16,000 children sit the test each year, competing for roughly 4,500 places across Kent's grammar schools.
Format and Subjects
The Kent Test consists of three papers:
- English — reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Mathematics — arithmetic, problem solving, data handling, geometry, and algebra basics
- Reasoning — both verbal and non-verbal reasoning in one combined paper
Each paper is timed, and the combined scores produce a standardised total used to determine whether a child is “deemed selective”.
Key Dates for 2026
How is it Scored?
Raw scores are age-standardised so children of different ages are assessed fairly. The pass mark varies each year but typically falls around 320–332 (out of a maximum of 420). Children scoring above the threshold are deemed selective.
Preparation Tips
- Start early — 12–18 months before the exam gives enough time without last-minute pressure
- Practise under timed conditions — the exam is fast-paced, so time management is essential
- Cover all subjects equally — don't neglect reasoning even if your child is strong in English and Maths
- Use fresh questions — repeating the same papers teaches memorisation, not skills
- Review mistakes — understanding why an answer is wrong is more valuable than getting it right by luck
- Keep it positive — pressure and anxiety reduce performance on the day
How PrepTicks Helps
PrepTicks provides expert-crafted Kent Test practice that mimics the GL Assessment format. Questions are fresh every time, timed to real exam conditions, and come with step-by-step explanations. The dashboard tracks progress across all subjects and highlights weak areas to focus on.