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Kent Test: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Kent Test works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task.
- Published
- English and maths come first, each section a 5-minute practice then 25 minutes; then verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with non-verbal in short timed sections. A 40-minute writing task follows. This follows the Kent Test description published by Kent County Council.
- Published
- Answers go on a separate answer sheet.
- Reported
- Answers are multiple choice and machine marked. Standardised scores are given for each section plus a total; the 2027-entry pass standard was a total of 345 or more with no section score under 111, and 2028 figures are not yet published.
- Reported
- The Kent Test moves to a new provider (Quest) for the test taken in 2027; Kent County Council says the format will stay the same.
- Not published
- Question counts in each section, verbal and non-verbal timings, the mix of question types and five answer options are not published. Our practice uses English 25, maths 25, verbal reasoning 30 and non-verbal reasoning 20.
The writing task
The 40-minute writing task (10 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing) is not marked, but a panel of headteachers may use it when a family asks for a headteacher assessment.
Schools that use this test
- Barton Court Grammar School, Canterbury
- Borden Grammar School, Sittingbourne
- Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, Ramsgate
- Cranbrook School, Cranbrook
- Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs
- Dartford Grammar School, Dartford
- Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Dartford
- Dover Grammar School for Boys, Dover
- Dover Grammar School for Girls, Dover
- Gravesend Grammar School, Gravesend
- Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne
- Highworth Grammar School, Ashford
- Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone
- Maidstone Grammar School, Maidstone
- Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Maidstone
- Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, Gravesend
- Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham
- Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, Canterbury
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury
- Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Sandwich
- The Folkestone School for Girls, Folkestone
- The Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone
- The Judd School, Tonbridge
- The Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford
- The Skinners’ School, Tunbridge Wells
- Tonbridge Grammar School, Tonbridge
- Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, Tunbridge Wells
- Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Tunbridge Wells
- Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge
- Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, Dartford
- Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, Dartford
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Learn the verbal reasoning question types one at a time, then mix them. Vocabulary grows fastest through wide reading.
- For non-verbal reasoning, check one feature at a time (shape, number, shading, size, position, direction) and rule options out.
- Spatial questions (rotations, reflections, cube nets) improve with hands-on practice: fold paper nets and turn shapes on the table.
- Practise a timed piece of writing every week or two: five minutes planning, then a clear opening, middle and ending.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Kent Test
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests with answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Kent Test: 92 lessons teaching the methods for maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Kent Test test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task. English and maths come first, each section a 5-minute practice then 25 minutes; then verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with non-verbal in short timed sections. A 40-minute writing task follows. This follows the Kent Test description published by Kent County Council.
Is there a writing task?
The 40-minute writing task (10 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing) is not marked, but a panel of headteachers may use it when a family asks for a headteacher assessment.
Are these the real Kent Test papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with Kent County Council’s Kent Test page and each school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- What is non-verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- 11+ creative writing: planning, openings and timing
- 11+ standardised scores explained
- 11+ test providers explained: GL, Quest, FSCE and more
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.