Cranbrook School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Fee Paying
Boarding: Day school, Boarding
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 90
Ofsted Rating: Good
Fee per term: £4,800
Fee per year: £14,400
Cranbrook School
Cranbrook School is a selective state grammar school with both boarding and day places, located in the historic market town of Cranbrook, Kent. Founded in 1518, it offers a traditional yet forward-looking education for pupils aged 11 to 18.
As one of the few state grammar schools in the UK with boarding facilities, Cranbrook combines strong academic achievement with excellent pastoral care. Students also benefit from an extensive enrichment programme that includes sport, music, the arts and opportunities for leadership.
The school admits pupils at both 11+ and 13+, making it unusual among Kent grammar schools. Entry into Year 7 is highly competitive and based on performance in the Kent Test (11 Plus).
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Cranbrook School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Cranbrook School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Cranbrook School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Cranbrook School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Cranbrook School Key Information
Locating the core school details and contact information can be laborious, so 11 Plus Hero has condensed it into one location for your convenience.
School Address
Full Address:
Cranbrook SchoolWaterloo Road
Cranbrook
Kent
TN17 3JD
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parents are advised to use the drop-off zone in the ‘In and Out’ carpark at the front of the main school building. Parking is limited behind the Sports Hall and in Barham Drive, so parents are asked not to use these areas.
Additional parking off site
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, The Tanyard, Tunbridge Wells, TN17 3HY. Mon-Sun 24 hours.Â
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Jockey Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN17 3JN. Mon-Sun 24 hours.Â
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN17 3DQ. Mon-Sun 24 hours.
Cranbrook School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Cranbrook School is rated Good, with Outstanding behaviour and personal development. Pupils flourish in a kind, ambitious and inclusive community.
Academic strength: The English Baccalaureate underpins the curriculum, supporting ambition for all pupils. Teaching is strong, though some subjects need clearer sequencing.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are knowledgeable, explain clearly and check progress well. Reading is a strength, helping pupils become confident and fluent learners.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are motivated, respectful and inclusive, with clubs, societies and leadership roles building confidence and character.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors are ambitious and supportive. Safeguarding is effective, though some record-keeping checks need closer attention.
Cranbrook School Exam FormatÂ
Entry into Year 7 at Cranbrook 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Your child will receive three separate standardised scores in English, maths and reasoning, as well as a combined total score.
Each subject score ranges from 69 to 141, giving a possible overall total between 207 and 423.
For entry to Cranbrook School, pupils must achieve a minimum total score of 332, with no individual subject score falling below 106.
In recent years, the lowest scores of pupils offered a place at Cranbrook School were:
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2025 entry: 338
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2024 entry: 337
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2023 entry: 353
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2022 entry: 354
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2021 entry: 365
Catchment Area
Cranbrook School is a super-selective grammar school with a defined priority catchment area. Being super-selective means that within this area, places are offered first to pupils who achieve the highest scores in the Kent Test, rather than purely on distance from the school.
Cranbrook School’s Priority Catchment Tiers:
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The civil parishes of Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Staplehurst, Frittenden, Benenden, Sandhurst and Hawkhurst
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Permanent residences within 8.5 kilometres (5.28 miles) of Cranbrook School, measured in a straight line using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data
If applicants have the same Kent Test score and other factors are equal, proximity to the school (measured by NLPG data) will be used to decide priority. If this does not resolve the tie, selection will then be made at random.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Cranbrook School, pupils must achieve the required standard in the Kent Test and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee an offer, as oversubscription rules apply when more pupils qualify than places are available.
When oversubscription applies, priority is given in the following order:
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Children living within the Priority Area, considered in this order:
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium
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Pupils with a recognised Social Need to attend Cranbrook School
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Pupils with a sibling already at the school
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Pupils whose parent is a member of staff
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Before these criteria are applied, any child with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming Cranbrook School will be allocated a place.
Cranbrook School Priority Area includes: Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Staplehurst, Frittenden, Benenden, Sandhurst, Hawkhurst, plus any property within 8.5km of the school.
Click here to read Cranbrook School’s full admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook 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.
Cranbrook School’s Key Dates and Application Information
The dates for general Grammar School applications and for Cranbrook School specific events are listed here and updated as soon as new information becomes avaliable.
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
Cranbrook School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Cranbrook School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School as one of your preferences.
Cranbrook School FAQs
To apply, you must register your child for the Kent Test (11 Plus) and list Cranbrook School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting the entry score and catchment criteria is essential for consideration.
The Kent Test assesses English, maths and reasoning, with each paper standardised to a score between 69 and 141. Pupils receive three individual scores plus a total, which must meet Cranbrook School’s minimum entry requirement.
Entry is highly competitive. Cranbrook is a super-selective grammar, meaning within its priority catchment area, places go to pupils achieving the highest Kent Test scores. Oversubscription rules and past cut-off scores show demand regularly exceeds available places.
Yes. Cranbrook School has a defined priority catchment that includes the parishes of Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Staplehurst, Frittenden, Benenden, Sandhurst and Hawkhurst, plus permanent residences within 8.5km of the school, measured by NLPG data.