Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 210
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Highworth Grammar School in Ashford, Kent, is a selective state grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, with boys admitted into the Sixth Form.
The school has a strong academic reputation, achieving excellent GCSE and A level results, while maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment. Pupils are encouraged to succeed through a broad curriculum and an extensive range of extracurricular opportunities, including sport, music, languages and debating.
Highworth Grammar School is recognised for helping students grow into confident, responsible young people who are well prepared for higher education and future careers. Admission into Year 7 is based on results in the Kent Test, the county’s selective 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Highworth Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Highworth Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Highworth Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Highworth Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Highworth Grammar School Key Information
11 Plus Hero here provides contact information for the admission officer as well as for core school enquiries and key school occupancy data to help you and your daughter decide if Highworth Grammar School is the right choice.
School Address
Full Address:
Highworth Grammar SchoolMaidstone Road
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8UD
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- There is limited parking at Highworth Grammar School on site. There are a number of customer-only car parks for local businesses nearby in addition to paid car parking facilities.
Additional parking off site
- Ashford Borough Council, Edinburgh Road, Ashford, TN24 8LG. Mon-Fri 6:00-20:30, Sat 6:00-19:30
- NCP, County Square, Apsley Street, Ashford, TN23 1YD. Mon-Sat 07:00-19:00, Sun 09:00-18:00
Highworth Grammar School Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Highworth Grammar School was judged outstanding in all areas, including education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and sixth form provision.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly across an ambitious curriculum, developing impressive knowledge, skills and vocabulary with expert teaching and strong subject support.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are carefully planned to build knowledge and recall. Teachers check understanding closely, provide precise feedback, and support SEND pupils effectively.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are respectful, motivated and take responsibility, thriving in a safe, inclusive environment with wide opportunities for enrichment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees drive continual improvement. Staff feel proud and supported, and safeguarding is robust, ensuring pupils feel safe and well cared for.
Highworth Grammar Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Highworth 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
Children receive three separate standardised scores, one each for English, maths and reasoning, plus an overall total. Each score ranges from 69 to 141, giving a possible combined score between 207 and 423.
To be considered for a place at Highworth Grammar School, applicants typically need a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
Highworth Grammar School does not operate a catchment area including specific postcodes or parishes. They simply consider admissions from girls having passed the Kent Test who’s permanent residence is in closest proximity to the school premises based on data from the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.
Additional Eligibility
Kent Test and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting these conditions does not guarantee a place. When there are more eligible applicants than available spaces, Highworth Grammar School applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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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 currently attending the school
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Health and Special Access reasons
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Proximity of the child’s home to the school
Before these criteria are applied, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be admitted.
Click here to learn more about Highworth Grammar School’s admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Highworth 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 Highworth 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.
Highworth’s Key Dates and Application Information
The numerous dates and deadlines for grammar school admissions can make things confusing, especially when looking at multiple schools. 11 Plus Hero has summarised these dates for Highworth Grammar School here and for every other selective grammar on their pages.
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
Highworth Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Highworth Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Highworth Grammar School FAQs
To apply for Year 7 entry, your child must sit the Kent Test and achieve the required scores. You must also list Highworth Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form to be considered.
The Kent Test includes English, maths and reasoning papers, along with a writing task used for borderline cases. Scores are standardised by age and combined to determine eligibility for grammar school places, including Highworth Grammar School.
Entry is highly competitive as places are limited and oversubscription criteria apply. Each year, more pupils pass the Kent Test than there are spaces available, meaning priority is given according to the school’s published admissions rules.
Yes, distance from the school is one of the oversubscription criteria. If more children qualify than places available, those living closer to the school are prioritised after other criteria, such as Pupil Premium and siblings, are applied.