The Norton Knatchbull School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
The Norton Knatchbull School
The Norton Knatchbull School (NKS) is a selective grammar school for boys situated in Ashford, Kent. Established in the 17th century, it has developed into a respected school with a reputation for academic achievement and a wide range of opportunities. The Sixth Form also welcomes girls, creating a diverse and ambitious community.
NKS combines tradition with progress, offering a broad curriculum that prioritises key academic subjects such as maths, English, and science. Alongside this, pupils can explore enrichment in areas like sport, technology, and the arts, ensuring a well-rounded education that supports both talent and interest.
With modern facilities and a supportive ethos, The Norton Knatchbull School aims to prepare students for success at university and beyond. Its focus on both academic excellence and personal development helps pupils grow into confident, capable learners ready for future challenges.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Norton Knatchbull School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Norton Knatchbull School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Norton Knatchbull 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 Norton Knatchbull School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Norton Knatchbull School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Norton Knatchbull School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Norton Knatchbull School’s Key Information
11 Plus Hero regularly updates the most important school information and contact details to keep you in the know.
School Address
Full Address:
The Norton Knatchbull SchoolHythe Road
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0QJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is not available on the school grounds however there are a number of nearby facilities within a 20 minutes walk.Â
Additional parking off site
- Henwood Car Park, 17 Henwood, Ashford, TN24 8YF. Mon to Sun, 24h.
- Flour Mills Car Park, East Hill, Ashford, TN24 8PA. Mon to Sun, 24h.Â
The Norton Knatchbull School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Norton Knatchbull School is rated good, with a safe and welcoming environment where pupils feel valued.
Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and carefully sequenced, with high numbers entered for the EBacc and many achieving strong outcomes.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers use secure subject knowledge to present learning clearly, while assessment is thoughtfully designed to support progress.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils’ behaviour is excellent, relationships are respectful, and enrichment includes a wide range of clubs, societies and trips.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees provide clear direction, staff morale is high, and safeguarding arrangements are effective.
The Norton Knatchbull School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at The Norton Knatchbull 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 Norton Knatchbull School, children generally need a minimum total of 332, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
The Norton Knatchbull School does not operate a catchment area in terms of postcodes or local parish districts. All children must have taken and passed the Kent Test to be eligible for admission. Beyond this children will be admitted to the school in the order of those who occupy a permanent residence with the nearest proximity to a fixed point at The Norton Knatchbull School as defined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data. As such the geographical range at which students are admitted changes on a yearly basis.Â
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants qualify than places available, offers are ranked in this order:
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Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium
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Siblings of current pupils (including step, adopted and foster siblings living in the same household)
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Health and Special Access reasons supported by evidence
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Distance from home to school (measured in a straight line by the Local Authority)
Click here to read the full The Norton Knatchbull School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Norton Knatchbull 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 Norton Knatchbull 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 Norton Knatchbull School’s Key Dates and Application Information
To help you keep track of all the important deadlines and dates to make an application for Grammar school admittance with The Norton Knatchbull School, we at 11 Plus Hero have created this chronological timeline.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
The Norton Knatchbull School Application Process
The application process for The Norton Knatchbull School involves three key stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the The Norton Knatchbull 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 Norton Knatchbull School as one of your preferences.
The Norton Knatchbull School FAQs
Applications are made through the Kent County Council process. Boys must sit the Kent Test, and places are offered according to oversubscription criteria, including Pupil Premium, siblings, health needs, and distance from home.
Entry is based on the Kent Test, which assesses reasoning, maths, and English skills. Only students assessed as suitable for grammar school through this test can be considered for Year 7 admission at The Norton Knatchbull School.
Competition for places is high, with more applicants than spaces available. The school has a published admission number of 210, and oversubscription rules are applied when eligible applicants exceed this limit, making distance an important factor.
The school does not have a fixed catchment area. However, when oversubscribed, distance from home to school is used as a deciding factor, meaning families living closer may have a higher chance of securing a place.