Rainham Mark Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 235
Ofsted Rating: Good
Rainham Mark Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School (RMGS) is a co-educational selective grammar school in Medway, Kent, catering to students aged 11 to 18. Known for its inclusive environment and strong academic performance, the school fosters both intellectual and personal growth.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, combining academic challenge with creativity and enrichment. Alongside core subjects, pupils take part in arts, music, languages, and a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and leadership opportunities that build confidence and independence.
With over 1,550 students, including a thriving sixth form, RMGS continues to expand its facilities and academic programmes. Many students go on to top universities, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence and opportunity for all.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Rainham Mark 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 Rainham Mark Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Rainham Mark Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Rainham Mark Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Rainham Mark Grammar School’s Key Information
The key information, such as student intake and contact information, for Rainham Mark Grammar School below is regularly updated.
School Address
Full Address:
Rainham Mark Grammar School, Pump LaneRainham
Kent
ME8 7AJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school as well as on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: High St, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 7JH, 1.3 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Longley Rd, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 7RT, 1.4 miles from the school.
Rainham Mark Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Rainham Mark Grammar School is rated Good in all areas, with strong teaching and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.
Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and well organised, helping pupils build knowledge as they progress. Teachers are skilled and dedicated to achieving high standards.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are calm and purposeful, and most pupils learn well across subjects. Some new teaching approaches are still being embedded across the school.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is positive and respectful, and pupils feel safe and cared for. Bullying is rare, and many pupils take part in clubs, mentoring and leadership roles.
Leadership and safeguarding: The headteacher and governors are focused on improvement and work closely with staff. Safeguarding procedures are clear and effective in keeping pupils safe.
Rainham Mark Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Rainham Mark Grammar School is determined by performance in the Medway Test, which is organised by Medway Council and used across all grammar schools in the area.
The Rainham Mark Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
The Medway Test is made up of three types of questions: Extended Writing, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning, each in a separate paper. Marks awarded in the Extended Writing and Maths papers are worth double, making them have greater weighting than the marks achieved in the Verbal Reasoning paper. GL Assessment provides the Maths and Verbal Reasoning papers.
Paper One
English: A reading comprehension and an extended writing task.
Paper Two
Mathematics: Questions based on the national curriculum that assess reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Paper Three
Reasoning: Multiple-choice questions testing logic and pattern recognition
The Medway Test 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
For 2023 admissions the pass mark for the Medway Test was a score of 488. This represents the top 23% of applicants, and this 23% is how the pass mark will be found for each year. Applicants must achieve the pass mark in the Medway Test in order to be able to be offered a place.
Catchment Area
The school does not have a fixed catchment area, but distance from home to school is used as a tie-breaker when necessary.
Additional Eligibility
If more pupils meet the selective standard than there are places available, Rainham Mark Grammar School applies the following oversubscription criteria in order:
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Children in care or previously in care.
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Children eligible for free school meals.
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Children with a sibling attending the school at the time of application.
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Children with health or special access needs (supported by medical or professional evidence).
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Children of staff employed at the school.
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Children living closest to the school (measured in a straight line).
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Click here to view the full Rainham Mark Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Rainham Mark Grammar School
Supporting your child through the HBS admissions process can have a big impact on their confidence and performance. Make sure you make the most of the resources we provide below, including useful tips, exam papers, featured tuition agencies, and more!
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 Rainham Mark 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.
Rainham Mark Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
These are dates related to key events for Rainham Mark Grammar School and the Medway Test.
Medway Test Registration Opens
Medway Test Registration Deadline
Test (Medway primary schools)
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Rainham Mark Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Rainham Mark Grammar School, 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 Rainham Mark Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Medway Test
This is done via Medway Council’s website and must be completed between Monday 19 May and Friday 13 June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Rainham Mark Grammar School 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.
Rainham Mark Grammar School FAQs
You must register your child to sit the Medway Test (11 Plus) and then submit the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) via your home local authority by the published deadline (usually around 31 October).
The test consists of three papers: a 40-minute extended writing paper plus two multiple-choice papers (about 50-60 minutes) covering maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, provided by GL Assessment.
Very competitive, for example, in one recent year there were over 1,000 applications for around 235 places in Year 7. Meeting the test standard makes you eligible, but it does not guarantee a place.
There is no defined catchment area; however, distance from the school is one of the oversubscription criteria used when more applicants meet the standard than there are places.