Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Inadequate
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School (CCGS) is a selective grammar school located in Ramsgate, Kent. Formed from the merger of Chatham House Grammar School for Boys and Clarendon House Grammar School for Girls, it now operates as a co-educational school across two sites, providing education for pupils aged 11 to 18.
The school is recognised for its strong academic results, high-quality teaching and broad curriculum. Pupils study a wide range of subjects and benefit from excellent support that encourages both academic achievement and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, students take part in a rich programme of enrichment activities, including clubs, sports and cultural events. With a welcoming, supportive environment, CCGS helps pupils develop independence, confidence and the skills they need for life beyond school. Admission to Year 7 is based on performance in the Kent Test (11 Plus).
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Chatham and Clarendon 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 Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School Key Information
Contacting the right people is often vital to finding the exact specific information you need. Details of reaching the school, and reaching these people are vital tools.
School Address
Full Address:
Chatham House Grammar School (Lower School)Chatham Street
Ramsgate
Kent
CT11 7PS
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
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School is rated Inadequate. Pupils achieve well, but serious safeguarding and equality failings mean the school falls short of required standards.
Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and broad. Pupils, including those with SEND, achieve highly, and sixth formers have access to a wide range of qualifications.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers know their subjects and explain clearly, though some lesson time is wasted on low-value tasks. Reading support helps pupils catch up and progress.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is good, with pupils respectful and disruption rare. However, single-sex teaching causes unlawful discrimination and limits social and learning opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership and governance are weak. Safeguarding checks are incomplete, statutory duties ignored, and pupils are put at risk as a result.
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Chatham and Clarendon 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 separate standardised scores in English, maths and reasoning, as well as an overall combined score.
Each subject score ranges from 69 to 141, giving a possible total score between 207 and 423.
For entry to Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, pupils must achieve at least 332 overall, with no individual subject score falling below 106.
Catchment Area
Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School does not set a fixed boundary for admissions. Instead, places are offered according to the distance from a pupil’s permanent address to the school, calculated using Kent County Council and NLPG address point data. This means the effective catchment can shift slightly each year.
Traditionally, most successful applicants live in areas such as: Thanet, Broomfield, Chestfield, Herne, Herne Bay, Reculver, Swalecliffe and Whitstable. A detailed map is published within the school’s Admission Policy.
In addition, applications may receive extra weighting where pupils have special educational needs, come from low-income families, or already have a sibling enrolled. These circumstances should be supported by a supplementary application form available from the school.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, pupils must achieve the required standard in the Kent Test and name the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. If more pupils qualify than there are places, the following oversubscription criteria will be applied:
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Children with Health and Special Access needs
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium
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Children with a sibling already attending the school
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Children of school staff members
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Pupils living in certain priority areas, including:
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Thanet
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Broomfield
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Chestfield
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Herne
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Herne Bay
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Reculver
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Swalecliffe
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Whitstable
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Click here to read Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School’s full admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Chatham and Clarendon 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.
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 Chatham and Clarendon 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.
Chatham and Clarendon’s Key Dates and Application Information
Keeping track of the numerous dates and deadlines for admission to Chatham and Clarendon 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
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Chatham and Clarendon 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 Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School FAQs
Applications are made through the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Your child must sit the Kent Test and list Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School as a preference to be considered for a Year 7 place.
The Kent Test assesses English, maths and reasoning. Each paper is standardised, with scores ranging from 69 to 141. Pupils must reach the required pass mark, with no individual score below 106, for consideration.
Entry is competitive, as more pupils qualify through the Kent Test than places available. Minimum entry requires a total standardised score of 332, but oversubscription criteria and proximity to the school also influence final offers.
There is no fixed boundary. Admissions are distance-based, measured by NLPG data, though priority is often given to applicants from areas such as Thanet, Broomfield, Chestfield, Herne Bay, Reculver, Swalecliffe and Whitstable.