Borden Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
Borden Grammar School
Borden Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Sittingbourne, Kent, with a history dating back to 1878. The school provides a traditional yet modern education, aiming to develop confident, responsible and well-rounded young men.
High academic standards are matched by a strong focus on values and personal growth. Students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities, from sports such as football, cricket and athletics to music, drama and a wide variety of clubs. These opportunities help pupils build leadership skills and confidence beyond the classroom.
Borden Grammar School is heavily oversubscribed, attracting applicants from Sittingbourne and the wider area. Admission is determined by performance in the Kent Test (11 Plus) alongside the school’s own Borden Assessment Procedure.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Borden Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Borden Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Borden 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 Borden Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Borden Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Borden Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Borden Grammar School Key Information
We regularly update on Borden Grammar School’s key information, contacts and school statistics directly from the school itself and governmental sources.
School Address
Full Address:
Borden Grammar SchoolAvenue of Remembrance
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 4DB
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Parking can be found on the school premises and a number of car parks within a 10 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Central Avenue Short Stay Car Park, 5 Central Ave, Sittingbourne, ME10 4BX. Mon-Sun, 24 hours
- Albany Road Car Park, Albany Road, Swale, ME10 1EB: Open Mon-Sun. 08:00 – 18:00
Borden Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Borden Grammar School continues to be a good school. Pupils feel safe, happy and well supported in a positive, respectful community.
Academic strength: Staff have high expectations. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with most pupils studying English Baccalaureate subjects at GCSE.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are subject specialists who use questioning and feedback effectively. However, some curriculum plans need clearer sequencing and knowledge progression.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent across lessons and social times. Pupils are mature, respectful and motivated, with bullying dealt with quickly.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees are ambitious and supportive. Safeguarding is strong, though recruitment checks need to be more thorough.
Borden Grammar Exam Format
To gain a Year 7 place at Borden Grammar School, pupils must sit the Kent Test, administered by GL Assessment. In addition, they may also take the Borden Assessment Procedure as an alternative route to entry.
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.
Additional 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Borden Test: Produced by the GL 11 Plus exam Board
Borden Grammar School also offers its own entrance test, known as the Borden Assessment Procedure. This gives boys another chance of securing a place, even if they do not pass the Kent Test.
The assessment is a paper-based test with four parts:
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Verbal Ability
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Numerical / Mathematical Reasoning
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Non-Verbal Reasoning
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English
Strong performance in this test can lead to an offer, allowing families to avoid waiting for the appeals process.
The Borden Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Pass Criteria
Your child will receive three individual, standardised scores, along with their total score.
For English, Maths, and Reasoning, test scores range from a low of 69 to a high of 141.
The total score can range from 207 to a maximum of 423.
To be considered as ‘passing’ the Kent Test, your child must achieve a minimum total score of 332. Additionally, no individual score can be lower than 106.
Pass Criteria: The Borden Assessment Procedure
The school does not publish the exact pass mark or grade boundaries for the Borden Assessment Procedure. This means families are unable to know the precise benchmark in advance.
Catchment Area
Priority is given to applicants who have passed either the Kent or Borden tests and occupy permanent residence closest to the school. As such the catchment area changes from year to year and may shrink if there are a high number of applicants living in close proximity or grow if not.
Generally however Borden Grammar School operates a three tier priority catchment area.
- Priority is given to children with permanent residence in the postcodes ME9, ME10, ME11 and ME12
- Secondly to those in postcodes ME8 and ME13
- Thirdly to children from any other area
In the event of oversubscription for any of the above areas, Borden uses the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data to calculate the distance between a child’s permanent home address and the school, awarding priority to children residing closest.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a place, pupils must meet the required test scores and name Borden Grammar School on their Kent Secondary Common Application Form. When oversubscribed, the school applies the following criteria:
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Children in Local Authority Care (or previously looked after).
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Children eligible for Free School Meals.
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Boys with a sibling already at the school.
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Health and Special Access reasons.
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Pupils living in priority postcode areas:
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First priority: ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12
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Second priority: ME8, ME13
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Third priority: all other areas
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Click here to read Borden Grammar School’s full admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dartford 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 Borden 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.
Borden’s Key Dates and Application Information
Keeping track of the numerous dates and deadlines for admission to Borden Grammar School can be a laborious task but 11 Plus Hero is here to help guide you through.
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
Borden Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Borden Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Dartford 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 Borden Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Borden Grammar School FAQs
You must complete the Kent Secondary Common Application Form, list Borden Grammar School as a preference, and ensure your child sits the Kent Test. Many families also choose the optional Borden Assessment Procedure for an additional entry route.
The Kent Test includes English, maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task. Pupils may also sit the Borden Assessment Procedure, which assesses verbal ability, numerical reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and English. Both routes can lead to admission.
Borden Grammar School is consistently oversubscribed. Boys must achieve at least 332 overall in the Kent Test, with no score below 106, or perform strongly in the Borden Assessment Procedure to be considered for a Year 7 place.
Yes. Priority is given to applicants living in ME9, ME10, ME11 and ME12 postcodes, followed by ME8 and ME13. Boys from other areas may still be considered, depending on oversubscription and available places.