Barton Court Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
Barton Court Grammar School
Barton Court Grammar School is a co-educational selective school in Canterbury, Kent, and part of the Barton Court Academy Trust. The school provides an ambitious and inclusive education, combining academic excellence with a strong focus on personal development and individual achievement.
The curriculum is modern and well supported by excellent facilities. Barton Court encourages students to develop independence and confidence, with a particular emphasis on digital learning and 21st-century skills. Its Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy ensures technology is integrated into everyday lessons, helping pupils prepare for future education and careers.
Academic outcomes are consistently strong, with high GCSE and A-level results leading many students to top universities and competitive courses. Beyond the classroom, pupils enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities in sport, drama, music, and leadership. Entry into Year 7 is selective and based on performance in the Kent Test (11 Plus), and the school is typically oversubscribed.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Barton Court Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Barton Court Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Barton Court Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Barton Court Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Barton Court Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Barton Court Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Barton Court Grammar School Key Information
We regularly update on Barton Court Grammar School’s key information, contacts and school statistics directly from the school itself and governmental sources.
School Address
Full Address:
Barton Court Grammar SchoolLongport
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 1PH
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking available on the school premises. This should be arranged with the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Longport, Canterbury, CT1 1DU, 0.2 miles from the school
- Car Park: 21 Lower Bridge St, Canterbury, CT1 2LX, 0.3 miles from the school
Barton Court Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Barton Court Grammar School continues to be a good school, maintaining the high standards from its previous inspection.
Academic strength: Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum, with the English Baccalaureate at the core and a wide choice of academic and vocational subjects in the sixth form.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and explain new concepts clearly, though on occasions some do not check understanding thoroughly before moving on.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils respectful, supportive and proud of their inclusive community. Enrichment opportunities, clubs and trips are extensive.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees provide strong support and challenge, staff feel valued, and safeguarding arrangements are effective.
Barton Court Grammar Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Barton Court Grammar School is through the Kent Test, which is administered by GL Assessment.
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Overview
Paper One:
English and Maths: The first stage of the Kent Test is the English and maths paper, lasting one hour in total. It is divided into two 30-minute sections. Each section starts with a short five-minute practice, followed by 25 minutes of timed questions. The English section usually includes a reading comprehension alongside spelling, grammar and vocabulary questions. The maths section is based on Key Stage 2 topics, testing problem-solving and numerical skills.
Paper Two:
Reasoning: The second paper also lasts for one hour and focuses on reasoning skills. The first 30 minutes assess verbal reasoning, beginning with a short practice section. The remaining time is dedicated to non-verbal reasoning, split into shorter, timed parts that measure spatial awareness, logic and pattern recognition.
Addittional Element
Alongside the test papers, pupils complete a writing task lasting 40 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for planning and 30 minutes for writing. While not marked as part of the Kent Test score, the writing may be reviewed by a headteacher panel if results are borderline.
The Kent Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Your child will receive three individual standardised scores, along with an overall total.
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English, maths and reasoning scores each range from 69 to 141.
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The combined total score ranges from 207 up to a maximum of 423.
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To qualify for Barton Court Grammar School, a minimum total of 332 is required.
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No individual subject score can be below 106.
Catchment Area
Priority is given to applicants who have passed the Kent tests and occupy permanent residence closest to the school.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a place at Barton Court Grammar School, pupils must meet the required Kent Test scores and list the school on their Kent Secondary Common Application Form. If there are more applicants than available places, the following oversubscription criteria are applied:
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium funding
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Children with a sibling already attending the school
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Children with Health or Special Access needs
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Children living nearest to the school
Children with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be admitted before these criteria are applied.
Click here to view the full Barton Court Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Barton Court Grammar School
Strong performance in the Kent Test comes from starting early and preparing with focus. Here are some effective strategies to help your child succeed in their 11 Plus preparation:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Barton Court Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Barton’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here is a list of the dates for key events that parents may find it useful to be aware of.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
National Offer Day
Barton Court Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Barton Court Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Kent Test
This form is available on the Kent County Council website and should be completed during the summer registration window.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Must be submitted to your local authority by the deadline, making sure to include Barton Court Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Barton Court Grammar School FAQs
You must complete the Kent Secondary Common Application Form, list Barton Court Grammar School as a preference, and ensure your child sits the Kent Test (11 Plus), which is the basis for admission.
The Kent Test is made up of English, maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task. Barton Court does not run its own separate entrance test.
Barton Court is regularly oversubscribed. To be eligible, pupils must achieve at least 332 overall in the Kent Test, with no individual score below 106. Places are then offered using the school’s oversubscription criteria.
There is no fixed catchment boundary, but priority is given based on oversubscription criteria, including distance from the school. This means applicants living closer have a higher chance of securing a place.