Dartford 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: Outstanding
Dartford Grammar School
Dartford Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Dartford, Kent, with a mixed Sixth Form. Established in 1576, it is among the oldest schools in England and is well known for its strong academic results and innovative approach to learning.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Dartford Grammar delivers the IB Middle Years Programme in the lower years and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. This international curriculum provides a broad and balanced education, encouraging independent learning, critical thinking, and global awareness.
From Year 7, pupils study either Mandarin Chinese or Japanese, with a European language introduced from Year 8. Alongside impressive academic outcomes, the school offers extensive extracurricular opportunities, overseas trips, and a supportive community ethos. Entry into Year 7 is highly competitive and based on results in the Kent Test.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dartford Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dartford Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dartford Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dartford Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dartford Grammar School Key Information
Core school information on Ofsted and pupil occupancy numbers as well as vital contact are important tools in your belt so 11 Plus Hero has catalogued them here for your convenience.
School Address
Full Address:
Dartford Grammar SchoolWest Hill
Dartford
Kent
DA1 2HW
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking can be found on the school premises and a number of car parks within a 15 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Dartford Borough Council, Highfield Road South, Dartford, DA1 2JU. Mon-Sat 8:00-16:30
- Premier Park Ltd, The Priory Centre, Lowfield Street, Dartford, DA1 2HS. Mon-Sat 07:00-17:00
Dartford Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dartford Grammar School is judged Outstanding. Pupils thrive in an ambitious, inclusive and internationally-minded environment that promotes academic excellence and personal growth.
Academic strength: Results are consistently high across all subjects. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with pupils learning at least two languages before GCSE. In the sixth form, all students continue with mathematics and a language.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are subject experts who design lessons that stretch and inspire. They check understanding carefully, adapt when needed, and give effective support for pupils with SEND. Reading, independence and critical thinking are prioritised.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are polite, respectful and motivated. They support each other in lessons and social times. Enrichment is extensive, with clubs, trips and leadership roles developing confidence, culture and community spirit.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees set ambitious standards and support staff well. Workload is monitored, safeguarding is rigorous, and pupils feel safe, respected and well cared for.
Dartford Grammar School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Dartford 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
There is no fixed passing score or percentage for the Kent Test. Selective testing, including the Kent Test, is designed to rank pupils within their year group and assess suitability for a grammar school education. Scores are standardised and compared, with around the top 25% of children qualifying each year. As a result, the pass mark changes annually. While example thresholds are provided in our central guide to the Kent Test, these figures should be seen only as illustrations and not as indicators of future years.
Catchment Area
Dartford Grammar School gives priority to students who pass the Kent Test and live permanently closest to the school. Places are divided into two zones, with 90 allocated to each. If Zone A does not fill, remaining places are offered to Zone B.
Zone A – Children with a permanent residence in the Dartford Electoral Wards, paying council tax to Dartford Borough Council.
Zone B – Children living in all other areas. Within this zone, priority is given to those who pass the Kent Test and live nearest to Dartford Grammar School, measured using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for Year 7 entry at Dartford Grammar School, boys must achieve the required Kent Test score and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. However, oversubscription rules apply when there are more applicants than places.
130 places are allocated to boys living in Dartford Grammar School’s Priority Area (those paying council tax to Dartford Borough Council). These are offered in the following order:
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Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium
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Up to 13 places are reserved for Pupil Premium pupils with a Kent Test score at least 20 points above the pass mark (minimum score 352)
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Kent Test score
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Remaining places from the 130 will go to boys who achieved at least 40 points above the pass mark (minimum score 372), in rank order
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50 places are allocated to boys regardless of home address, in the following order:
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Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium
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Up to 5 places are reserved for Pupil Premium pupils with a Kent Test score at least 20 points above the pass mark (minimum score 352)
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Kent Test score
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Remaining places from the 50 will be offered to boys who met the Kent Test threshold of 332 or higher, ranked by score
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Click here to read the full Dartford Grammar School 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.
Dartford Grammar School Exam Papers
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. 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’s Key Dates and Application Information
With so many different dates and deadline to keep track of it can become stressful so we have compiled the information here for you to see in one place.
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 Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Dartford Grammar School FAQs
Applications are made via the Kent County Council secondary admissions process. Parents must also register their child for the Kent Test (11 Plus), which is required for any pupil hoping to secure a Year 7 place at Dartford Grammar School.
The school uses the Kent Test as its entrance exam. This includes multiple-choice questions in reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial), maths, and English, along with a writing task used for borderline or appeal cases.
Entry is highly competitive, with the school regularly oversubscribed. Candidates must achieve a strong standardised score in the Kent Test, and offers are then made based on oversubscription criteria, including priority area and test performance.
Yes, the school has a defined Priority Area linked to Dartford Borough Council. A large proportion of places are reserved for boys living within this area, although additional places are available to applicants outside the boundary based on Kent Test scores.