Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 145
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School (TWGGS) is a selective grammar school in Kent for girls aged 11 to 18. The school is recognised for its strong academic performance, supportive environment and commitment to developing confident, independent learners. Admission to Year 7 is based on success in the Kent Test (11 Plus).
TWGGS provides a wide-ranging curriculum that challenges pupils while encouraging creativity, leadership and personal growth. Alongside academic study, students can take part in enrichment opportunities across the arts, sport and leadership, helping them to develop a broad set of skills.
The school consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-level results, reflecting its high standards and ambitious teaching. With a strong focus on both academic achievement and personal development, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School is one of Kent’s leading grammar schools for girls.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Key Information
Being able to keep up to date with the core school information and contact details can be a great boon when making an application to Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School so we at 11 Plus Hero have provided all that information here!
School Address
Full Address:
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar SchoolSouthfield Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN4 9UJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is not available on the school site however there is limited space on nearby residential roads or failing that, local car parks nearby.Â
Additional parking off site
- John Street Car Park, 16 John Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9RU. Mon to Sun 24h.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating:Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School was judged Outstanding in every category, confirming its reputation as one of the top-performing schools in Kent.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly across all subjects, tackling challenging content with confidence. The sixth form is successful and well regarded.
Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers deliver a well-planned curriculum that sparks curiosity and ensures all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve strongly.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are motivated, respectful and take pride in their school, with many clubs and leadership roles available.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders set ambitious standards and staff feel well supported. Safeguarding is rigorous and pupils feel safe and cared for.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, applicants typically need a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School operates a priority catchment area consisting of both a number of named parishes as well as a more general 4 mile distance from the school and the permanent residence of an applicant as measured by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data. Where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, as it often does for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, then first will be admitted in priority order of the girl living closest.Â
The named parishes are as follows: Badger’s Mount, Bidborough, Brasted, Brenchley, Capel, Chevening, Chiddingstone, Cowden, Dunton Green, East Peckham, Edenbridge, Hadlow, Halsted, Hever, Hildenborough, Horsmonden, Ightham, Kemsing, Knockholt, Lamberhurst, Leigh, Otford, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Penshurst, Plaxtol, Riverhead, Rusthall, Seal, Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks Weald, Shipbourne, Shoreham, Southborough, Speldhurst, Sundridge with Ide Hill, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Westerham.Â
Additional Eligibility
To apply for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, pupils must pass the Kent Test (11 Plus) and list the school on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. A place is not guaranteed, as oversubscription rules may apply.
The school prioritises places in the following order:
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium who live in the named parishes or within four miles of the school
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Applicants with a sibling already at the school
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Children with health or special access needs
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Children of staff members
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Girls living in the school’s named parishes or within a four-mile radius
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All other applicants, ranked by distance from home to school
In addition, 17 Governors’ Places are reserved for girls living in the parishes or radius who would not otherwise receive an offer. Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are admitted before these criteria are applied.
For full details, families can view the Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ 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.
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 Tunbridge Wells Girls’ 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.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
It can be both difficult and confusing to keep track of all the dates and deadlines for grammar school application so we at 11 plus Hero have put together a chronological list for your convenience.Â
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Tunbridge Wells Girls’ 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School FAQs
To apply, pupils must sit the Kent Test (11 Plus) and achieve the required standard. Parents then need to name Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School on the Kent Secondary Common Application Form. If more pupils qualify than there are places, the school applies its oversubscription criteria.
Entry is through the Kent Test, which includes papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. There is also a writing task, which is only used in borderline cases to support placement decisions.
Entry is highly competitive as many pupils achieve the Kent Test standard. Oversubscription criteria, such as Pupil Premium priority, sibling links, staff children, named parishes, and living within four miles of the school, are used to decide places when applications exceed available spaces.
Yes. Priority is given to girls who live within a four-mile radius of the school or in specified named parishes listed in the admissions policy. Distance from home to school is also used to allocate places once other criteria have been applied.