Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 300
Ofsted Rating: Good
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) is a selective grammar school in Kent, with campuses in both Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. Entry from Year 7 to Year 11 is for boys, while the sixth form welcomes both boys and girls. Recognised by Ofsted as a ‘Good’ school, TWGSB is well-regarded for its supportive learning environment, high academic standards and diverse opportunities beyond the classroom.
The school provides a rich and balanced curriculum designed to help students reach their full potential. Alongside academic study, pupils can take part in a wide selection of extracurricular activities. Clubs and societies include debating, STEM, drama, chess and the Model United Nations, giving students the chance to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork skills.
TWGSB also places strong emphasis on leadership and community involvement. Pupils can contribute to school life through student councils, prefect responsibilities and volunteering, with charity initiatives being a key part of the culture. This combination of academic focus, enrichment and personal development makes Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys a well-rounded choice for families seeking a selective grammar school in Kent.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
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 Grammar School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Key Information
Here 11 Plus Hero provides the key school information and contact details so that you can stay informed about Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.Â
School Address
Full Address:
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for BoysSt John's Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN4 9XB
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is not permitted on the school site without prior approval but there are parking facilities nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Main site – Yew Tree Road Car Park, 1 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0BD. Mon to Sun 24h.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a good school. Inspectors praised its supportive community, positive culture and strong results.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across a broad curriculum. Teaching helps them think independently and solve problems. Many go on to the successful sixth form, which offers 25 A-levels.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers use strong subject knowledge to deliver a challenging curriculum. In a few subjects delivery is less consistent, but leaders are working on this.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are mature, kind and respectful. Lessons are calm and focused, supported by clear expectations, rewards and many enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set high standards and support staff well. Safeguarding is strong, and pupils feel safe, listened to and cared for.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys, applicants typically need a total score of 332 or higher, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys operates a priority catchment area including any child who permanently lives either within three miles of the school or else in a number of named parishes. Priority of admission is given to those boys who have passed the Kent Test and who live the closest to the school as determined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer address point data.
The named parishes in the catchment area are as follows:Â
Badgers Mount, Hildenborough, Sevenoaks, Bidborough, Ightham, Sevenoaks Weald, Brasted, Kemsing, Shipbourne, Capel, Knockholt, Shoreham, Chevening, Leigh, Southborough, Chiddingstone, Otford, Speldhurst, Cowden, Pembury, Sundridge with Ide hill, Dunton Green, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Edenbridge, Plaxtol, Tunbridge Wells, Hadlow, Riverhead, Westerham, Halstead, Rusthall, Hever and Seal.
Additional Eligibility
Admissions to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys require pupils to reach the standard in the Kent Test and include the school on the Secondary Common Application Form. Meeting the academic score alone does not guarantee a place, as oversubscription rules are applied when there are more applicants than available spaces.
The school allocates places in the following order:
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Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or identified special educational needs
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Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
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Siblings already attending the school at the time of entry
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Children with health or special access reasons
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Children living within three miles of the school
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Children living in the named parishes listed in the admissions policy
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All other applicants, ranked by distance from home to school
For full details, families can refer to pages 12–16 of the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
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 Grammar School for Boys. 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 Grammar School for Boys’ Key Dates and Application Information
11 Plus Hero has collected all the key dates and deadlines for making an application to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys to help you keep on track with your application.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Application Process
The Year 7 application process for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys has three essential stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys as one of your preferences.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys FAQs
To apply for Year 7, pupils must sit the Kent Test (11 Plus) and achieve the required score. Parents should then list Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys on the Secondary Common Application Form. If more pupils qualify than there are places, the school uses oversubscription criteria such as siblings, distance from the school and parish priority.
Entry is based on the Kent Test, which includes papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The exam is designed to assess problem-solving, comprehension and reasoning skills. A writing task is also included but is only used in borderline cases.No, passing the Kent Test alone does not guarantee admission. Pupils must also meet the oversubscription criteria if there are more qualified applicants than spaces. This makes location and priority factors important in the final allocation.
Entry is competitive as many pupils achieve the qualifying Kent Test score. Oversubscription criteria are used when applications exceed available places. Living close to the school, having a sibling already enrolled, or living in a priority parish can improve chances of securing a place.
Yes, the school gives priority to children who live within three miles of the site and those in specific named parishes listed in the admissions policy. After this, remaining places are offered based on distance from the school.