The Ultimate Guide to the Kent 11+ Test
Everything you need to know about the GL Assessment Kent Test format, registration deadlines, and scoring benchmarks.
Exam Format Breakdown
1. English & Maths
60-minute GL paper testing comprehension, SPaG, and KS2 arithmetic/geometry.
2. Reasoning Paper
60-minute test evaluating Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal/Spatial logic.
3. Creative Writing
40-minute exercise reviewed during borderline Headteacher Assessment panels.
Registration Timeline
Kent 11+ Test (PESE) FAQs
Essential answers regarding Kent GL papers, aggregate 332 qualifying scores, Headteacher Panels, and appeals.
What is a Standardised Age Score (SAS) and how is it calculated?
A Standardised Age Score (SAS) is a statistical score that normalizes raw test marks to account for the exact age of the pupil (down to the year and month) and test difficulty. The national average SAS is 100 with a standard deviation of 15. Approximately 68% of children score between 85 and 115, while scores above 120 place a child in the top 10% nationally.
What is considered a 'passing score' on the 11+?
Passing benchmarks vary by region: in Buckinghamshire, the qualifying threshold is a combined SAS of 121. In Kent, the qualifying benchmark is typically an aggregate SAS of 332 with no individual paper below 107. In super-selective schools like Queen Elizabeth's School (Barnet), scores are ranked from the top down, with successful cutoffs frequently exceeding 225+ out of 280.
What is the difference between a 'qualifying pass mark' and an 'admission cutoff'?
Achieving the qualifying pass mark makes a child eligible for a grammar school place, but does not guarantee admission. If a grammar school has 180 places and 500 children qualify, places are offered based on admissions criteria (such as rank order of score, catchment distance, or sibling priority). The lowest score that actually receives a place is the 'admission cutoff'.
Can parents appeal if their child narrowly misses the pass mark?
Yes. Every parent has a statutory right to appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel (IAP). To succeed, parents must demonstrate academic evidence of grammar school capability (such as Year 5 school reports, high CAT4 cognitive scores, or Greater Depth SATs predictions) alongside documented extenuating circumstances (e.g. bereavement, severe illness) that affected test-day performance.
How do grammar school waiting lists work and do they actually move?
Yes, waiting lists move substantially between March and September. Many pupils offered grammar school places decline them in favour of independent fee-paying schools, or families relocate. Places that are declined are offered to the next highest-ranking pupil on the waiting list under published oversubscription rules.
Selective Grammar Schools in Kent & Medway
Explore admissions criteria, cutoff scores, and GL exam formats for Kent schools.