Dover Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 140
Ofsted Rating: Good
Dover Grammar School for Girls
Dover Grammar School for Girls (DGSG) is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, based in Dover, Kent. The Sixth Form is mixed, welcoming both boys and girls.
The school delivers a strong academic education alongside excellent pastoral care. Pupils are encouraged to achieve highly and take advantage of opportunities in subjects, creative arts, sport and leadership. A respectful and calm learning environment helps students develop confidence, independence and resilience.
DGSG achieves consistently strong GCSE and A-level results, with many pupils progressing to top universities. Admission to Year 7 is via the Kent Test or the Dover Assessment Test.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dover Grammar School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dover Grammar School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dover 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dover Grammar School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dover Grammar School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dover Grammar School for Girls Key Information
We at 11 Plus Hero have compiled all of the key school contact and capacity information that you need to help choose the best school for your daughter.
School Address
Full Address:
Dover Grammar School For GirlsFrith road
Dover
Kent
CT16 2PZ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- There is very limited street parking but ample car park options 10-15 mins walk away.Â
Additional parking off site
- Civil Enforcement Ltd, Charlton Shopping Centre, Crafford St, Dover, CT16 1TT. Mon-Sun 7:00-18:30
- Dover District Council, Maison Dieu Road, Dover, CT16 1RL. Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00.
Dover Grammar School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dover Grammar School for Girls delivers a good education in a welcoming, ambitious and supportive environment.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and well planned, with strong teaching and a clear focus on reading that supports good achievement.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers explain concepts clearly and build knowledge over time, though deeper discussion is not yet consistent across all lessons.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are respectful, considerate and attend well. A wide range of clubs and leadership roles help build confidence and independence.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders set high expectations and support staff effectively. Safeguarding is thorough, and pupils feel safe and well cared for.
Dover Grammar School for Girls Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Dover 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 One
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Dover Test
The Dover Assessment Test is used for entry to Dover Grammar School for Girls and assesses a combination of reasoning skills and core Key Stage 2 knowledge in English and maths.
The first part is a written English paper based on National Curriculum Key Stage 2 content. This section is not multiple choice and is designed to test comprehension, grammar and written accuracy.
The second part covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. The maths element is based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, while verbal reasoning assesses logic, problem-solving and language patterns. The non-verbal reasoning section evaluates problem-solving using shapes and diagrams, including concepts such as symmetry, rotation, reflection and spatial awareness.
Part One
- A written English assessment – Not multiple choice as in part 2
- Assess your son’s development towards Key Stage 2 English targets.
Part Two
A computer based assessment with question in three areasÂ
Mathematics
- Assessing development at Key Stage 2 targets
- Some material will be beyond what is encountered in schools, testing a child’s ability to apply information to new kinds of problems.Â
Verbal Reasoning
- An assessment of your child’s ability to identify patterns, similarities and differences in written language. Demonstrating logical thinking in the application of the rules and meaning of language to solve problems.Â
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Processing graphic information with pictures and shapes. Demonstrating logic and mathematical skills involving rotation, reflection, symmetry and spatial awareness to solve problems.Â
The Dover Test - Set by the School
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Pass Criteria
The pass mark for the Kent Test is not a fixed percentage but is set each year based on the performance of the entire cohort. Scores are standardised and then aggregated to determine the threshold. Typically, around the top 25% of pupils nationally achieve a score above this level, making them eligible for grammar school places.
Pass Criteria: The Dover Test
The school does not publish an official pass mark for the Dover Test. However, it is believed to operate in a similar way to the Kent Test, with raw scores standardised and used to rank applicants. A threshold is then set each year, with places offered to girls who achieve above this level. In line with selective testing nationally, this usually equates to the top 25% of pupils. The aim of the threshold is to ensure that those admitted can thrive within a grammar school curriculum and progress successfully to the school’s sixth form.
Catchment Area
Students will be granted an admission place based on them having passed either the Kent or Dover Tests and the proximity of their permanent residence with the premises of Dover Grammar School for Girls as based on the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Dover Grammar School for Girls, pupils must achieve the required standard in the entrance tests and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place, as oversubscription rules apply when more applicants qualify than there are available spaces.
The oversubscription criteria are:
-
Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
-
Children with a sibling already attending the school
-
Health and Special Access reasons
-
Children in receipt of Pupil Premium
-
Distance from the child’s home to the school
Remaining places are allocated by proximity to the school. Before these criteria are applied, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be admitted.
Click here to read more about Dover Grammar School for Girls’ admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dover 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 Dover 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.
Dover Grammar School for Girls Key Dates and Application Information
Given that Dover Grammar School for Girls has not one but two selective tests in the Kent Test and Dover Test, trying to find all of the information about both can be a challenge. 11 Plus Hero has compiled all of the key dates and sources into one place for your ease.
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 Girls Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Dover Grammar School for Girls has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Dover 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls as one of your preferences.
Dover Grammar School for Girls FAQs
To apply, your daughter must sit either the Kent Test or the Dover Test. You must also name Dover Grammar School for Girls on your Kent Secondary Common Application Form to be considered for admission.
Entry is through the Kent Test or the Dover Assessment Test. The Kent Test covers English, maths, reasoning and a writing task, while the Dover Test assesses English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Entry is competitive, with places awarded to girls who achieve the required threshold in either the Kent Test or the Dover Test. Oversubscription rules apply when more pupils qualify than there are spaces available.
Yes, distance is part of the oversubscription criteria. While girls from across Kent may apply, priority is given to pupils living closer to the school when allocating places after higher priority categories are considered.