Kent 11 Plus (Kent Test): Format, Key Dates and How to Prepare
By Simply Eleven Plus · Updated 25 October 2026 · 4 min read
Kent has one of the largest grammar school systems in England, and most Kent grammar schools use one shared 11 plus: the Kent Test. Here is how it works and how to get ready for it.
Kent 11 plus at a glance
| The Kent Test | |
|---|---|
| Test | The Kent Test, run by Kent County Council for Kent’s grammar schools |
| Papers | English and Maths; Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning; plus a writing task |
| Register | Usually June of Year 5 (in 2026: 1 June to 1 July) |
| Test date | Early-to-mid September of Year 6 |
| Results | Mid-October of Year 6 |
| From 2027 | Kent County Council says a new provider, Quest Assessments, will set the test, with the same format |
What’s in the Kent Test
- English and Maths, mostly multiple choice.
- Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, including spatial questions.
- A short writing task. It isn’t usually marked as part of the score, but schools can look at it, for example in a review or appeal.
The 2027 change of provider
Kent County Council has announced that Quest Assessments will set the Kent Test from 2027, and says the purpose, format and admissions process stay the same. If your child is in Year 5 now, they will sit the new provider’s test, so keep an eye on the council’s website for any sample material it publishes.
Kent, Medway and Bexley are different tests
The Kent Test covers Kent County Council’s grammar schools. Medway has its own Medway Test, and Bexley has its own selection test. A few schools also add their own tests, so check each school you are interested in.
Don’t forget the second form. Registering for the test does not apply for a school place. You must also name the grammar schools on your home council’s secondary school application (the Common Application Form) by its deadline, usually 31 October of Year 6. Offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March.
How to prepare for the Kent 11 plus
- Cover all four areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Build speed in reasoning: letter codes, NVR odd one out, rotations and reflections and cubes and nets.
- Practise a short piece of timed writing now and then, as well as multiple-choice papers.
Practise for free
Simply Eleven Plus has 11 plus practice for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning with instant marking, free to start. Our free live 11 plus mock exams let your child sit a timed paper online under exam conditions. For a full timeline, see how to prepare for the 11 plus.
Frequently asked questions
- What is in the Kent 11 plus test?
- English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus a short writing task.
- When do you register for the Kent Test?
- Usually in June of Year 5. In 2026 registration ran from 1 June to 1 July. Check kent.gov.uk for the current dates.
- Who sets the Kent Test?
- Kent County Council runs it. The council says Quest Assessments will be the provider from 2027, with the same format.
Free 11+ live mock exams
Let your child sit a real-time, timed mock paper online, then go through the trickiest questions together. It’s free.