Mayfield 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
Mayfield Grammar School
Mayfield Grammar School is a selective girls’ grammar school in Gravesend, Kent, with a history dating back to 1914. Known for academic excellence and a supportive community, the school welcomes girls from 11 to 18, while boys are admitted into the Sixth Form. Its campus combines Edwardian character with modern facilities, including a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre and specialist teaching blocks.
The school is committed to providing a well-rounded education that fosters ambition, independence and resilience. Students follow a broad and challenging curriculum designed to prepare them for future success, supported by dedicated teachers and high academic expectations. Beyond the classroom, there is a wide choice of extracurricular clubs and enrichment opportunities, helping pupils develop confidence and leadership skills.
Admission to Mayfield Grammar School is through the Kent Test (11 Plus) alongside the school’s own Mayfield Test. Performance in these assessments determines entry, with successful candidates joining a school community that prides itself on strong personal development, excellent outcomes and progression to leading universities.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Mayfield Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Mayfield Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Mayfield 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 Mayfield Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Mayfield Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Mayfield Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Mayfield Grammar School Key Information
For your convenience 11 Plus Hero has compiled all of the key information and contacts into one place to make applying to Mayfield Grammar School as easy as possible.
School Address
Full Address:
Mayfield Grammar SchoolPelham Road
Gravesend
Kent
DA11 0JE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Limited visitor parking is available at both the main and Isaac Newton sites but is likely to become full, especially on open days. Nearby street parking is also available however we provide details of the nearest car parks around a 15-20 minute walk away if you would prefer the option.
Additional parking off site
- Gravesend Station, Clive Road, Gravesham, DA11 0HP. Mon-Fri 24h.Â
- Thamesgate Shopping Centre, New Road, Gravesham, DA11 0AU. Mon-Sat. 24h.Â
Mayfield Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Mayfield Grammar School was judged outstanding overall, with the sixth form rated good.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well across a broad, ambitious curriculum and show a passion for learning.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is highly effective, with expert subject knowledge and excellent support for pupils with SEND.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils respectful, inclusive and eager to take part in enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees provide strong direction, prioritising staff development, well-being and effective safeguarding.
Mayfield Grammar School Exam Format
To secure a Year 7 place at Mayfield Grammar School, applicants must take the Kent Test set by GL Assessment. In addition, candidates may also sit the Mayfield Test, which is delivered by CEM, as part of the entry process.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The CEM 11 Plus Mayfield Procedure
The Mayfield Test provides an additional route for admission to Mayfield Grammar School. While places are offered based on the Kent Test, pupils who do not reach the required Kent Test threshold may still qualify through strong performance in the Mayfield Test.
Both sections are marked separately, and pupils must meet the minimum standard in each. Sitting the Mayfield Test alongside the Kent Test increases the chance of admission, as strong results here may secure a place even if the Kent Test score falls slightly short.
The assessment has two parts.
Part One
Computer-Based Test: covering verbal ability, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with greater weighting placed on verbal ability.
Part Two
English Paper: assessing writing skills, where candidates read a passage and choose one task to complete.
The Mayfield Procedure - CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Pass Criteria
The Kent Test, administered by GL Assessment, does not have a fixed pass mark or percentage. Instead, results are standardised to rank pupils, with around the top 25% nationally considered for grammar school entry. This means the required score changes each year depending on overall performance.
Pass Criteria: The Mayfield Test
Like the Kent Test, the Mayfield Test does not set out a published pass mark. Results are standardised and compared within each year group to identify pupils most suited to a grammar school education. Mayfield Grammar School has confirmed the weightings used for the CEM computer-based paper:
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50% Verbal Reasoning
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25% Non-Verbal Reasoning
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25% Mathematics
Alongside this, the Mayfield written English test is assessed separately. Both parts require pupils to meet a minimum standard, and one component cannot make up for a weaker performance in the other.
Catchment Area
Mayfield Grammar School uses a postcode-based catchment system that gives priority for admission in tiers. Places are offered in the following order:
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Girls who live permanently in one of these postcodes: DA2.6**, DA2.8**, DA3, DA4, DA9, DA10, DA11, DA12, DA13, ME3, TN15.7**, TN15 6AR, TN15 6AT and TN15 6AS.
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Girls who live permanently in one of these postcodes: DA1, DA2.7**, ME2, TN13, TN14, TN15 (except TN15.7**, TN15 6AR, TN15 6AT and TN15 6AS).
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Girls living outside of these postcodes.
Within each postcode category, a second set of criteria is applied:
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Girls eligible for Pupil Premium (those who have received free school meals at any point in the last six years).
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Girls who achieved the highest results in the Kent Test.
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Distance from the child’s permanent home to Mayfield Grammar School, measured using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a place at Mayfield Grammar School, your child must meet the required scores 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 there are more eligible applicants than available spaces.
Oversubscription criteria are applied in the following order:
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Children with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school will be admitted first.
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
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Children with a sibling already at the school.
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Children living in first priority postcodes, prioritised by:
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Eligibility for Free School Meals
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Kent Test scores
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Distance from home to school
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Children living in second priority postcodes, prioritised by the same order.
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Children outside the priority postcodes, prioritised by Kent Test scores and then distance.
For full details, see Mayfield Grammar School’s published admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Mayfield 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 Mayfield 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.
Mayfield Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
It can be difficult to keep track of all the important dates and deadlines for grammar school application and so 11 Plus Hero has created a checklist for you here!
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
Mayfield Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Mayfield Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Mayfield 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 Mayfield Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Mayfield Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their child for the Kent Test through Kent County Council, then complete the Secondary Common Application Form listing Mayfield Grammar School. Applicants may also take the optional Mayfield Test for an additional route to entry.
Admission is based on the Kent Test, which covers reasoning, English and maths, plus an optional Mayfield Test. The Mayfield assessment includes a computer-based reasoning test and an English paper, each with separate minimum standards.
Entry is highly competitive. Many applicants achieve the pass mark, so oversubscription criteria apply. Priority is given to Looked After Children, siblings, Pupil Premium applicants, and those in priority postcode areas, followed by Kent Test results and distance.
Yes, Mayfield Grammar School operates a tiered postcode-based catchment system. Priority is given first to girls in specified local postcodes, then to wider surrounding areas, and finally to applicants outside the catchment, with distance used as a tie-breaker.