Borden Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Borden Grammar School.

How to get into Borden Grammar School

Borden Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Borden Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Borden Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 150 places annually for boys aged 11 to 16, with a mixed sixth form [1].

Families must pass the Kent 11+ Test to be eligible for admission. Children need a total score of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 106. However, passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee allocation of a place as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.

  • Child must be in Year 5 during the 2024-2025 school year to take the test in September 2025
  • Must achieve qualifying scores on the Kent 11+ Test taken in September 2025
  • Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Contact the school information section for specific documentation requirements

Catchment Area and Oversubscription Criteria

Borden Grammar School operates a catchment area to prioritise children who live closer to the school in postcode areas ME9, ME10, ME11 and ME12. These areas are referred to as the traditional school areas and receive priority consideration.

All images © Borden Grammar School.
All images © Borden Grammar School.

When the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated using the following priority order:

  • Up to 15% of places are reserved for children in postcodes ME9, ME10, ME11 and ME12 who have been eligible for Free School Meals during Years 3–6
  • Children who have a sibling currently attending the school
  • Children with medical, health, social and special access reasons
  • Priority for children residing in postcode areas beginning with ME9, ME10, ME11, and ME12, followed by children in ME8 & ME13
  • Children who live closest to the school by distance

Application Process

The application process involves two key stages: registering for the Kent 11+ Test and completing the secondary school application form. Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on 2nd June 2025 and closes on 1st July 2025 (see key dates).

Families need to name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, available from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). The application form must be completed through the family's home local authority website.

All images © Borden Grammar School.
All images © Borden Grammar School.
  • Register for the Kent 11+ Test through Kent County Council between 2nd June 2025 and 1st July 2025
  • Take the test in September 2025 - exact dates vary by location
  • Receive results on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Complete the Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Submit any required Supplementary Information Forms directly to the school if applicable
  • Contact the school information section for assistance with special circumstances

The Kent 11+ Test

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with a one-hour time limit, with children marking answers on separate answer sheets marked electronically. Children will also have a short writing task.

Paper 1 is split into a 30-minute English section and a 30-minute maths section, with each section starting with a 5-minute practice exercise followed by a 25-minute test. The second paper focuses on reasoning abilities including verbal, non-verbal, and spatial reasoning.

  • English Section: Reading comprehension exercises and questions assessing grammar, punctuation and vocabulary skills
  • Mathematics Section: Tests topics learned in school up to the start of Year 6
  • Reasoning Section: Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning - topics not usually taught in school to measure potential
  • Test dates: Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September 2025 for children not in Kent primary schools
  • Results sent: Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates)

Special Considerations

If children have a disability or special educational needs affecting their access to testing, families need to discuss this with their primary school's special educational needs coordinator before registering, as requests will not be accepted after 1 July 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Borden Grammar School.
All images © Borden Grammar School.

The school works in partnership with Atom Learning to provide students eligible for Pupil Premium with free online learning and 11+ exam preparation to help children get familiar with question types and build exam technique [1].

  • Contact primary school SENCO before registration for access arrangements
  • Submit access arrangement requests by 1st July 2025 (see key dates)
  • Free preparation available for Pupil Premium eligible children through Atom Learning partnership
  • Email kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk for special arrangements information

Preparation Guidance

The most effective 11+ preparation happens in short, consistent bursts with educational psychologists recommending daily learning sessions of 20–30 minutes for 10–11-year-olds. Children should have a good understanding of Year 6 content before testing their knowledge with practice papers.

Families should begin preparation well in advance, focusing on building confidence with question types rather than intensive cramming. The school emphasizes that free familiarisation materials are generic and may differ from the exact test taken in September, including differences in paper length, question types, and difficulty level.

  • Start preparation early with daily 20-30 minute sessions
  • Focus on Year 6 curriculum content before attempting practice papers
  • Use little and often approach rather than intensive study periods
  • Practice with materials specifically designed for the Kent 11+ Test format
  • Access free preparation resources at practice papers section
  • Consider professional tutoring support through tutor services
  • Contact the school information section for additional guidance

Practical Advice for Exam Day

The test takes place in September 2025 at designated examination centres. Children mark their answers on separate answer sheets which are marked electronically, so families should ensure children are comfortable with this format during preparation.

Results are communicated efficiently, with Kent Test results emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025 to the email address used for registration. Families who don't provide an email address will receive results by first class post, and can ask their child's primary school for scores the day after results go out.

  • Ensure child is comfortable with separate answer sheets and electronic marking format
  • Plan arrival at test centre with adequate time to settle
  • Provide a healthy breakfast and sufficient water for the day
  • Encourage calm confidence rather than last-minute revision
  • Ensure contact details are current for results delivery on 16th October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Have backup school choices ready as passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a place

Alternative Options and Appeals

Parents of students who are not awarded a place can appeal the decision in front of an Independent Appeals Panel, with specific details of the appeals process normally sent to parents at the same time as offer letters. Families should research other excellent secondary schools in Kent as backup options.

Grammar schools in Kent provide for children in about the top 25% of the ability range, with some schools giving priority to those with the highest scores. This competitive landscape means having multiple school preferences is essential.

  • Research backup school options in Kent for all ability ranges
  • Consider other Kent grammar schools with different catchment areas
  • Understand the Independent Appeals Panel process if needed
  • Explore non-selective secondary schools with strong academic reputations
  • Contact the school information section for appeals guidance
  • Consider schools in neighboring authorities like Medway which use different tests

[1]Borden Grammar School official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Borden Grammar School, children need to pass the Kent 11+ Test. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Kent 11+ Test Subjects & Structure

The Kent 11+ Test requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Spatial Reasoning

The Kent Test is the entrance examination for students seeking admission to Borden Grammar School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers that evaluate a student's abilities in various subjects.

The first paper, which lasts for one hour, focuses on English and maths. The questions in this section are based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, ensuring that students are tested on familiar topics.

The second paper, also one hour in duration, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so students may encounter question styles they have not seen before. Despite this, the Kent Test aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a student's potential and suitability for Borden Grammar School.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Borden Grammar School, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

Kent 11+ Test Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Borden Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Kent 11+ Test Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Kent 11+ Test changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Borden Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Borden Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Borden Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/06/2025Kent Test Registration OpensAdd Dates to Calendar
01/07/2025Kent Test Registration Closes
11/09/2025Kent Test Date For Children In Kent Primary Schools
Mid OctoberKent Test Results Sent To Parents
Late OctoberSecondary School Common Application Deadline
02/03/2026National School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Borden Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Borden Grammar School

As the Kent 11+ Test entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Borden Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Borden Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Borden Grammar School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Borden Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Borden Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Borden Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Kent 11+ Test Ensure you double-check with Borden Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Kent 11+ Test to get into Borden Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Borden Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Kent 11+ Test.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Borden Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Borden Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Borden Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Borden Grammar School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Borden Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Borden Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Borden Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Borden Grammar School,
Avenue of Remembrance,
Sittingbourne,
Kent
ME10 4DB
School Website
Telephone01795424192
Email Addressschool@bordengrammar.kent.sch.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)889 (28 Girls / 861 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Ashley Tomlin

Borden Grammar School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 889 pupils attend Borden Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Ashley Tomlin.

Borden Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Borden Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 12/11/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 04/12/2013, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Borden Grammar School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.
Borden Grammar School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
12/11/2013104/12/2013GoodFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Borden Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (126 pupils)
  • English Literature (126 pupils)
  • Mathematics (126 pupils)
  • Biology (106 pupils)
  • Chemistry (106 pupils)
  • Physics (106 pupils)
  • Geography (78 pupils)
  • History (78 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (59 pupils)
  • Spanish (57 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (43 pupils)
  • Statistics (42 pupils)
  • French (41 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (26 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (20 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (16 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (16 pupils)
  • Art & Design (12 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Business Studies:Single (34 pupils)
  • Mathematics (32 pupils)
  • Biology (28 pupils)
  • Geography (25 pupils)
  • History (25 pupils)
  • Psychology (21 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (16 pupils)
  • Chemistry (15 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (14 pupils)
  • Physics (13 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (12 pupils)
  • Film Studies (10 pupils)
  • Art and Design (3d Studies) (9 pupils)
  • Economics (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Borden Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design12------7122
Biology1061--112243118109
Business Studies:Single59-11439161195
Chemistry106---516262516126
Computer Studies/Computing26--13735142
Design & Technology16-----56311
English Language126--1411334317116
English Literature126--159373722105
French41---37771061
Geography78--1111019151282
History78-1-8714181515-
Mathematics126----33531212313
Physics1061--1101731221113
Religious Studies16----2464--
Spanish57---11213111172
Physical Education/Sports Studies43---121214113-
Statistics42-----2812164
Science: Double Award20----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (3d Studies)9---1341
Biology28-27964-
Business Studies:Single34-1961034
Chemistry15-441221
Economics6--12-11
English Language and Literature12--25221
Film Studies10--2341-
Geography25-264821
Government and Politics16-3225-2
History25-216925
Mathematics32-249267
Physical Education / Sports Studies14-13441-
Physics13-224131
Psychology21--15852

FAQ

Is Borden Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Borden Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is Borden Grammar School a private school?

No, Borden Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Borden Grammar School free?

Yes, Borden Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Borden Grammar School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Borden Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Borden Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

Is Borden Grammar School a boys-only school?

Yes, Borden Grammar School is a boys-only school.

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