Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+

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

How to get into Dover Grammar School for Boys

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

Admission Requirements

Dover Grammar School for Boys admits boys for Year 7 entry in September 2026 who are currently in Year 5. Children currently in Year 5 who were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 can take the Kent Test in 2025 [1]. The school offers 150 places annually.

Boys must pass either the Kent Test or Dover Grammar School for Boys entrance test [1]. Dover Grammar School for Boys does not have a formal catchment area. However, it prioritises prospective pupils who live closer to the school.

Families must register for tests by specific deadlines. Registration forms for the Kent Test must be submitted by Tuesday 1st July 2025 and the Dover Boys Test by Friday 4th July 2025 [1]. Secondary school applications must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.

Application Process

Families must complete two separate registration processes. First, they register for the Kent 11+ Test through an online portal accessible through the Kent County Council website. Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025.

Second, families can also register for the school's own entrance test. The Dover Boys Test registration must be submitted by Friday 4th July 2025 [1]. It is not necessary for pupils to take both exams.

Applications submitted by the deadline will receive a confirmation letter by the end of July which will include arrival times for the test and a link to a familiarisation programme with sample questions [1]. After receiving test results, families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form.

All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.
  • Complete registration for the Kent 11+ Test through Kent County Council
  • Optionally register for the Dover Boys Test directly with the school
  • Submit Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Contact the school information section for special considerations

Examination Details

The Kent 11+ Test takes place in September 2025. If your child goes to a Kent primary school, they will likely take the test at their own school on a school day. If your child goes to a primary school outside of Kent, they might be invited to take the test at a Kent grammar school at the weekend.

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with a one-hour time limit. Children mark their answers on separate answer sheets, which are marked electronically. Your child will also have a short writing task. Paper 1 is split into a 30-minute English section and a 30-minute maths section. Each section starts with a 5-minute practice exercise.

Results will be emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025. Your child will get 3 standardised scores, one for English, one for maths and one for reasoning, and a total (aggregate) score. To be given a grammar school assessment, children needed a total score of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 106.

All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Dover Grammar School for Boys.

Oversubscription Criteria

If more than 150 children applying to Dover Grammar School for Boys achieve a qualifying 11 plus score, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to families in this order:

  • Children whose education, health and care (EHC) plans name the school
  • Children who are or were in Local Authority care
  • Children who have had pupil premium funding (free school meals) at any point in the last 6 years
  • Children with a sibling at the school
  • Children with health and special access reasons to need to attend the school
  • Children of staff who work at the school
  • Other children, ranked in order of how close they live to the school in a straight line

Preparation Guidance

The school recommends attending one of its open events before committing to registration. The school hosts information events on Wednesday 25th June 2025 at 5 pm [1]. These events provide information on registration, test content, and preparation advice.

Families should begin preparation well in advance. Your child should have a good understanding of Year 6 content before testing their knowledge with practice papers. Using a 'little and often' approach when recapping content is key. Experts recommend study sessions should last no longer than 30 minutes for children aged 10–11.

The school supports families eligible for Pupil Premium with free preparation resources. The school works in partnership with Atom Learning to provide students who are eligible for Pupil Premium with free online learning and 11+ exam preparation. This programme is designed to help children get familiar with the type of questions they may see on the 11+ and build exam technique and confidence [1].

  • For free practice papers, see 11+ practice resources
  • For tutoring support, visit 11+ tutoring services
  • Focus on English comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning skills
  • Practice multiple-choice question formats regularly

Practical Advice

Test day preparation should focus on building confidence and familiarity. Each section starts with a 5-minute practice exercise. This isn't marked, but is used to help your child get familiar with the types of questions. Children should arrive early and bring appropriate materials as specified in their confirmation letter.

If your child has a disability or special educational needs which will affect their access to testing, you need to discuss this with their primary school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) before you register them for the test. Requests will not be accepted after 1 July 2025.

Passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee that your child will be allocated a place at your preferred school. Families should consider alternative options within Kent's education system. The county has 32 grammar schools including nearby alternatives such as Dover Grammar School for Girls.

For specific admissions queries or additional support, families should contact the school information section directly. The school's Admissions Officer, Mrs. Cook [1], provides guidance throughout the application process.

[1]Dover Grammar School for Boys official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Dover Grammar School for Boys, 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 boys seeking admission to Dover Grammar School for Boys. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, comprises two multiple-choice papers that evaluate the candidate's abilities across 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 the content aligns with the students' current level of education.

The second paper, also an hour in length, assesses the candidate's skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so applicants may be less familiar with the question formats. However, these sections aim to gauge the student's innate problem-solving abilities and potential for academic success at Dover Grammar School for Boys.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Dover Grammar School for Boys, 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Entrance Tests

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

DateEventCalendar Link
02/06/2025Kent Test Registration Opens
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 Dover Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Dover Grammar School for Boys

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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Dover Grammar School for Boys. 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys

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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys.

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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.

Dover Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Dover Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Dover Grammar School for Boys,
Astor Avenue,
Dover,
Kent
CT17 0DQ
School Website
Telephone01304206117
Email Addressadmissions@dgsb.co.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)835 (13 Girls / 822 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Philip Horstrup

Dover Grammar School for Boys is a boys only school. It is also a local authority maintained school, meaning the local authority oversee the funding, admissions, and overall performance of the school.

In total 835 pupils attend Dover Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Philip Horstrup.

Dover Grammar School for Boys Location

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

Ofsted Information

Dover Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 02/02/2016 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 29/02/2016, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Dover Grammar School for Boys obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2016.
Dover Grammar School for Boys obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2016.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
02/02/2016129/02/2016GoodFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (132 pupils)
  • English Literature (132 pupils)
  • Mathematics (132 pupils)
  • Biology (102 pupils)
  • Chemistry (102 pupils)
  • Physics (102 pupils)
  • History (94 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (92 pupils)
  • Geography (90 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (52 pupils)
  • German (45 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (43 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (42 pupils)
  • Spanish (42 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (37 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (37 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (30 pupils)
  • French (18 pupils)
  • Music (17 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Sociology (25 pupils)
  • Economics (23 pupils)
  • History (21 pupils)
  • Mathematics (17 pupils)
  • Psychology (17 pupils)
  • English Literature (15 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (14 pupils)
  • Biology (13 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (9 pupils)
  • Geography (9 pupils)
  • Film Studies (8 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (8 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (7 pupils)
  • Physics (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 & Design (Fine Art)52---182212522
Biology102---42324241746
Chemistry102--191722231785
Computer Studies/Computing37--28783342
Design & Technology42---74121054-
English Language132--2111042312493
English Literature132122-10213828219
French18---66411--
Geography90-1615152018771
German45---12101471-1
History941-4211416151445
Mathematics132----14362224279
Media/Film/Tv Studies37-1123471153
Music17--26114111
Physics102---32024261487
Religious Studies92-137721221768
Spanish42--18713454-
Physical Education/Sports Studies43---321011665
Science: Double Award30----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)14-32-441
Biology13-23251-
Computer Studies / Computing7-13111-
Design and Technology (Product Design)9--4221-
Economics23-29651-
English Literature15-14433-
Film Studies8----521
Geography9-1314--
History21-25662-
Mathematics17-122443
Physical Education / Sports Studies8--1231-
Physics6-1--2-2
Psychology17-6621--
Sociology25-16106-1

FAQ

Is Dover Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?

Yes, Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys a private school?

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

Is Dover Grammar School for Boys free?

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

How do I get my child into Dover Grammar School for Boys?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys a boys-only school?

Yes, Dover Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.

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