The Judd School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 184
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
The Judd School
The Judd School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Tonbridge, Kent, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Established in 1888, it has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many students progressing to Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.
Balancing tradition with innovation, the school provides a wide academic curriculum that challenges pupils across subjects. Alongside this, Judd offers extensive co-curricular opportunities that encourage participation and development beyond the classroom.
Known for its high expectations and supportive ethos, The Judd School places a strong focus on pastoral care. Its thriving community, combined with opportunities in music, sport and public service, helps students achieve success both academically and personally.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Judd School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Judd School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Judd 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 Judd School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Judd School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Judd School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Judd School Key Information
We at 11 Plus Hero want to help you make a successful application by making sure you have the resources to stay informed. We here provide contact details for The Judd School in Tonbridge.
School Address
Full Address:
The Judd SchoolBrook Street
Tonbridge
TN9 2PN
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Limited parking is available on site however this may become congested, especially on open days. Nearby parking facilities can be found within a 15 minutes walk.Â
Additional parking off site
- Waterloo Road Car Park, Tonbridge TN9 2SN. Mon-Sat, 24h.Â
- Tonbridge Station – Car Park A, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 1TT. Mon-Sun 24h.
The Judd School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding. Pupils thrive at The Judd School, where learning, growth and belonging underpin a safe, supportive and ambitious community.
Academic strength: The curriculum is exceptionally broad and ambitious, leading to outstanding results and large numbers progressing to prestigious universities and apprenticeships.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are passionate subject experts who deliver carefully sequenced lessons, inspiring curiosity, debate and deep understanding across a wide range of subjects.
Behaviour and culture:Behaviour is exemplary, diversity is celebrated, and pupils benefit from extensive enrichment, leadership opportunities and a strong house system.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set a clear vision, staff and parents are highly supportive, and safeguarding arrangements are effective and well embedded.
The Judd school Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at The Judd 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 The Judd School, children generally need a minimum total of 332, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
The Judd School has a PAN of 180 students. Of these, 157 places are allocated to children occupying permanent residence in an ‘Inner Area’ defined by a number of postcodes listed below. The remaining admission places are reserved for any students living in the ‘Outer Area’, defined as being within the United Kingdom but not within the Inner area. Any instances of equal eligibility will be determined by the applicant who lives in closest proximity to the school being granted admission, or failing that random selection. Inner area postcodes:Â
- TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11, TN12, TN13, TN14, TN15; ME18, ME19; TN16 1** and TN16 2** (not TN16 3** or TN16 9**); DA4 0** (not DA4 9**).
- Plus the civil parish of Halstead (where this is not included above).
Additional Eligibility
Boys must pass the Kent Test to be considered for a place at The Judd School. Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that names the school are admitted automatically. In addition, up to four places are available each year in the Specialist Resource Provision for students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), allocated directly by the local authority.
Inner Area
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Up to 5 places for Free School Meals, then Pupil Premium, ranked by Kent Test score.
-
Looked After and Previously Looked After Children prioritised.
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Other places allocated by highest Kent Test score, then distance.
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Random allocation if still tied.
Outer Area
-
Looked After and Previously Looked After Children prioritised.
-
Other places allocated by highest Kent Test score, then distance.
-
Random allocation if still tied.
Click here for the full The Judd School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Judd 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 The Judd 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 Judd School Key Dates and Application Information
We at 11 Plus Hero have curated his key date checklist to help you keep on top of preparations for application to The Judd School.Â
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
The Judd School Application Process
The application process for The Judd School involves three key stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the The Judd 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 The Judd School as one of your preferences.
The Judd School FAQs
Applications are made through the Kent County Council process. Boys must sit the Kent Test and be assessed suitable for grammar school. Places are then allocated according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Entry is based on the Kent Test, which assesses English, maths, and reasoning skills. Only boys who achieve a grammar school assessment in the test can be considered for admission to Year 7.
Entry is highly competitive, with 180 Year 7 places available each year. Oversubscription criteria, including Kent Test scores, Free School Meals or Pupil Premium status, and distance from the school, are used when there are more applicants than spaces.
Yes. The school operates an Inner Area covering specific postcodes and parishes, and an Outer Area for applicants living elsewhere in England. Most places are reserved for Inner Area applicants, with a smaller number available for Outer Area students.