Kent 11+ Mock Exams
Realistic Kent Test practice for grammar school entry in 2026. GL Assessment-style papers covering English, Maths and Reasoning with timed conditions, instant marking and detailed performance reports.
The 11+ Exam in Kent
Kent is one of the most well-known grammar school areas in England, with over 32 grammar schools across the county. This is one of the highest concentrations of grammar schools anywhere in the country, and competition for places is strong. You can explore all regional 11+ mock exams on our hub page. All Kent grammar schools use the Kent Test, formally known as the Procedure for Entry to Secondary Education (PESE), as part of their admissions process.
The Kent Test is produced by GL Assessment and is a standardised, multiple-choice examination. It assesses children in three areas: English, Mathematics and Reasoning (which combines verbal and non-verbal reasoning into a single paper). The test is typically sat in September of Year 6, and results are released in October. Parents then use the results to apply for grammar school places through the Kent County Council admissions process.
Registration for the Kent Test usually opens during the summer term of Year 5, around May or June, and is managed by Kent County Council. Parents must register their child online through the council website. Children attending Kent primary schools are typically registered by their school, but parents of children attending schools outside Kent must register directly with the council if they wish their child to sit the test.
Kent Test Exam Format
The Kent Test consists of three papers, all in multiple-choice format. The Reasoning paper is distinctive because it combines both verbal and non-verbal reasoning into one timed section. The table below shows the typical format.
| Subject | Typical Timing | Question Types | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Approximately 50 minutes | Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, cloze passages | Multiple choice |
| Mathematics | Approximately 50 minutes | Arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, data handling, word problems | Multiple choice |
| Reasoning | Approximately 50 minutes | Verbal reasoning (word codes, analogies, logic) and non-verbal reasoning (patterns, sequences, spatial awareness) combined | Multiple choice |
Note: The exact timing and number of questions may vary slightly from year to year. Always check the Kent County Council website for the most up-to-date information on the test format.
Grammar Schools in Kent
Kent has over 32 grammar schools, making it one of the largest grammar school areas in England. Below is a selection of well-known Kent grammar schools. This is not an exhaustive list; for a full directory of Kent grammar schools, visit our dedicated Kent grammar schools page.
Dartford Grammar School
Dartford · Boys
Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Dartford · Girls
Tonbridge Grammar School
Tonbridge · Girls
The Judd School
Tonbridge · Boys
Maidstone Grammar School
Maidstone · Boys
Invicta Grammar School
Maidstone · Girls
Weald of Kent Grammar School
Tonbridge · Girls
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Tunbridge Wells · Boys
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
Tunbridge Wells · Girls
Cranbrook School
Cranbrook · Co-ed
Highsted Grammar School
Sittingbourne · Girls
Borden Grammar School
Sittingbourne · Boys
How to Prepare for the Kent Test
Effective preparation for the Kent Test requires a structured approach covering all three tested areas. Because the test uses the GL Assessment format, practising with GL-style questions is essential. For a detailed overview of the test provider, see our GL Assessment guide. Alongside focused revision, our fun 11+ lessons can help keep your child engaged during preparation.
1. Understand the Format
Familiarise yourself and your child with the Kent Test format. Knowing that the Reasoning paper combines verbal and non-verbal reasoning is important, as this differs from some other GL regions where these are tested separately.
2. Start Preparation Early
Begin in Year 4 or early Year 5 to allow sufficient time to cover all areas. Focus on building a solid foundation in Maths and English before introducing Reasoning practice.
3. Practise Reasoning Skills
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not part of the standard school curriculum, so most children need dedicated practice. Work through GL-style reasoning questions regularly to build familiarity and speed.
4. Build Core Skills
Ensure strong grounding in Year 5 and Year 6 Maths (including fractions, decimals, percentages and geometry) and English (reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation and spelling). Wide reading helps build vocabulary.
5. Practise Under Timed Conditions
Time management is critical in the Kent Test. Each paper has a strict time limit, and children who are not prepared for the pace may leave questions unanswered. Build up to full timed practice sessions.
6. Take Mock Exams
Full-length mock exams replicate the real test experience and are one of the most effective preparation tools. They build confidence, develop stamina and highlight areas that need further work.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kent 11+
Registration for the Kent Test typically opens during the summer term of Year 5, usually around May or June. Parents must register their child through the Kent County Council website. The test itself is normally sat in September of Year 6. It is important to check the Kent County Council admissions website each year for the exact dates and deadlines, as these can vary slightly from year to year.
The Kent Test assesses three areas: English (including reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation and spelling), Mathematics (covering the Key Stage 2 curriculum including arithmetic, fractions, geometry and problem solving), and Reasoning (a combined paper covering both verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, testing logic, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills). All questions are in multiple-choice format.
Kent has over 32 grammar schools, making it one of the areas with the highest concentration of grammar schools in England. These schools are spread across the county, from Dartford and Tonbridge in the west to Canterbury and Dover in the east. Each grammar school sets its own admission criteria, but all use the Kent Test score as a key part of the selection process.
Mock exams are one of the most effective ways to prepare for the Kent Test. They allow your child to experience the full exam format under timed conditions, building familiarity with GL Assessment question types and reducing anxiety on test day. After completing a mock exam, the detailed performance report highlights specific strengths and weaknesses across English, Maths and Reasoning, enabling you to focus revision on the areas that will have the greatest impact on your child's score.
Prepare for the Kent Test with Confidence
Sign up today to access Kent Test-style mock exams with timed conditions, instant marking and detailed performance reports. Give your child the best preparation for Kent grammar school entry in 2026.