Maidstone Grammar School for Girls 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
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS) is a selective grammar school in the heart of Maidstone, Kent, educating girls from 11 to 18. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, supportive teaching and preparing students for future success. Its Sixth Form also welcomes boys, offering a diverse and inclusive community.
The curriculum at MGGS is broad, engaging and designed to challenge pupils while nurturing their individual talents. Alongside academic studies, the school places emphasis on personal growth, encouraging pupils to develop skills that will benefit them both at university and in their careers.
Students enjoy a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, including music, drama, sport and leadership roles. With high expectations, a strong pastoral system and a focus on well-being, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls provides an environment where every student is supported to achieve their full potential.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Maidstone 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 Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Key Information
Knowing key school information and who to contact is vital and so 11 Plus Hero has compiled this important information in one place for your convenience.
School Address
Full Address:
Maidstone Grammar School for GirlsBuckland Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME16 0SF
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls does have on-site parking but on peak days such as open events this may become congested. As such we provide information on nearby parking arrangements within 15 minutes walk.Â
Additional parking off site
- Sandling Road Car Park, 98 Sandling Rd, Maidstone, ME14 1RJ. Mon – Sun 5am to 8pm
- Maidstone east station car park A, Station Rd, Maidstone ME14 1RE. Mon – Sun 24h
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Maidstone Grammar School for Girls was judged outstanding in all areas, including education, behaviour, personal development and leadership.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well across a broad and ambitious curriculum, supported by expert teaching and strong subject knowledge.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are carefully designed to challenge and support pupils, with SEND provision highly effective and consistently meeting individual needs.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils show exemplary behaviour, respect and resilience, thriving in a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment enriched by wide-ranging opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is highly effective, staff are well supported, and safeguarding is robust, with strong systems ensuring pupils feel safe and well cared for.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Maidstone 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 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
The Kent Test, run by GL Assessment, does not use a set pass mark or percentage. Scores are standardised to rank pupils, with roughly the top 25% nationally deemed suitable for grammar school entry. As a result, the qualifying score varies each year depending on overall performance.
Catchment Area
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls does not operate a catchment area. Girls will be admitted to the school based on the eligibility criteria below followed by the distance between the addresses of their permanent place of residence and a fixed point at the school as determined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer address point data.Â
Additional Eligibility
To apply for a place at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, your child must achieve the required scores in the Kent Test and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry, as oversubscription criteria are applied when more pupils qualify than places available.
Priority is given in the following order:
-
Children with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
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Students eligible for Pupil Premium
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Children with a sibling already attending the school
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Applicants living closest to the school
For full details, see the Maidstone Grammar School for Girls admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Maidstone 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.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Exam Papers
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 Maidstone 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.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Key Dates and Application Information
Keeping track of key application events can be difficult and so we at 11 plus Hero have compiled a timeline of School and local government deadlines as a useful checklist
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
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Maidstone Grammar School for Girls has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Maidstone 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 Maidstone Grammar School for Girls as one of your preferences.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls FAQs
Parents must register their child for the Kent Test through Kent County Council and submit the Secondary Common Application Form, listing MGGS as a preference. Admission is based on test performance, followed by oversubscription criteria if places are limited.
Entry is determined by the Kent Test, set by GL Assessment. The exam includes multiple-choice questions in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths and English, plus a writing task that may be considered in borderline cases.
Competition is strong, as many pupils achieve the required Kent Test scores. When oversubscribed, MGGS applies its criteria, giving priority to children with an EHCP, looked after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings, and then by distance from the school.
MGGS does not operate a formal catchment area. However, distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker within its oversubscription criteria, once higher-priority groups such as Pupil Premium pupils and siblings have been considered.