Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Canterbury, Kent, educating girls aged 11–18. Known for its academic excellence, the school promotes ambition, creativity and resilience, alongside strong support for pupils’ personal and emotional growth.
Established in 1881, the school combines tradition with innovation, offering a broad curriculum with particular strengths in sciences, arts and languages. Many students go on to leading universities and careers in STEM, medicine, law and creative fields.
The sixth form is mixed, admitting both boys and girls in Years 12 and 13. Students benefit from a wide choice of extracurricular opportunities, including music, drama, debating, sport and international visits.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Simon Langton Girls’ 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 Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School Key Information
Key school information and contact details for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School are regularly updated by 11 Plus Hero to keep you in the know!
School Address
Full Address:
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar SchoolOld Dover Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 3EW
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Parking is not available on site however there is a large car park in very close proximity.
Additional parking off site
- New Dover Road Park and Ride, Canterbury CT1 3EJ. Mon-Sun 24h.
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The school continues to be good, with evidence it may now be outstanding. Pupils thrive in a strong, inclusive community.
Academic strength: Achievement is excellent. Pupils produce high-quality work and talk confidently about their learning.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is ambitious and well planned. Teachers use expert subject knowledge to engage and challenge pupils.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is calm and respectful. Pupils value leadership roles, clubs and cultural opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders are reflective and supportive. Staff feel valued, and safeguarding is effective.
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School is through the Kent Test, which is organised 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 beginning with five minutes of practice questions before 25 minutes of timed assessment. The English section usually features a reading comprehension alongside other tasks that test vocabulary, grammar and overall literacy skills. The maths section covers problem solving and core numeracy.
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
In addition, pupils complete a writing task that lasts 40 minutes, including 10 minutes for planning. While this task is not marked as part of the Kent Test score, it may be reviewed by a headteacher panel if your child’s results are borderline.
The Kent Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Each pupil receives three standardised scores, one each for English, maths and reasoning, plus a combined total. Scores for each paper range from 69 to 141, meaning the maximum overall score is 423.
To be considered for a place at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, children generally need a minimum total of 332, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School does not operate a priority catchment area defined by geographical boundaries. Instead girls who have passed the Kent Test will be admitted according to the proximity of their permanent residential address and a fixed point on the school premises as defined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.Â
Additional Eligibility
To secure a place at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, pupils must first sit and pass the Kent Test. If more than 180 girls qualify, places are allocated according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
The priority order is:
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
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Girls eligible for Pupil Premium who pass the Kent Test
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Applicants with a sibling already attending the school
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Girls with documented health or special access needs
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Girls living nearest to the school, with distance deciding priority
Click here to view the full Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Helping your son prepare with a structured and reliable study routine can have a big impact in the lead-up to the Kent Test. Below are some effective strategies to support his 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 Simon Langton Girls’ 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.
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
Keeping track of the requirements to apply to Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School can be confusing so 11 Plus Hero has created this chronological checklist to help you keep on track!
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
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Application Process
The application process for Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School involves three key stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Kent Test
Register through the Kent County Council website. Registration typically opens in June and closes in early July.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
Complete and submit the common application form to your local authority by 31 October 2025. Make sure to include Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their child for the Kent Test through Kent County Council. After results are released, the school should be named on the Secondary Common Application Form. Places are offered according to test results and oversubscription rules.
Entry is via the Kent Test, which includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning, maths and English. Pupils must meet the pass mark to qualify, with oversubscription criteria used if more than 180 girls reach the standard.
Entry is competitive, as more pupils pass the Kent Test than there are places available. Oversubscription criteria give priority to looked after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings, health or access needs, and finally distance from the school.
Yes, distance is a factor in admissions. If the school is oversubscribed, places are prioritised for applicants who live closer to the school, though this only applies after other higher-priority criteria have been considered.