Tonbridge Grammar School

Tonbridge Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you are considering Tonbridge Grammar School for your daughter, this 2026 admissions guide sets out everything you need to know. It covers the 11 Plus test, how places are allocated, and practical advice to help your child prepare with confidence.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Girls Only

Places per year: 180

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Introduction to

Tonbridge Grammar School

Tonbridge Grammar School (TGS) is a selective grammar school for girls based in Tonbridge, Kent. Founded in 1905, it has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, pastoral support and a forward-thinking approach to education. The school consistently achieves excellent results and is recognised as one of the leading grammar schools in the county.

The Sixth Form at Tonbridge Grammar School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving students the chance to study a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares them for university and future careers. TGS promotes a culture of curiosity, collaboration and challenge, where pupils are encouraged to think critically, work together and push themselves to achieve their full potential.

With around 1,050 students on roll, the school is a vibrant and inclusive community. It places strong emphasis on independence, creativity and high aspirations, both in the classroom and through enrichment opportunities. Tonbridge Grammar School provides a wide range of activities and experiences that support personal growth, leadership and global awareness, helping pupils to develop as well-rounded, confident individuals.

Location & Contact Info

Contact details, address and parking information for Tonbridge Grammar School

Ofsted Report

Ofsted report breakdown for Tonbridge Grammar School

Exam Format

Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School

How to Apply

Information on the application process for Tonbridge Grammar School

FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers for Tonbridge Grammar School

Schools Nearby

Search for other schools in the local area

Tonbridge Grammar School Key Information

11 Plus Hero regularly updates this page with the key information for Tonbridge Grammar School to help keep you in the loop.

School Address

Full Address:

Tonbridge Grammar School
Deakin Leas
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 2JR

Contact Information

Admissions and Administration Officer Mrs Court

Website Address https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/

Admissions Email admissions@tgs.kent.sch.uk

Admission Phone Number 01732 365125 (ext 222)

Main Office Email office@tgs.kent.sch.uk

Main Office Phone 01732 365125

Parking in the school

Parking is not available at the school ordinarily but parking facilities are located within a 15-20 minutes walk.

Additional parking off site

Priory Street Car Park, 60a Priory Street, Tonbridge and Malling, TN9 2AW. Mon to Sun 24h.
Tonbridge Station – Car Park C, Priory Road, Tonbridge and Malling, TN9 1TT. Mon – Sun 24h.

Tonbridge Grammar School Ofsted Report

Outstanding

Based on the inspection date:

3 and 4 December 2024

View Report

The quality of education Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding

Personal development Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding

Sixth-form provision Outstanding

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Tonbridge Grammar School has successfully maintained its outstanding standards, with pupils thriving in a purposeful and ambitious learning environment.

Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well across all subjects. Teaching fosters deep thinking, critical analysis and strong outcomes, extending into a highly successful sixth form.

Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and anticipate misconceptions. Lessons are carefully designed to build understanding, encourage independence and support all pupils, including those with SEND.

Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils respectful, motivated and proud of their school. Enrichment is extensive, including pupil-led societies and projects that build leadership and community spirit.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees set high expectations and support staff effectively. Safeguarding is rigorous, and pupils feel safe, valued and well cared for.

Tonbridge Grammar School Exam Format

Entry into Year 7 at Tonbridge Grammar 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 Tonbridge Grammar School, applicants typically need a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106.

Catchment Area

Tonbridge Grammar School has two main admission streams linked to its catchment arrangements. The majority of places, known as the 135 ‘Area Places’, are reserved for girls living within Tonbridge & Malling Borough, Tunbridge Wells Borough and Sevenoaks District. Within this group, priority goes to applicants with the highest Kent Test scores, confirming the school’s status as a super-selective grammar. If two or more pupils achieve the same score, the place is offered to the girl living nearest to the school, measured using National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) data.

In addition, there are 35 ‘Trustee Places’ for girls living outside the defined local area. The same ranking process applies: the highest Kent Test scores are considered first, with distance from the school used as the tie-breaker when applicants achieve equally.

Additional Eligibility

Admission to Tonbridge Grammar School is selective and depends on achieving the required standard in the Kent Test (11 Plus). When more pupils qualify than there are places available, the school applies oversubscription criteria to decide offers.

Priority is given in this order:

Looked After and previously Looked After Children
Children eligible for Pupil Premium (with a set number of reserved places)
Applicants living within the designated priority area covering Tonbridge and nearby postcodes
Siblings of current students
Applicants ranked by distance from the school

Click here to view the full Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Tonbridge 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

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.

COMING SOON

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 Tonbridge 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.

Tonbridge Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information

It can be difficult to keep track of all the dates and deadlines to make a successful application to Tonbridge Grammar School and secondary schools in general so we have created this simple chronological guide for your convenience.

National Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026

100 days to go

How to Apply

Tonbridge Grammar School Application Process

The Year 7 application process for Tonbridge Grammar School has three essential stages:

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy

Register 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 Website

Common Application Form (CAF)

Must be submitted to your local authority by the deadline, making sure to include Tonbridge Grammar School as one of your preferences.

Tonbridge Grammar School FAQs

To apply, pupils must take the Kent Test (11 Plus) and achieve the required standard. Parents should then list Tonbridge Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. If there are more qualified applicants than places, oversubscription criteria are used.

Entry is based on the Kent Test, which includes English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning papers. A writing task is also set, which may be reviewed in borderline cases.

Entry is very competitive, as TGS is a super-selective grammar. Priority is given to the highest scoring applicants within the priority admission area, followed by those outside the area under the Trustee places scheme.

Yes. The school operates two catchment streams: 135 ‘Area Places’ for girls living in Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, and 35 ‘Trustee Places’ for applicants outside this area. In both cases, places are ranked by Kent Test scores, with distance from the school used as a tie-breaker.

Schools Nearby

38 schools found within 25 miles of Tonbridge

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Tonbridge Grammar School

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Tonbridge 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: Outstanding

Tonbridge Grammar School

Location & Contact Info

Ofsted Report

Exam Format

Preparing for the 11 Plus

Key Dates

How to Apply

FAQs

Schools Nearby

Tonbridge Grammar School Key Information

School Address

Full Address:

Contact Information

Parking in the school

Additional parking off site

Tonbridge Grammar School Ofsted Report

Quick Summary

Tonbridge Grammar School Exam Format

The GL 11 Plus Kent Test: Overview

Paper One

Paper Two

Additional

The Kent Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

Pass Mark

Catchment Area

Additional Eligibility

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Tonbridge Grammar School

Useful Tips

Start Early

Use Exam Papers

Target Weak Areas

Encourage Daily Reading

Make Use of Online Resources

Best Chance of Success

11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area

Tonbridge Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information

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

Tonbridge Grammar School Application Process

Admissions Policy 2026

Register for the Kent Test

Common Application Form (CAF)

Tonbridge Grammar School FAQs

Schools Nearby

38 schools found within 25 miles of Tonbridge

The Judd School, Tonbridge

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only