Wilmington 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: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (WGSB) is a selective academy based in Wilmington, close to Dartford in Kent. The school is part of the Endeavour MAT and works closely with Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, creating a strong partnership within the local community.
With a strong reputation for academic excellence, WGSB is particularly well known for its focus on STEM subjects. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are at the heart of the curriculum, ensuring pupils gain valuable skills and knowledge that prepare them for future study and career opportunities.
Alongside its STEM specialism, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys also promotes leadership, independent learning and creativity. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their personal and academic development, both in the classroom and through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Wilmington 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Key Information
At 11 Plus Hero we regularly keep up to date with all of the Key information and contact details so that you can make a well informed application to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys!Â
School Address
Full Address:
Wilmington Grammar School for BoysCommon Lane
Wilmington, Dartford
DA2 7DA
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Limited parking can be found on site and may need to be arranged with Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. Dedicated car parking facilities can be found in towards Dartford town centre, however these are almost an hours walk away. There are closer options however.Â
Additional parking off site
- Dartford heath car park, Heath Lane (Upper), Dartford, DA1 2TN. Operational Mon to Sun 24h. Locked at 18:30 daily.Â
- Oakfield Park Car Park, Carsington Gardens, Wilmington, Dartford DA1 2SS. Mon to Sun. Open 8am to 8pm in summer, 8am to 4pm in winter.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Wilmington Grammar School for Boys remains a good school, where pupils feel safe, happy and motivated.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve strongly across subjects, with many progressing to top universities and apprenticeships.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are subject experts who deliver an ambitious curriculum, though some pupils move on before securing key knowledge.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils eager to learn and supported by rich clubs, activities and leadership roles.
Leadership and safeguarding: The school is well led, staff morale is high, and safeguarding is rigorous and effective.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (WGSB) 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: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, children generally need a minimum total of 332, with no individual score below 106.
Catchment Area
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys operates a three tier priority catchment area defined by both local parishes and the proximity of an applicant’s permanent residence to a fixed point at the school as defined by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point data.Â
The tiered catchment areas are as follows:
- Those boys living either within a 1.5 mile proximity of the school or in the following parishes: Ash Cum Ridley, Badgers Mount, Bean, Crockenhill, Darenth, Dartford, Dunton Green, Eynsford, Farningham, Fawkham, Halstead, Hartley, Hextable, Horton Kirby & South Darenth, Istead Rise (ward), Kemsing, Longfield & New Barn, Meopham, Otford, Shoreham, Southfleet, Stansted, Stone, Sutton at Hone & Hawley, Swanley, Swanscombe & Greenhithe, West Kingsdown, Wilmington and Wrotham.Â
- Those boys living within 3 miles of the school who are in receipt of Pupil Premium.
- All other boys will be admitted in the priority order of the applicant who lives in closest proximity to a fixed point at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys according to NLPG.Â
Additional Eligibility
However, because places are limited, the school applies additional oversubscription criteria when there are more qualified applicants than spaces.
Priority is given in the following order:
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Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or identified SEND.
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Children in local authority care or previously looked after.
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Boys with siblings already at WGSB or Wilmington Grammar School for Girls.
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Children of staff employed at the school.
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Governor Places awarded to high-scoring candidates in the Kent Test maths paper who live within five miles of the school.
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Applicants living within 1.5 miles of the school or in specified local parishes.
For full details, see the Wilmington Grammar School for Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
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 Wilmington 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.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys’ Key Dates and Application Information
It can be difficult to keep track of all the dates and deadlines for application to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys so we at 11 Plus Hero have compiled them for you here in chronological order!Â
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Kent Test (Kent Primary Schools)
Kent Test (Out-of-County Primary Schools)
Results Day
Common Application Form Deadline
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys Application Process
The application process for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys involves three key stages:
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Wilmington 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
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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys as one of your preferences.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys FAQs
You must register your son for the Kent Test via the Kent County Council portal in the summer (registration usually opens in June and closes in early July). Then, submit the Secondary Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31st October, naming WGSB among your preferences.
Applicants sit the Kent Test (administered by GL Assessment) which includes assessments in English, mathematics and reasoning. There is also a writing task. The exact structure, timing and components are outlined in the Kent 11+ test documentation.
Entry is quite competitive. The school has limited Year 7 places (PAN of 180), and many applicants exceed that. Oversubscription criteria such as siblings, staff children, governor places and proximity are used to decide among those who meet the academic threshold.
There isn’t a strict catchment in the way non-selective schools have. But proximity plays a role: boys living within about 1.5 miles of the school or in certain named local parishes have priority under the oversubscription criteria. Also, pupil premium applicants living within 3 miles may get higher priority.