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Medway Test: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Medway 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 and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- The Medway Test is run by Medway Council and has three papers: English, maths and reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial). A 2025 familiarisation guide is reported to describe all the papers as multiple choice.
- Reported
- Medway Council says the age-standardised scores are weighted English × 2, maths × 2 and reasoning × 1. Its published pass marks (minimum weighted scores) are 478 for 2027 entry, 481 for 2026, 482 for 2025 and 492 for 2024; reaching the pass mark does not guarantee a place.
- Reported
- For 2027 entry: registration 18 May to 12 June 2026; tests on 15 and 16 September 2026 for children at Medway primary schools (other children reported on 19 or 20 September); results on 14 October 2026. Dates for 2028 entry are expected from May 2027.
- Not published
- The number of questions (English 25, maths 25, reasoning 60), about 50 minutes per paper, the question types and five answer options. These are not published.
- Not published
- Some sources still mention an extended writing task; because this is not confirmed, we treat writing as optional.
The writing task
Some sources still mention an extended writing task, but this is not confirmed, so writing is optional practice only.
Schools that use this test
- Chatham Grammar, Chatham
- Fort Pitt Grammar School, Chatham
- Holcombe Grammar School, Chatham
- Rainham Mark Grammar School, Gillingham
- Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Rochester
- The Rochester Grammar School, Rochester
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.
- 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 Medway 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 English, maths and reasoning papers, answer sheets, explanations, a practice weighting table 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 Medway Test: 87 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 Medway Test test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The Medway Test is run by Medway Council and has three papers: English, maths and reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial). A 2025 familiarisation guide is reported to describe all the papers as multiple choice.
Is there a writing task?
Some sources still mention an extended writing task, but this is not confirmed, so writing is optional practice only.
Are these the real Medway 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 Medway Council’s website and each school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
- 11+ test day checklist for parents
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.