Schools / Kent Test
The Kent Test 11+ - exam format & mock papers
The Kent Test is used by every grammar school in the Kent County Council area and is set by GL Assessment. It has two multiple-choice papers - English & Maths, then Verbal/Spatial/Non-Verbal Reasoning - plus a separate creative-writing exercise that is only used in borderline headteacher assessment or appeal cases, not the main standardised score. Kent releases no official past papers. A 11Plus-Help Kent Test mock rebuilds both multiple-choice papers at the real timing and 5-option format.
Made for London and nearby grammars · Stage 2 written papers where schools set them · school-specific formats · "show your working" style maths
The papers
One test day: Paper 1 (English & Maths), Paper 2 (Verbal, Spatial & Non-Verbal Reasoning), plus an unscored creative-writing exercise.
Paper 1 - English & Mathematics - 50 minutes
- English: comprehension, vocabulary-in-context cloze, and spelling/punctuation-error spotting
- Maths: KS2 arithmetic and multi-step worded problems
Paper 2 - Verbal, Spatial & Non-Verbal Reasoning - 44 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: GL-style codes, letter values, compound words, word relationships
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: figure series, matrices, rotations, codes - including spatial-reasoning items (nets, folding, plan views)
Creative writing - 40 minutes
- Extended writing: unscored; used only in headteacher assessment or appeal cases, not the standardised score
What it tests
English comprehension · Maths · Verbal Reasoning · Non-Verbal & Spatial Reasoning
What to work on
- reading a passage closely for inference and vocabulary in context
- multi-step KS2 maths under time pressure
- the full range of GL verbal reasoning types - codes, letter values, word relationships
- spatial reasoning specifically - cube nets, paper folding, plan views - not just standard non-verbal series
Worth knowing
- Five answer options (A-E) throughout.
- Kent releases no official past papers - the format here is cross-checked against multiple independent sources, not a single official document.
- The creative-writing exercise exists but is not part of the main pass/fail score.
The Kent Test mock on 11Plus-Help
The Kent Test mock on 11Plus-Help is two timed multiple-choice papers - English & Maths, then Verbal, Spatial & Non-Verbal Reasoning - at the real 5-option format and timing. Spatial reasoning is practised as part of the Non-Verbal Reasoning section.
Original practice in a GL-informed format. Not an official or past paper.
FAQs
Does passing the Kent Test guarantee a place?
No - catchment and admissions priority differ by individual grammar school, and the Kent Test result alone does not guarantee a place at every school. Check the specific school's own admissions policy as well as Kent County Council guidance.
Is the creative-writing exercise marked?
It's not part of the main standardised pass/fail score, but it's kept on file and can be used in headteacher assessment or an appeal - so it's still worth preparing for properly.
Admissions arrangements change. Always check the current policy and admissions page on the school (or local authority) website before relying on this information - especially catchment areas, score thresholds and registration deadlines.
Other schools
11Plus-Help - adaptive 11+ practice and school-specific mock exams for Greater London grammar schools.
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Practice materials are original and independently produced. They are not official school papers and do not guarantee admission. School arrangements can change; parents should check each school’s current admissions information.