Gravesend Grammar School 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

Gravesend Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school and academy in Kent. Its ethos is “challenge and opportunity in a caring environment”. Academically successful with a strong emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities, it has a house system whereby the entire student body is encouraged to get involved in team sports and activities. The school emphasises the value of tradition whilst also encouraging students to become adept with new technologies and educational innovations.

It was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2015.

11 plus information for Gravesend Grammar School

• Address: Gravesend Grammar School, Church Walk, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2PR

• County: Kent

• Admissions info: [email protected], 01474 331893

• School type: boys’ grammar school with academy status

• Number of pupils: 1,313

• Number of places in Year 7: 210

• Open day date: normally in October

• Exam date: 8th September 2022 (for children in Kent primary schools) and 10th September 2022 (other children outside of Kent)

• Exam board type: Kent Test (GL)

Gravesend Grammar School term dates

The term dates for Gravesend Grammar School 2022-23 are:

• Autumn term: 5th September - 20th December

• Half term: 24th October - 4th November

• Spring term: 3rd January - 31st March

• Half term: 13th February - 17th February

• Summer term: 17th April - 21st July

• Half term: 29th May - 2nd June

How and when to apply to Gravesend Grammar School

Gravesend Grammar School uses the Kent 11 plus test. Applicants must be registered for the Kent Test in Year 5. Following the exam in the September of Year 6 and the receipt of results in October, they need to submit the Kent Secondary Common Application form, specifying their school preference.

Registration for the Kent Test is normally open between the 1st June the 1st July. More details are available on the Kent County Council website.

Gravesend Grammar School 11 plus admissions process

As a highly popular grammar school, Gravesend is often oversubscribed with applicants who have performed well in the Kent 11 plus. When this happens the school applies the following criteria in order:

• Children in Local Authority Care

• Children with a mental or physical impairment meaning they need to attend a particular school

• Children with a brother (or sister in the sixth form) at the school when the applicant joins

• Children of staff

• Children from the Borough of Gravesham

• Children from the civil parishes of Ash-cum-Ridley, Bean, Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and New Barn, Southfleet, Swanscombe and Greenhithe and Stansted

• Children from the civil parishes of Stone, Darenth, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Cliffe and Cliffe Woods

The Kent Test 11 plus exam format and content

The Kent Test is used by most academically selective schools in Kent and it includes questions on English, Maths and Reasoning.

Boys applying to Gravesend Grammar School take three exams:

• English and Maths: One hour. 5-minute practise exercise followed by a 25-minute multiple-choice test for each subject.

• Reasoning: One hour including practice sections and multiple-choice questions which cover verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

• Writing: 40 minutes including 10 minutes planning time.

The writing exercise is not marked but may be used by a local headteacher panel in borderline cases where pupils have missed the pass mark.

How to prepare your child for the Kent 11 plus

If your son will be sitting the Kent 11 plus we recommend that you begin your preparations at least a year in advance. English, maths and reasoning all deserve a high level of attention, and while time should also be spent on writing, it’s important to remember that the writing exam will only be used in borderline cases.

Kent County Council have published a familiarisation paper and further subject-specific materials on their website.

How Atom can help your child prepare for the Gravesend Grammar School 11 plus

Atom Nucleus supports 11 plus preparation by combining cutting-edge technology with the expertise of experienced teachers. We’ve built over 90,000 practice questions, live prep courses, pre-recorded video tutorials and unlimited mock tests in the style and format of the Kent 11 plus exam.

Atom’s adaptive learning algorithm tailors the ideal learning journey for your child to keep them engaged and challenged while giving you data-driven insights into where they need to focus next.

Start your 5-day free trial of Nucleus today to help your child feel fully prepared for success in their 11 plus exam.

We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any questions you may have about the Kent Test or preparing for Gravesend Grammar School:

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