Dover Grammar School for Boys
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
Dover Grammar School for Boys
Dover Grammar School for Boys (DGSB) is a selective grammar school in Dover, Kent, educating boys aged 11 to 18. The school has a strong reputation for academic achievement within a supportive environment that develops both personal and academic growth. Its broad and ambitious curriculum places emphasis on respect, independence and success.
Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide variety of clubs, sports and enrichment activities. These opportunities help to build leadership, teamwork and creativity, while fostering a strong sense of community within the school.
Since 2022, DGSB has benefited from purpose-built facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories and sports spaces. The school is also developing a technology-rich learning environment, preparing pupils with digital skills for the future and encouraging safe, responsible online interaction. Admission to Year 7 is determined by results in either the Kent Test or the Dover Boys Test.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dover Grammar School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dover Grammar School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dover Grammar School for Boys
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 Dover Grammar School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dover Grammar School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dover Grammar School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dover Grammar School for Boys Key Information
11 Plus hero provides all the information on key contacts, dates and school occupancy to help you decide if Dover Grammar School for Boys is the right school for your child.
School Address
Full Address:
Dover Grammar School for BoysAstor Avenue
Dover
Kent
CT17 0DQ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited parking on the streets around Dover Grammar School for Boys. The nearest car parks can be found 15-25 minutes walk away and many options exist in Dover itself.
Additional parking off site
- Dover District Council, Elms Vale Recreation Ground, Elms Vale Road, Dover, CT17 9PS. Mon-Sun 24h
- Dover District Council, Victoria Street, Dover, CT17 0EL. Mon-Sun 24h
Dover Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dover Grammar School for Boys offers a good education in an ambitious, inclusive environment. Pupils thrive under the school’s motto, ‘Fiat Lux’ (Let There Be Light).
Academic strength: Pupils follow a broad and demanding curriculum. GCSE results are strong, though some sixth form outcomes need improvement.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are experts in their subjects. They use clear questioning, discussion and checks to build knowledge. Pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils are well supported.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are respectful, motivated and proud. Enrichment is wide-ranging, from music and sport to leadership roles, trips and cadets.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set high expectations. Staff feel supported, and workload is managed well. Safeguarding is robust, and pupils feel safe and included.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dover Grammar School for Boys
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 Dover Grammar School for Boys. 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.
Dover Grammar School for Boys Key Dates and Application Information
Trying to locate all of the information on exactly when admission documents are due and tests are taking place for admission to Dover Grammar School for Boys can be a confusing task. 11 Plus Hero has created this guide to help you keep on top of arrangements for the Kent Test general to the county and the school specific Dover Test.
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
Dover Grammar School for Boys Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Dover Grammar School for Boys has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys as one of your preferences.
Dover Grammar School for Boys FAQs
To apply, your son must sit either the Kent Test or the Dover Boys Test. You must also name Dover Grammar School for Boys on your Kent Secondary Common Application Form to be considered.
Entry is through the Kent Test or the Dover Boys Test. The Kent Test includes English, maths, reasoning and a writing task, while the Dover Boys Test assesses English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Entry is selective and competitive. Only boys who achieve the required threshold in either the Kent Test or the Dover Boys Test are considered, with oversubscription rules applied if more pupils qualify than there are spaces.
The school does not have a set catchment area. However, distance from the school is part of the oversubscription criteria, with priority given to pupils who live closer once higher priority categories have been applied.