Gravesend Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 210
Ofsted Rating: Good
Gravesend Grammar School
Gravesend Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, based in Gravesend, Kent, with a co-educational Sixth Form open to both boys and girls.
The school is known for its strong academic tradition alongside a focus on personal growth, responsibility and leadership. It consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-level results, reflecting its high standards.
Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of sports, clubs, music and enrichment opportunities, while working hard and taking pride in their studies within a supportive and ambitious community. Admission to Year 7 is determined by performance in the Kent Test, with oversubscription criteria used if more pupils qualify than places available.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Gravesend Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Gravesend Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Gravesend 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 Gravesend Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Gravesend Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Gravesend Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Gravesend Grammar School Key Information
11 Plus Hero presents core school data and key school contacts in one place to make your application to Gravesend Grammar School that little bit easier.
School Address
Full Address:
Gravesend Grammar SchoolChurch Walk
Gravesend
Kent
DA12 2PR
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- There is limited street parking nearby but a number of car parks within a 20 minute walk
Additional parking off site
- Gravesham Borough Council, Gurdwara, Khalsa Avenue, Gravesham, DA12 1AG. Mon-Fri 24h
- Gravesham Borough Council, Milton Place, Gravesham, DA12 2RL. Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00
Gravesend Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Gravesend Grammar School delivers a good quality of education, with pupils thriving in a safe and ambitious environment built on strong values.
Academic strength: The broad and balanced curriculum supports high achievement. Sixth form students receive personalised guidance that prepares them well for university.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are subject experts who plan engaging lessons and promote literacy effectively. Some teaching strategies are still being refined to ensure consistently strong progress.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are respectful and motivated, with access to a wide range of clubs, sports, societies and enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set high expectations with support from the Aletheia Trust. Safeguarding is effective, staff feel supported, and pupils feel safe and cared for.
Gravesend Grammar School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Gravesend 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.
Addittional
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
Grammar school entrance tests do not have a fixed pass mark. Instead, the threshold score is set each year based on the performance of all pupils who sit the test and the specific paper used. Typically, around the top 25% of children nationally reach this threshold and are considered selective.
Catchment Area
Gravesend Grammar School has a three-tier priority catchment system, although places are sometimes offered to pupils from outside these areas. In cases where distance needs to be considered, the school uses National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data to measure the permanent home address nearest to a fixed point at the school. The priority tiers are:
-
Boys living in the Borough of Gravesham
-
Boys living in the civil parishes of Ash-cum-Ridley, Bean, Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and New Barn, Southfleet, Swanscombe and Greenhithe, and Stansted
-
Boys living in the civil parishes of Stone, Darenth, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Cliffe, and Cliffe Woods
Additional Eligibility
To be considered, pupils must achieve the required Kent Test scores and list Gravesend Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Where more pupils qualify than places available, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
-
Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
-
Health and Special Access Reasons
-
Children with a sibling already attending the school
-
Children of staff employed at the school
-
Children living in the Borough of Gravesham
-
Children living in the following civil parishes: Ash-cum-Ridley, Bean, Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and New Barn, Southfleet, Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Stansted, and the unparished area of Ebbsfleet
-
Children living in the following civil parishes: Stone, Darenth, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Cliffe, and Cliffe Woods
Before these criteria are applied, pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are automatically admitted.
For further details, see Gravesend Grammar School’s full admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Gravesend 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 Gravesend 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.
Gravesend Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
To help you keep track of the deadlines for application documents for Gravesend Grammar School we present them here in chronological order for your convenience.
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
Gravesend Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Gravesend Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Gravesend 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 Gravesend Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Gravesend Grammar School FAQs
To apply, your child must sit the Kent Test and achieve the required standard. You must also name Gravesend Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form to be considered for a place.
Entry is through the Kent Test, which includes English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, plus a writing exercise. Scores are standardised and combined to determine whether a pupil meets the required threshold.
Entry is competitive, as the school is usually oversubscribed. Passing the Kent Test is essential, but final places are allocated according to oversubscription criteria, with priority given to pupils in the catchment area and other listed groups.
Yes, the school has a three-tier priority catchment area. Priority is given first to boys living in the Borough of Gravesham, then to specified nearby parishes, and finally to surrounding parishes. Distance is used to decide in cases of a tie.