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The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you’re thinking about applying to The Rochester Grammar School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide provides all the key details you’ll need. It explains the application process, outlines essential school information, and offers guidance on helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus exam.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only

Places per year: 205

Ofsted Rating: Good

Introduction to

The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School is a selective girls’ grammar school in Rochester, Kent, known for its high academic standards and supportive learning environment. As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, it delivers a forward-looking education that combines academic excellence with a focus on student wellbeing and personal growth.

Established in 1888, the school has a long tradition of success and consistently ranks among the top grammar schools in the region. It offers a broad curriculum with particular strengths in science, languages and the humanities, and provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the sixth form to give students a globally recognised qualification.

Outside the classroom, pupils can get involved in a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, including sport, music, debating and volunteering. The school’s ethos promotes curiosity, confidence and ambition, helping students prepare for future academic and career success. Admission to Year 7 is based on results in the Medway Test, with strong competition for places each year.

1

Location & Contact Info

Contact details, address and parking information for The Rochester Grammar School
2

Ofsted Report

Ofsted report breakdown for The Rochester Grammar School
3

Exam Format

Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Rochester Grammar School
4

Preparing for the 11 Plus

Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
5

Key Dates

All key dates and application information for The Rochester Grammar School
6

How to Apply

Information on the application process for The Rochester Grammar School
7

FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers for The Rochester Grammar School
8

Schools Nearby

Search for other schools in the local area

The Rochester Grammar School’s Key Information

The key information, such as parking arrangements and Ofsted rating, for The Rochester Grammar School is below.

School Address

Full Address:

The Rochester Grammar School, Maidstone Road
Rochester
Kent
ME1 3BY

Contact Information

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Email Address office@rochestergrammar.org.uk
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Telephone (Main Office) 044 333 360 2120
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Website Address https://rochestergrammar.org.uk

Parking in the school

There is parking within the school as well as on-street parking nearby.

Additional parking off site

  • Car Park: Priestfield car park, Rochester, ME1 3AE, 0.5 miles from the school.
  • Car Park: King street car park, Rochester, ME1 1UT, 1.2 miles from the school.

The Rochester Grammar School Ofsted Report

Good

Based on the inspection date:

17 and 18 January 2023

View Report
The quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Personal development Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth-form provision Good

Quick Summary

Overall rating: The Rochester Grammar School is a Good school with high expectations and strong academic outcomes. Pupils thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and well planned. Teachers use assessment effectively to help pupils learn and progress.

Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are engaging and focused. Sixth form students benefit from challenging International Baccalaureate courses.

Behaviour and culture: Pupils are polite, hardworking, and respectful. Bullying is rare, and enrichment activities build confidence and leadership.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders are ambitious and caring. Staff feel supported, and safeguarding is effective across the school.

The Rochester Grammar School Exam Format

Admission to Year 7 is based on the Medway Test, administered by Medway Council. The test is designed to assess a child’s suitability for grammar school education.

The The Rochester Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview

The Medway Test is made up of three papers, one of each Extended Writing, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning. Marks achieved in the Extended Writing and Maths papers are doubled, making them have greater weighting than the Verbal Reasoning paper. The Maths and Verbal Reasoning papers are provided by GL Assessment.

Paper One

Mathematics: Curriculum-based questions assessing numerical and problem-solving skills.

Paper Two

Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates logic, language, and pattern recognition abilities.

Paper Three

Extended Writing: A creative or persuasive writing task marked by teachers across Medway grammar schools.

The Medway Test 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

English Maths Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Additional: Creative Writing

Pass Mark

For The Rochester Grammar School, there is no fixed pass mark set by the school itself. Each year, the council sets a standardised threshold score to determine whether a pupil is considered selective. Pupils who achieve a score above this threshold are eligible to apply to Medway grammar schools, including The Rochester Grammar School.

Catchment Area

Applicants who attend one of the following schools will have greater priority for places: New Horizons Children’s Academy, The Gordon Children’s Academy, All Faiths Children’s Academy and Cedars Children’s Academy. The remaining places will be awarded based on distance of residence from the school.

Additional Eligibility

If more applicants qualify than there are places available, the school uses the following oversubscription criteria:

  1. Looked-after or previously looked-after children.

  2. Children eligible for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals.

  3. Children with a sibling already attending the school.

  4. Children who have attended a Thinking Schools Academy Trust primary school in Medway.

  5. Children of staff at The Rochester Grammar School.

  6. Children with verified medical or health needs requiring attendance at the school.

  7. Children living closest to the school, measured in a straight line.

Click here to view the full The Rochester Grammar School admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Rochester Grammar School

Supporting your child in preparing for the Medway Test can significantly impact their performance. Here are some strategies:

Useful Tips

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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.

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Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

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Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

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Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

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Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

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Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

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 The Rochester 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.

The Rochester Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information

Here are the dates relevant to the Medway Test and Open Tours. Please phone the school in order to book a tour.

Registration Closes

13 June 2025
Date passed

Entrance Exam Paper

Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September 2025
Date passed

Special Arrangements Testing

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September 2025
Date passed

Results Published

15 October 2025
Date passed

CAF Application Deadline

31st October 2025
Date passed

National Offer Day

2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

The Rochester Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at The Rochester Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.

1

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the The Rochester Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy
2

Register for the Medway Test

Complete the registration form available on the Medway Council website before the June deadline.

Visit Council Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form must be submitted to your local authority, with The Rochester 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.

The Rochester Grammar School FAQs

To apply, register your child for the Medway Test through Medway Council, usually in June. Once results are released, list The Rochester Grammar School as a preference on your secondary school application form before the deadline.

The Medway Test includes three sections: Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Extended Writing. The first two are multiple-choice papers, while the writing task is marked by teachers from Medway grammar schools. All tests are taken on the same day.

Entry is highly competitive, as many pupils achieve selective scores in the Medway Test. Meeting the required standard does not guarantee a place, as offers depend on test performance and oversubscription criteria.

The school does not have a strict catchment area, but distance is considered when offering places. If there are more qualified applicants than spaces, those living closer to the school are given priority.

Schools Nearby

45 schools found within 25 miles of Rochester

Fort Pitt Grammar School

Fort Pitt Grammar School, Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
0.6 Miles Away View School

The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School, Maidstone Road, Rochester
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
1.2 Miles Away View School

Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School

Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Maidstone Road, Rochester
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
1.3 Miles Away View School

Holcombe Grammar School

Holcombe Grammar School, Holcombe, Letchworth Avenue, Chatham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
1.6 Miles Away View School

Holcombe Grammar School

Holcombe Grammar School, Holcombe, Letchworth Avenue, Chatham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
1.6 Miles Away View School

Chatham Grammar

Chatham Grammar, Rainham Road, Chatham, ME5 7EH, Chatham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
2 Miles Away View School

Rainham Mark Grammar School

Rainham Mark Grammar School, Pump Lane, Rainham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
4 Miles Away View School

Gravesend Grammar School

Gravesend Grammar School, Gravesend
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
6.3 Miles Away View School

Mayfield Grammar School

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
7.2 Miles Away View School

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Maidstone
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
7.5 Miles Away View School

Invicta Grammar School

Invicta Grammar School For Girls, Maidstone
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
7.9 Miles Away View School

Oakwood Park Grammar School

Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
8.2 Miles Away View School

Maidstone Grammar School

Maidstone Grammar School, Maidstone
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
8.5 Miles Away View School

Borden Grammar School

Borden Grammar School, Sittingbourne
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
10.5 Miles Away View School

Highsted Grammar School

Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
10.6 Miles Away View School

St Bernard's High School

St Bernard’s High School, Westcliff-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
13.2 Miles Away View School

Westcliff High School For Girls

Westcliff High School for Girls, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
13.3 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Westcliff High School For Boys

Westcliff High School For Boys, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
13.4 Miles Away View School

St Thomas More High School

St Thomas More High School, Westcliff-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
13.5 Miles Away View School

Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
13.6 Miles Away View School

Dartford School for Girls

Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
13.6 Miles Away View School

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, Wilmington, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
13.7 Miles Away View School

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, Wilmington
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
13.8 Miles Away View School

Southend High School For Boys

Southend High School For Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
14 Miles Away View School

Southend High School For Girls

Southend High School For Girls, Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
14.8 Miles Away View School

Shoeburyness High School

Shoeburyness High School, Caulfield Road, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
15.3 Miles Away High Competition View School

Beths Grammar School

Beths Grammar School, Hartford Road, Bexley
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
15.9 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Townley Grammar School

Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
16.4 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Weald of Kent Grammar School

Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
17.1 Miles Away View School

Tonbridge Grammar School

Tonbridge Grammar School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
17.3 Miles Away View School

The Judd School

The Judd School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
17.3 Miles Away View School

St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School

St. Olave's Grammar School, Goddington Lane, Orpington
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
17.4 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School

Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, Hurst Road, Sidcup
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
17.5 Miles Away High Competition View School

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School - Faversham

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Faversham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
17.5 Miles Away View School

Bexley Grammar School

Bexley Grammar School, Danson Lane, Welling
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
17.8 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Newstead Wood School

Newstead Wood School, Avebury Road, Orpington
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
18.7 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
19.5 Miles Away View School

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
19.9 Miles Away View School

The Skinners’ School

The Skinners' School, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
20 Miles Away View School

Cranbrook School

Cranbrook School, Cranbrook
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Fee Paying
Boarding: Day school, Boarding
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
20.2 Miles Away View School

Highworth Grammar School

Highworth Grammar School, Ashford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
22.4 Miles Away View School

Ilford County High School

Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Ilford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
23.2 Miles Away View School

The Norton Knatchbull School

The Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
23.5 Miles Away View School

King Edward VI Grammar School

King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford
Assessment: CSSE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
24.4 Miles Away View School

Chelmsford County High School

Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
24.6 Miles Away View School