Dover Grammar School for Girls 11+

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

How to get into Dover Grammar School for Girls

Dover Grammar School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Dover Grammar School for Girls 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 Girls with all the important information you need to know.

School Overview

Dover Grammar School for Girls is a selective state school for girls aged 11-18 located on Frith Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 2PZ[1]. The school is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and consistently achieves high academic results. Dover Grammar School for Girls has a long tradition for high academic standards combined with a strong caring community, aiming to inspire students to develop into well rounded individuals [1].

The school offers 140 places annually for Year 7 entry and includes a mixed sixth form welcoming both boys and girls. The school promotes early discussions about university choices through its Project ROAR (Russell Group or Alternative Ready).

Admission Requirements

Girls applying for entry to Dover Grammar School for Girls must successfully pass either the Kent Test or the Dover Test to be eligible for admission. Children do not have to take both tests. The school offers places to children entering Year 7 in September 2025.

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

If more than 140 children applying to Dover Grammar School for Girls achieve a qualifying score, the school applies oversubscription criteria. In 2024, the school received around 2 applications per place with a total of 317 applications received and 140 offers made.

Families must understand that passing the 11+ does not guarantee that their child will be allocated a place as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.

Oversubscription Criteria

When applications exceed available places, children are prioritised in the following order: Children whose education, health and care (EHC) plans name the school.

All images © Dover Grammar School for Girls.
All images © Dover Grammar School for Girls.
  • Children who are or were in Local Authority care
  • Children with a sibling at the school
  • Children with health and special access reasons to need to attend the school
  • Children who have had pupil premium funding (free school meals) at any point in the last 6 years
  • Children who live closer to the school, measured in a straight line

Test Options and Registration

There are two options for 11+ exams for this school: The main Kent Test and the Dover Test, which is unique to grammar schools in Dover. The Dover Test usually takes place on the Saturday after the Kent Test.

Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates). The exam will take place in September 2025 and families will receive their child's results in mid-October.

Families can use these results to decide whether to apply for a place at Dover Grammar School for Girls by naming the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form.

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

Application Process

The secondary school common application form will be available on families' home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Dover Grammar School for Girls comes under Kent County Council School Admissions Code [1].

Families should complete the Common Application Form through their local authority and ensure all required documentation is submitted before the deadline. For specific application guidance, families should contact the school directly at the school information section.

Test Format and Content

The Kent Test is made up of two multiple-choice papers and a short writing task designed to assess children's skills in English, maths and reasoning. Each paper lasts around an hour, and children mark their answers on a separate answer sheet.

The first paper is split into one 30-minute section that tests English, and another 30-minute section which assesses maths, with each section including a short 5-minute practice activity that isn't marked. The English section is mainly made up of a reading comprehension task with questions that check grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.

Key Test Dates

Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates). The Kent Test takes place on Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September 2025 for children not in Kent primary schools (see key dates).

Kent Test results are sent to families on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates). The secondary school common application deadline is Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

Preparation Guidance

The Kent Test includes a challenging English section that assesses comprehension, inference, and vocabulary, with daily reading being one of the best ways to help children strengthen these skills through exposure to different genres and authors.

The Kent Test includes multiple-choice questions across English, maths, reasoning and spatial reasoning. Families seeking preparation resources should visit practice 11+ papers for materials. For additional support, families may consider 11+ tutor services.

Success in the 11+ isn't just about knowledge; it's also about mindset. With the right approach, children can build the skills and confidence they need to shine in September 2025.

Practical Advice

Families should prepare for exam day by ensuring children are familiar with the multiple-choice format and practice using separate answer sheets. Dates can vary, so families should always check with their target schools.

The school recommends families develop a consistent preparation timeline starting early in Year 5, focusing on building strong foundations in English and mathematics. Regular practice with timed conditions helps children become comfortable with the exam format.

For exam stress management, families should maintain realistic expectations and ensure children understand that multiple school options exist in Kent. Contact details and specific queries should be directed to the school information section.

School Contact Information

For questions relating to the Dover Test or admissions enquiries, families should contact Dover Grammar School for Girls directly. For questions relating to the Dover Test please contact the school via enquiries@dggs.kent.sch.uk [1].

The school address is Dover Grammar School for Girls, Frith Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 2PZ with telephone number 01304 206 625[1]. Further details about Kent County Council admissions can be found through their official channels.

[1]Dover Grammar School for Girls official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Dover Grammar School for Girls, 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 girls seeking admission to Dover Grammar School for Girls. 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 long, 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 inherent abilities and potential, rather than their acquired knowledge.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

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

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Dover Grammar School for Girls) 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 Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Dover Grammar School for Girls

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 Girls 11+ Tests

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

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

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

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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls.

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

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

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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls.

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

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

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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls 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 Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Dover Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Dover Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Dover Grammar School for Girls,
Frith Road,
Dover,
Kent
CT16 2PZ
School Website
Telephone01304206625
Email Addressenquiries@dggs.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places140
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)882 (858 Girls / 24 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Robert Benson

Dover Grammar School for Girls is a girls 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 882 pupils attend Dover Grammar School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Robert Benson.

Dover Grammar School for Girls Location

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

Ofsted Information

Dover Grammar School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 14/11/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/12/2013, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Dover Grammar School for Girls obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.
Dover Grammar School for Girls obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
14/11/2013105/12/2013OutstandingFull 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 Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (143 pupils)
  • English Literature (143 pupils)
  • Mathematics (143 pupils)
  • French (89 pupils)
  • History (87 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (86 pupils)
  • Geography (82 pupils)
  • Biology (57 pupils)
  • Chemistry (57 pupils)
  • Physics (57 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (55 pupils)
  • German (50 pupils)
  • Art & Design (44 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (36 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (27 pupils)
  • Latin (20 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (19 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (18 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (15 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (12 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Psychology (46 pupils)
  • History (31 pupils)
  • Geography (29 pupils)
  • Biology (28 pupils)
  • English Literature (22 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (18 pupils)
  • Mathematics (17 pupils)
  • Sociology (15 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (12 pupils)
  • Chemistry (11 pupils)
  • Economics (10 pupils)
  • Physics (10 pupils)
  • Art and Design (9 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (9 pupils)
  • Film Studies (9 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (9 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (9 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (7 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Dover Grammar School for Girls 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 & Design44---18105479
Biology57----57171287
Business Studies:Single55-1-69910944
Chemistry57----111171494
Computer Studies/Computing19--2128231-
Design & Technology36--4153662--
English Language143--1416363725147
English Literature143--12102640321812
D&T Food Technology15----125331
French89--1914151813810
Geography82--112112316755
German50---5899658
History87-23611132016114
Latin20---1-15346
Mathematics143---127512319137
Physics57----210177910
Religious Studies18-----12446
Drama & Theatre Studies12--12322-2-
Physical Education/Sports Studies27---1067211-
Science: Double Award86----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design9----144
Art and Design (Photography)12---1443
Biology28-625752
Business Studies:Single18-12591-
Chemistry11--13241
Classical Civilisation7--21211
Design and Technology (Product Design)9-224---
Economics10---2422
English Literature22--11965
Film Studies9---1431
Geography29--48862
History31-211891-
Mathematics17---4526
Physical Education / Sports Studies9-2331--
Physics10-13212-
Psychology46-21311955
Religious Studies9--233-1
Sociology15--1284-

FAQ

Is Dover Grammar School for Girls hard to get into?

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

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

Is Dover Grammar School for Girls free?

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

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

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

Yes, Dover Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only school.

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