Who sits the Kent Test
Children who want a place at a Kent grammar school in Year 7 sit the test early in Year 6. Families register for it themselves, including children at Kent primary schools, so it is not automatic.
Passing the test makes a child eligible for a grammar school place. Places are then given through the normal secondary application, so families still need to list their schools on the council's application form.
What the test covers
The Kent Test has included English, maths and a reasoning section, along with a short piece of writing that is not marked but can be looked at later if a review is needed.
- English: reading comprehension, plus spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Maths: number, fractions, measures and problem solving from the primary curriculum.
- Reasoning: puzzles with words, shapes and patterns.
The usual timetable
Registration has usually opened in early June and closed at the start of July, near the end of Year 5. The test has been sat in early September, at the start of Year 6, with results in mid-October, before the secondary application deadline on 31 October.
Late registration is rarely accepted, so put the registration window in the calendar during Year 5. Confirm every date on the Kent County Council website, as they change from year to year.
How to practise
Because the test mixes English, maths and reasoning, a balanced routine works well: a short session most days, rotating subjects, with more timed practice in the final term before September.
Kestrel's free test samples all four subjects in about 15 minutes, so you can see which areas need the most time before you plan anything else.
Kestrel is independent and is not connected with any school, local authority, consortium or test provider. All practice content is original, and no pass guarantee is given.
Kestrel is independent and is not linked to any exam board, local authority or school. Always check the current admissions information for the schools you are applying to.