The Skinners’ School School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
The Skinners’ School
The Skinners’ School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Founded in 1887 by the Worshipful Company of Skinners, it combines a strong sense of tradition with academic ambition and a focus on community values. The school is well known for its supportive environment and consistent record of achievement.
With around 1,050 students on roll, The Skinners’ School provides a broad and balanced curriculum that challenges pupils to reach their full potential. Alongside academic study, the school offers extensive opportunities in sport, music, drama and other enrichment activities that help students to build confidence and new skills.
The school has a reputation for high academic standards while also encouraging pupils to develop as well-rounded young men. By fostering independence, leadership and responsibility, The Skinners’ School prepares its students not only for examination success but also for life beyond the classroom.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Skinners’ School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Skinners’ School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Skinners’ 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 Skinners’ School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Skinners’ School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Skinners’ School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Skinners’ School Key Information
We regularly keep up to date on the core school information for The Skinners’ School including key school contacts.
School Address
Full Address:
The Skinners' SchoolSt John's Road
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN4 9PG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Parking is not available on the site but can be found close by on John Street or slightly further away in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Additional parking off site
- John Street Car Park, 16 John Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9RU. Mon to Sun 24h.Â
- Meadow Road Car Park, Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2EN. Mon to Sun, 7am to 11pm.
The Skinners’ School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Skinners’ School was judged good overall, with outstanding provision noted for personal development and the sixth form.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across subjects, particularly at GCSE and in the sixth form, where expectations are ambitious and outcomes are strong.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and plan an ambitious curriculum, though teaching at Key Stage 3 is less consistent and some pupils with SEND do not always receive enough in-class support.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is positive and respectful, with pupils showing pride in their school. A wide range of clubs, societies and enrichment opportunities creates a vibrant, university-like atmosphere.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and staff feel valued, though training for teachers is not always systematically planned. Safeguarding is strong, but leaders were advised to make checks more thorough.
The Skinners’ School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at The Skinners’ School is through the Kent Test, which is administered 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Children receive three separate standardised scores, one each for English, maths and reasoning, plus an overall total. Each score ranges from 69 to 141, giving a possible combined score between 207 and 423.
To be considered for a place at The Skinners’ School, applicants typically need a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
The Skinners’ School operates a priority catchment area which it will initially admit children from, before looking further afield. Within these geographical distinctions the school also operates super selective admissions meaning that priority is given to students achieving the highest grades.Â
Additional Eligibility
To join Year 7, boys must pass the Kent Test. If oversubscribed, places are prioritised as follows:
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Looked After and previously Looked After Children
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Up to 140 West Kent Area places (within 3 miles or named parishes), including 16 reserved for Pupil Premium applicants
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Up to 16 Governors’ Places for West Kent boys who would not otherwise gain entry
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Up to 20 Outer Area places for applicants living outside West Kent
Within each category, priority goes to high Kent Test scorers, then siblings, sons of staff, and finally by distance.
Click here to view the full The Skinners’ School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Skinners’ 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 The Skinners’ 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 Skinners’ School’s Key Dates and Application Information
It can be difficult to keep track of all the dates and deadlines for school admission and so 11 Plus Hero has created this guide to help you stay 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
The Skinners’ School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for The Skinners’ School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the The Skinners’ 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 Skinners’ School as one of your preferences.
The Skinners’ School FAQs
To apply, boys must take the Kent Test (11 Plus) and reach the required standard. Parents then list The Skinners’ School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. Places are offered according to the school’s oversubscription criteria when applications exceed availability.
The Skinners’ School uses the Kent Test, which includes English, maths, and reasoning (verbal, non-verbal, and spatial). There is also a writing task, which is not scored but may be used in borderline cases.
Entry is very competitive as the school is super-selective. Boys with the highest Kent Test scores are prioritised, particularly within the West Kent priority area. Distance, sibling links, and staff connections are also considered if scores are tied.
Yes. The main catchment is the West Kent Area, covering addresses within 3 miles of the school and a list of named parishes. Most places are allocated here, while a smaller number of Outer Area and Governors’ Places are available for applicants living outside West Kent.