Dane 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: 166
Ofsted Rating: Good
Dane Court Grammar School
Dane Court Grammar School is a co-educational selective grammar school located in Broadstairs, Kent. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it delivers a forward-looking curriculum that encourages independent thinking, global awareness and academic ambition.
The school has an excellent record of achievement, with strong results at both GCSE and Sixth Form. Students are supported by a positive learning environment and have access to a wide enrichment programme that includes sport, music, the arts and leadership opportunities.
Part of the Coastal Academies Trust, Dane Court is known for its inclusive ethos and high standards. It draws applications from Broadstairs and the wider Thanet area, with entry to Year 7 based on performance in the Kent Test (11 Plus).
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dane Court Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dane Court Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dane 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 Dane Court Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dane Court Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dane Court Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dane Court Grammar School Key Information
Accessing required information for Dane Court Grammar School including address, contacts, key dates and figures is important for helping you decide if the school is right for you.Â
School Address
Full Address:
Dane Court Grammar SchoolBroadstairs Road
Broadstairs
Kent
CT10 2RT
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Roadside parking around the School is available but limited and the school requests parents do not bring their cars onto the premises. The nearest car parks are 25-30 minutes walk away.
Additional parking off site
- Thanet District Council, St Peters Park Road, 28 St Peters Park Road, Thanet, CT10 2BG. Mon-Fri, Sun 07:00 – 22:00
- APCOA Parking (UK) Limited, Broadstairs Station, Lloyd Road, Thanet, CT10 1HZ. Mon-Fri, 24 h.
Dane Court Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dane Court Grammar School is rated Good overall, with an Outstanding sixth form that delivers excellent outcomes through the International Baccalaureate.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and ambitious, supported by strong teaching, though in some subjects the sequencing of knowledge is still being refined.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge, set high expectations and provide effective support for pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils behave well in lessons and social times, feel safe and are proud of their school, although some would like greater reassurance around how bullying is handled.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors are ambitious and supportive, staff wellbeing is valued, and safeguarding arrangements are effective and well understood.
Dane Court Grammar School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Dane 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.
Additional
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 total score.
Each subject score ranges from 69 to 141, giving a possible combined total between 207 and 423.
For entry to Dane Court Grammar School, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 332, with no individual subject score falling below 106.
Catchment Area
Dane Court Grammar School does not publish a list of specific postcodes, towns or parishes from which it accepts applications. Instead, the school uses the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data to calculate the distance between a child’s permanent home and a fixed point on the school site. The exact point used on the school grounds is not specified.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Dane Court Grammar 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 a place, as oversubscription criteria apply when there are more applicants than places.
Priority is given in the following order:
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Children in or previously in Local Authority Care
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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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Distance from the child’s home to the school
Before these criteria are applied, any child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC) naming Dane Court Grammar School will be offered a place.
Click here to view the full admissions policy for Dane Court Grammar School.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dane 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 Dane 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.
Dane Court Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Keeping track of timings for open days and test days can be stressful so 11 Plus Hero has compiled the key event dates for applications to Dane Court Grammar School and Kent Grammar schools in general.Â
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
Dane Court Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Dane Court Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Dane 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 Dane Court Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Dane Court Grammar School FAQs
You must register your child for the Kent Test (11 Plus) and list Dane Court Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting the required scores is essential for consideration.
The Kent Test assesses English, maths and reasoning, with each paper standardised to scores between 69 and 141. Children receive three subject scores plus a total, which must meet the school’s minimum entry requirement.
Entry is competitive, as places are offered based on performance in the Kent Test and oversubscription criteria. High scores and priority factors such as siblings, Pupil Premium eligibility and proximity to the school can influence offers.
Dane Court Grammar School does not publish set postcodes or parishes. Distance is measured using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) data, calculating from a child’s permanent home to a fixed but unspecified point on the school site.