Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 120
Ofsted Rating: Good
Highsted Grammar School
Highsted Grammar School is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Sittingbourne, Kent. It is well regarded for academic excellence and strong pastoral care, helping pupils to develop independence, confidence and leadership skills.
Alongside high academic achievement, the school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama and public speaking. These opportunities support personal growth and allow pupils to explore interests beyond the classroom.
Highsted Grammar places importance on building both subject knowledge and character, preparing students effectively for university and future careers. Entry into Year 7 is based on results in the Kent Test and the Highsted Test, and the school is often oversubscribed.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Highsted Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Highsted Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Highsted Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Highsted Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Highsted Grammar School Key Information
11 Plus Hero presents key school information and contact details for Highsted Grammar School in Sittingbourne from the school itself, Ofsted and County websites.Â
School Address
Full Address:
Highsted Grammar SchoolHighsted Road
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 4PT
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Parking at Highsted Grammar School is limited but there are a number of car parks within a 15 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Horizon Parking Ltd, Sainsbury’s, Avenue of Remembrance, Swale, ME10 4DN. Mon-Sat 7:00-21:00. Sun 10:00-16:00
- Swale Borough Council, The Swallows, 9 Roman Square, Swale, ME10 4AH. Mon-Sun 8:00-18:00
Highsted Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Highsted Grammar School is judged to be good overall, with pupils flourishing in a nurturing yet ambitious environment that prepares them well for future education and responsibilities.
Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and broad, with strong outcomes across a range of subjects. Sixth form students achieve well, with many progressing to respected universities of their choice.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are carefully planned, with teachers showing strong subject knowledge. Vocabulary and reading are emphasised, though some variation exists between subjects, which leaders are actively working to strengthen.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are polite, respectful and motivated, with high attendance and low levels of poor behaviour. A wide enrichment programme, trips and mental health initiatives support pupils’ development beyond the classroom.
Leadership and safeguarding: Pupils are polite, respectful and motivated, with high attendance and low levels of poor behaviour. A wide enrichment programme, trips and mental health initiatives support pupils’ development beyond the classroom.
Highsted Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Highsted Grammar School involves sitting the Kent Test (administered by GL Assessment) and the Highsted optional test.
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 Highsted Test by CEM 11 Plus:
The Highsted Test provides an additional opportunity for pupils to demonstrate selective ability. While Highsted Grammar School admits students through the Kent Test, it will also consider applicants who pass the Highsted Test, even if they do not reach the required standard in the Kent Test.
This computer-based assessment covers four areas:
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Verbal Ability
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Non-Verbal Reasoning
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Numeracy
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English (written paper)
Taking the Highsted Test alongside the Kent Test gives pupils a valuable second chance to secure a selective place. Achieving the required standard in either test is enough to be considered eligible.
The Highsted Test - CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English: Comprehension & Creative WritingEnglish: Comprehension & Creative Writing |
Pass Mark
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Pass Criteria
Grammar school entrance tests do not have a fixed pass mark. Instead, the threshold is set each year according to the performance of the whole cohort. Scores from both Kent Test papers are standardised and compared with other pupils. Typically, around the top 25% nationally achieve above the threshold and are offered grammar school places.
Pass Criteria: The Highsted TestÂ
The Highsted Test also sets its pass mark annually, based on that year’s results. About 25% of pupils nationwide reach or exceed the threshold. Scores from the computer-based paper and the written English paper are combined, but pupils must also meet the minimum standard in each part. In Paper One, Verbal Reasoning is weighted more heavily than Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Catchment Area
Highsted Grammar does not specific a catchment area or priority scaling area at all. They admit girls into Year 7 based on them having passed the Kent and/ or Highsted Test and living in the closest proximity to the school as defined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data taking the measurement form a fixed point at Highsted in a straight line to the applying girls permanent home address.Â
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a place at Highsted Grammar School, pupils must pass the entrance tests and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee a place. When applications exceed the number of places available, the following oversubscription criteria are applied:
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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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Children with a sibling already attending the school
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Distance from the child’s home to the school
Before these criteria are used, children with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be offered a place.
More information can be found in Highsted Grammar School’s full admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Highsted 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 Highsted 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.
Highsted Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
11 Plus Hero presents the key dates for admission to Highsted Grammar School. Open events, registration deadlines and the dates of tests are presented in one place 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
Highsted Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Highsted Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Highsted Grammar School FAQs
To apply, your child must sit the Kent Test and may also take the optional Highsted Test for an additional chance to qualify. You must also name Highsted Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form.
Entry is assessed through the Kent Test and the optional Highsted Test. The Kent Test covers English, maths and reasoning, while the Highsted Test includes a computer-based paper in verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning plus a written English paper.
Entry is competitive as the school is usually oversubscribed. Passing the Kent Test or the Highsted Test is required, but places are allocated according to oversubscription rules, giving priority to criteria such as Pupil Premium, siblings and proximity.
Yes, distance from the school is one of the oversubscription criteria. When more pupils qualify than places available, applicants living closer to the school are prioritised after other criteria, such as Pupil Premium and siblings, are applied.