Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Dartford Grammar School for Girls (DGGS) is a selective grammar school in Dartford, Kent, for girls aged 11 to 18. It is well known for its tradition of academic excellence and its commitment to developing confident, capable young women.
The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, enabling pupils to achieve impressive GCSE and A-level results. Alongside strong academic teaching, DGGS promotes independent thinking and encourages students to take part in a wide range of enrichment activities, including sport, music, arts and leadership opportunities.
Students at DGGS are supported to grow into articulate, well-rounded individuals who are ready to succeed in higher education and beyond. Entry into Year 7 is determined by performance in the Kent Test, with oversubscription criteria applied when more pupils qualify than there are available places.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dartford Grammar School for Girls
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 Dartford Grammar School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dartford Grammar School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dartford Grammar School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Key Information
Knowing who to contact and being able to access key school information about Dartford Grammar School for Girls is important for making an informed application to the right Grammar school for your daughter.
School Address
Full Address:
Dartford Grammar School for GirlsShepherds Lane
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2NT
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
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dartford Grammar School for Girls continues to be an outstanding school where pupils thrive in a vibrant and ambitious atmosphere.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well, supported by a challenging and carefully planned curriculum. Teachers bring complex ideas to life, and pupils develop a love of reading and learning across subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Subject leaders are experts who design learning that goes beyond exam specifications. Lessons build knowledge and skills effectively, with SEND pupils supported swiftly and thoughtfully.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent both in lessons and social times. Pupils are respectful, mature and engaged, taking part in a wide range of clubs, events and leadership opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees are highly ambitious, with a strong focus on equality and social mobility. Staff feel valued and well supported, and safeguarding routines are robust and effective.
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Dartford Grammar School for Girls 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
On results day, your daughter will be given three scores: one for Paper One, one for Paper Two, and a combined aggregate score. These results are standardised and adjusted to take into account differences in age within the year group. To gain a place at a grammar school, your daughter must achieve a standardised score above the set threshold, which usually places her within the top 25% of students nationally.
Catchment Area
Dartford Grammar School for Girls operates a priority catchment area and reserves 100 places for Girls with permanents addresses in any of the following Parishes
- Ash-cum-Ridley, Fawkham Stone, Bean, Hartley, Sutton at Hone and Hawley, Crockenhill, Hextable, Swanley, Darenth, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Eynsford, Longfield and New Barn, West Kingsdown, Farningham, Southfleet and Wilmington
- Priority will be given to students in these areas with the highest aggregated Kent Test scoreÂ
- When equal scoring is attributed children with closest permanent residence will be given priority. Distance as measured by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data
Additional Eligibility
Meeting the required Kent Test scores and naming Dartford Grammar School for Girls on your Kent Secondary Common Application Form is essential. However, places are offered according to oversubscription rules if there are more qualified applicants than spaces available.
Priority is given to:
-
Looked After and previously Looked After Children
-
Children eligible for Pupil Premium
-
Up to 100 places for girls whose permanent home address is within the school’s defined Priority Area
For full details, see Dartford Grammar School for Girls’ admissions policy and Priority Area information.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dartford Grammar School for Girls
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 Dartford Grammar School for Girls. 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.
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Key Dates and Application Information
11 Plus Hero has compiled all of the grammar school specific, general admission and open day dates for making a successful application to Dartford Grammar School for Girls to save you the trouble!
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
Dartford Grammar School for Girls Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Dartford Grammar School for Girls has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 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 Dartford Grammar School for Girls as one of your preferences.
Dartford Grammar School for Girls FAQs
Applications are made through the Kent County Council secondary school admissions process. Parents must also register their child for the Kent Test (11 plus) to be considered for a Year 7 place at the school.
The 11 plus exam follows the Kent Test format, which includes multiple-choice papers covering reasoning (verbal, non-verbal, spatial), English, and maths. A writing task is also completed but used only in borderline or appeal decisions.
Entry is highly competitive, as the school is consistently oversubscribed. Applicants must achieve a strong standardised pass in the Kent Test, and places are then allocated according to the school’s oversubscription criteria, including proximity and priority groups.
Yes, the school operates a defined catchment area. Priority is usually given to applicants living within this area, although some places are also allocated to pupils living outside it, depending on test performance and annual demand.