The Harvey Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
The Harvey Grammar School
The Harvey Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, located in Folkestone, Kent.
Established in 1674, it has a long history of strong academic achievement combined with a focus on developing character, confidence and leadership skills. The school delivers a broad and challenging curriculum that consistently produces excellent results..
Pupils are encouraged to aim high, take an active role in school life and participate in a wide range of enrichment activities, including sport, music and leadership opportunities. The Harvey Grammar also has a successful and well-established Sixth Form. Admission to Year 7 is based on performance in the Kent Test and the school’s own entrance assessment, known as The Shepway Test.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Harvey Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Harvey Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Harvey Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Harvey Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Harvey Grammar School Key Information
To help you make an application to grammar school 11 Plus Hero regularly updates with key information and contact details for The Harvey Grammar School.
School Address
Full Address:
The Harvey Grammar SchoolCheriton Road
Folkestone
Kent
CT19 5JY
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is not available at the school but there are a number of car parks within a 10 minutes walk.
Additional parking off site
- Stripes Car Park, Cheriton Road, Folkestone and Hythe, CT19 5JU. Mon-Sun, 24h.
- Folkestone West Station – Car Park A, Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, CT20 3PA. Mon-Sun, 24h.Â
The Harvey Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Harvey Grammar School is outstanding, with pupils thriving in a safe, ambitious environment and proud of its heritage.
Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and well planned. Pupils, including those with SEND, achieve highly, with many progressing to sixth form and university.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are subject experts who plan effectively. Literacy is promoted strongly and feedback helps pupils improve and take pride in their work.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are respectful and motivated, with enrichment ranging from clubs and trips abroad to leadership roles.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set high expectations and work closely with the community. Safeguarding is rigorous, staff well trained, and pupils feel safe and supported.
The Harvey Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Harvey Grammar School requires pupils to sit the Kent Test (set by GL Assessment) and the Shepway Test (set by CEM).
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 Shepway Test: Produced by the CEM exam Board
The Shepway Test provides an additional pathway for admission. While Harvey Grammar admits pupils through the Kent Test, it will also consider applicants who succeed in the Shepway Test, even if they did not reach the Kent Test standard.
The Shepway Test includes:
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Verbal Reasoning
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Non-Verbal Reasoning
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Mathematics
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English
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A 30-minute handwritten creative writing task
Taking both tests gives pupils a second opportunity to demonstrate selective ability. Meeting the required standard in either assessment is enough to be considered selective.
The Shepway Test - CEM Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | School Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Pass Criteria
Scores from the two Kent Test papers are standardised, with adjustments for age, and combined to produce a final result. The pass threshold is set each year based on cohort performance. While it cannot be confirmed in advance, around the top 25% of pupils nationally usually achieve the required level.
Pass Criteria: The Shepway Test
The Shepway Test pass mark is reviewed annually and based on aggregated, standardised scores from all sections. It is designed to identify pupils likely to succeed academically through to the school’s sixth form. Those meeting the threshold are considered suitable for grammar school entry.
Catchment Area
The Harvey Grammar School does not operate a true catchment area. Those boys who have passed the Kent Test or the Shepway Test are eligible for admission and places will be assigned with priority given to whichever applicant occupies permanent residence in the closest proximity to The Harvey Grammar School according to the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.Â
Additional Eligibility
To be considered, pupils must pass the entrance tests and list Harvey Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. When applications exceed available places, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Children in receipt of Pupil Premium living in the District of Folkestone and Hythe
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Children living within the District of Folkestone and Hythe
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Children living outside the district, prioritised by distance from the school
Before these criteria are applied, children with a Statement of Special Educational Need (SSEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be offered a place.
For more details, see Harvey Grammar School’s full admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Harvey 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
Use Exam Papers
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 The Harvey 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.
The Harvey Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
To help you keep on top of all the important dates and deadlines for application to The Harvey Grammar School we at 11 Plus Hero have compiled them 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
The Harvey Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for The Harvey Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School as one of your preferences.
The Harvey Grammar School FAQs
To apply, your child must sit the Kent Test and may also take the Shepway Test for an additional chance to qualify. You must also name Harvey Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form.
Admission is based on the Kent Test and the optional Shepway Test. The Kent Test covers English, maths and reasoning, plus a writing task. The Shepway Test includes computer-based reasoning, maths, English and a handwritten creative writing paper.
Entry is competitive, as the school is often oversubscribed. Passing the Kent Test or the Shepway Test is required, but places are offered according to oversubscription criteria, which prioritise pupils such as those eligible for Pupil Premium and those living locally.
Yes, distance is part of the oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to pupils living in the Folkestone and Hythe district, with those outside the area considered by proximity once other factors, such as Pupil Premium and looked-after children, are applied.