Chatham Grammar 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
Chatham Grammar
Chatham Grammar is a selective girls’ grammar school in Medway, Kent, catering to students aged 11 to 19 and offering a mixed sixth form. As part of the University of Kent Academies Trust (UKAT), the school benefits from close links with the University of Kent, giving pupils access to mentoring, university campus experiences and specialist academic programmes.
The school provides a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to develop both academic ability and personal growth. Students are encouraged to achieve their best through high-quality teaching, strong support systems and a focus on independent learning and confidence building.
Chatham Grammar’s excellent facilities and wide range of extracurricular activities help create a stimulating learning environment. From science and technology to music, sport and the arts, pupils are supported to explore their interests, build leadership skills and prepare for future success.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Chatham Grammar
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Chatham Grammar
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Chatham Grammar
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 Chatham Grammar
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Chatham Grammar
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Chatham Grammar
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Chatham Grammar’s Key Information
Key information related to Chatham Grammar such as parking and school capacity.
School Address
Full Address:
Chatham Grammar, Rainham Road, Chatham, ME5 7EHChatham
Kent
ME5 7EH
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited parking within the school but there is on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Luton Road Shoppers Car Park, Chatham, ME4 5AA, 0.9 miles from the school.
- Car Park: 102 Trafalgar St, Gillingham, ME7 4RN, 0.9 miles from the school.
Chatham Grammar Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Chatham Grammar is rated Good by Ofsted, recognised for high expectations, strong achievement and a nurturing, aspirational environment.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across a broad curriculum, supported by expert teaching and effective learning strategies.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are well structured and engaging, helping pupils build knowledge and think independently.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent, with pupils showing respect, motivation and pride in their school.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and supportive, with effective safeguarding and a clear focus on improvement and staff wellbeing.
Chatham Grammar Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Chatham Grammar School is determined by performance in either the Medway Test or the Kent Test, with applicants able to sit one or both to maximise their chances of selection.
Medway Test Format
The Medway Test includes:
Paper One
Mathematics: Multiple-choice questions assessing problem-solving and numerical reasoning.
Paper Two
Verbal Reasoning: Multiple-choice questions testing logic and comprehension
A creative writing exercise
Extended Writing: A creative writing task assessing structure, clarity and expression
Medway Test 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kent Test Format
The Kent Test consists of:
Paper One
English and Maths: Multiple-choice questions aligned with the national curriculum.
Paper Two
Reasoning: Verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning questions.
Paper Three
Writing Task: A 40-minute writing exercise, only reviewed in borderline cases.
The Kent Test 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The Kent Test: Pass Criteria
The Kent Test does not have a fixed pass mark. Each year, scores are standardised so that roughly the top 25% of pupils in the county achieve selective status. Applicants must reach the required standard in either the Kent or Medway Test to be considered for a place.
The Medway Test: Pass Criteria
The Medway Test pass mark changes annually to reflect the performance of the top 23% of candidates. The required score varies each year, and applicants must achieve the qualifying standard in either the Medway or Kent Test to be eligible for admission.
Catchment Area
Applicants will be awarded places based on distance of residence from the school, with those living closest being given greater priority.
Additional Eligibility
The Planned Admission Number (PAN) for Year 7 is 150. Offers are issued by Medway Council on behalf of the University of Kent Academies Trust, with EHCP pupils named for the school admitted first.
Oversubscription Criteria:
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Children in Care or previously in Care.
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Siblings already attending Chatham Grammar.
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Children of staff employed for at least one year.
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Distance from the school, measured in a straight line.
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Random allocation used if two or more applicants are equally eligible.
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Click here to view the full Chatham Grammar admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Chatham Grammar
To support your child in preparing for the 11 Plus exam!
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 Chatham Grammar. 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.
Chatham Grammar’s Key Dates and Application Information
These are the dates for key events related to Chatham Grammar, the Kent Test, and the Medway Test.
Medway Test Registration Opens
Medway Test Registration Deadline
Medway Test
Medway Results Published
Kent Test Registration Opens
Kent Test Registration Closes
Kent Test
Kent Test Assessment Decisions
Common Application form (CAF) Deadline
National Offer Day
Chatham Grammar Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Chatham Grammar, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Chatham Grammar Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Medway and/or Kent Test
Complete the registration process for your chosen test(s) within the specified timeframe.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Chatham Grammar listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Chatham Grammar FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the Medway and/or Kent Test, then submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31 October 2025, listing Chatham Grammar as a preference.
Applicants can sit either the Medway Test or the Kent Test. Both assess English, maths, and reasoning skills, with an additional writing task used for borderline decisions.
Entry is selective and competitive, with places awarded to pupils achieving the required standard in the Medway or Kent Test. The school admits 150 pupils each year based on test performance and oversubscription criteria.
The school does not have a strict catchment area. However, proximity to the school is considered in the oversubscription criteria if more eligible applicants apply than places available.