Chatham Grammar 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Chatham Grammar.
How to get into Chatham Grammar
Chatham Grammar is a selective secondary school in Medway, Kent. To get into Chatham Grammar children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Chatham Grammar with all the important information you need to know.
Background Information
Chatham Grammar is a selective girls' academy for ages 11-19 located in Medway, Kent. The school is part of the University of Kent Academies Trust (UKAT) [1]. From September 2026, the school will become co-educational alongside Fort Pitt Grammar and Holcombe Grammar [1].
The school offers 150 places annually for girls who are deemed selective based on the Medway Test and/or Kent Test [1]. Children take the Medway 11+ examination to be considered for admission.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers 150 places to girls who pass the testing arrangements [1].
Families must register for the Medway 11+ by Friday 13th June 2025 (see key dates). The school accepts results from both the Medway Test and Kent Test for admissions purposes.
- Pass the Medway 11+ examination with a score in the top 25% of candidates
- Register for testing by the 13th June 2025 deadline - see key dates
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through Medway Council by 31st October 2025 - see key dates
- Meet age requirements for Year 7 entry
Application Process
Applications are made using the Medway Common Application Form (CAF) provided by local authorities [1]. Families living outside Medway should use the form provided by their home Local Authority [1].
The testing takes place on Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th September 2025 for children in Medway schools (see key dates). Children not attending Medway schools take the test on Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st September 2025 (see key dates).
- Register for the Medway 11+ examination by 13th June 2025 - see key dates
- Complete and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) naming Chatham Grammar as preferred school
- Submit applications by 31st October 2025 deadline - see key dates
- Receive test results on Wednesday 15th October 2025 - see key dates
- School offers made on 3rd March 2025 - see key dates
- Contact the school information section for specific guidance
Examination Details
The Medway 11+ consists of three papers provided by GL Assessment. Each paper takes no longer than one hour including instructions. The examination covers English, Mathematics, and Reasoning (combining Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning).
Historical pass marks range between 480-490 standardised score points. The test identifies children working in the top 25% of their year group. All questions use multiple choice format with answers recorded on optical mark reading sheets.
- English Paper: Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Mathematics Paper: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning and mathematical concepts
- Reasoning Paper: Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning combined
- Results available Wednesday 15th October 2025 - see key dates
- Test designed to select the top 23-25% of candidates annually
Oversubscription Criteria
When oversubscribed, places are allocated using specific criteria after admitting students with Special Educational Needs statements naming the school [1]. Random allocation determines places when applicants cannot be separated by other criteria [1].
The school does not operate a traditional catchment area. Instead, distance from home to school forms part of the allocation criteria using Medway Local Authority measurement methods.
- First priority: Children in public care or previously in public care
- Second priority: Current family association attending Chatham Grammar who will still attend when applicant is admitted
- Third priority: Children of staff employed for one year or more
- Fourth priority: Distance from student's home using Medway Local Authority measurements
- Appeals process available for unsuccessful applications
Preparation Guidance
Effective preparation should begin in Year 4 or Year 5 using regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. The school recommends a 'little and often' approach to learning rather than intensive cramming sessions.
For free preparation resources, families should access practice 11+ papers. Professional tutoring support is available through 11+ tutors specialising in the Medway 11+ format.
- Start preparation 12-18 months before the examination date
- Use GL Assessment practice papers matching the official test format
- Focus on English, Mathematics, and Reasoning across all three papers
- Practice multiple choice answer techniques using optical mark sheets
- Build test stamina through timed practice sessions
- Access free support through practice papers
- Consider professional support via qualified tutors
Practical Advice
On examination day, children should arrive well-rested and prepared with necessary equipment. The test venue provides all materials, but families should ensure children understand the multiple choice format and optical mark reading requirements.
Backup school options in Medway include Fort Pitt Grammar, Holcombe Grammar, Rainham Mark Grammar and Rochester Grammar School. All use the same Medway 11+ examination system.
- Attend school open events in October 2024 for insights into school life
- Practice exam conditions using timed tests before the actual date
- Ensure children understand multiple choice techniques and time management
- Apply to multiple grammar schools to increase placement chances
- Consider backup comprehensive schools in Medway, Kent area
- Prepare for appeals process if initial application unsuccessful
- Contact details available in school information section
Medway 11+ Information
In order to get into Chatham Grammar, children need to pass the Medway 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Medway 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Medway 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- Reasoning
The Medway Test is an entrance examination for students seeking admission to Chatham Grammar School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates the academic abilities and potential of prospective students across three key areas: English, Maths, and Reasoning.
The English section assesses the candidate's proficiency in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. The Maths paper tests the student's understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, problem-solving abilities, and numerical reasoning. The Reasoning component evaluates the applicant's logical thinking, pattern recognition, and ability to draw conclusions from given information.
Success in the Medway Test is a crucial factor in securing a place at Chatham Grammar School, as it demonstrates the student's readiness to thrive in a challenging academic environment. Thorough preparation and practice are essential for achieving the best possible results in this competitive examination.
Other Schools using Medway 11+
As well as Chatham Grammar, several other schools also use Medway 11+. These are:
- Fort Pitt Grammar School
- Holcombe Grammar School
- Rainham Mark Grammar School
- Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School
- The Rochester Grammar School
Medway 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Chatham Grammar 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.
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!
Medway 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Medway 11+ 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).
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 Chatham Grammar, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Chatham Grammar 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Chatham Grammar) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 19/05/2025 | 11+ Registration Opens | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 13/06/2025 | 11+ Registration Closes | |
| Mid October | 11+ Results Released | |
| Late October | Secondary School Application Deadline | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Chatham Grammar as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Chatham Grammar
As the Medway 11+ 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 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 Chatham Grammar 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar
Unfortunately, Chatham Grammar has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Medway 11+ Ensure you double-check with Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar 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 Medway 11+ to get into Chatham Grammar.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar 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 Medway 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Chatham Grammar 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 Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Chatham Grammar by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Chatham Grammar together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Chatham Grammar, Rainham Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 7EH |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.chathamgrammar.org.uk/welcome |
| Telephone | 01634851262 |
| Email Address | admissionscg@universityofkentacademiestrust.org.uk |
| Gender | Girls only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 150 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 945 (927 Girls / 18 Boys) |
| Principal | Ms Wendy Walters |
Chatham Grammar is a girls 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 945 pupils attend Chatham Grammar and it's led by the Principal, Ms Wendy Walters.
Chatham Grammar Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Chatham Grammar was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/05/2018 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 20/06/2018, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 22/05/2018 | 1 | 20/06/2018 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Chatham Grammar for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Chatham Grammar 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)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - |
| Art & Design (Textiles) | 10 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Biology | 89 | 2 | - | - | 4 | 11 | 22 | 27 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Business Studies:Single | 48 | - | 1 | - | 5 | 6 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 89 | 3 | - | - | 6 | 14 | 24 | 17 | 11 | 10 | 4 |
| English Language | 122 | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | 31 | 37 | 19 | 21 | 2 |
| English Literature | 122 | - | - | - | 2 | 6 | 31 | 29 | 31 | 15 | 8 |
| French | 74 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 27 | 15 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Geography | 51 | - | 1 | - | 3 | 8 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| German | 17 | - | - | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | - | - |
| History | 76 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 |
| Mathematics | 122 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 18 | 44 | 28 | 6 | 17 | 2 |
| Music | 8 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Art & Design (Photography) | 26 | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | 11 | 5 | - | - |
| Physics | 89 | 3 | - | - | 3 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 10 | 12 | - |
| Psychology | 57 | - | - | 2 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Religious Studies | 15 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Sociology | 26 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
| Spanish | 33 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | - |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 12 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | - |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 23 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Science: Double Award | 33 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design | 9 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | |||
| Biology | 30 | - | 9 | 8 | 3 | 4 | - | 1 | |||
| Chemistry | 14 | - | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | - | - | |||
| Economics | 9 | - | 3 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - | |||
| English Literature | 18 | - | 2 | 4 | 6 | 3 | - | - | |||
| Government and Politics | 7 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 3 | - | - | |||
| History | 12 | - | - | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | |||
| Mathematics | 13 | - | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | - | 1 | |||
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 9 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | - | |||
| Psychology | 48 | - | 5 | 9 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 1 | |||
| Sociology | 25 | - | - | 4 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 1 | |||
FAQ
Is Chatham Grammar hard to get into?
Yes, Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar a private school?
No, Chatham Grammar is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Chatham Grammar free?
Yes, Chatham Grammar is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Chatham Grammar won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Chatham Grammar?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Chatham Grammar 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 Chatham Grammar a girls-only school?
Yes, Chatham Grammar is a girls-only school.
