Highsted Grammar School 11+

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

How to get into Highsted Grammar School

Highsted Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Highsted Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Highsted 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 120 places annually for girls entering Year 7 [1].

Pupils seeking admission must be assessed as suitable for grammar school education through either the Kent Test or the Highsted optional test. Registration for the Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates).

  • Families must use the Local Authority Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) with no supplementary form required
  • Children with Special Educational Needs statements or Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school receive automatic admission before oversubscription criteria apply
  • Applications are open to UK residents, children of UK service personnel, and Crown servants returning to the UK
  • For specific contact information, families should refer to the school information section

Application Process

Secondary school applications must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Results from the Kent Test are sent to families on Thursday 16th October 2025, allowing time to make informed school choices.

All images © Highsted Grammar School.
All images © Highsted Grammar School.

Families need to name Highsted Grammar School as one of their preferred schools on the common application form. Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place as grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.

  • Register for the Kent Test between 2nd June and 1st July 2025
  • Sit the test on 11th September 2025 (or 13th September for non-Kent schools)
  • Use test results to decide whether to apply to the school
  • Consider the optional Highsted test for an additional assessment route with equal status
  • Submit appeals by Thursday 28th March 2024 if not allocated a place - contact the school information section for appeal procedures

Preparation Guidance

The most effective 11+ preparation happens in short, consistent bursts with educational psychologists recommending daily learning sessions of 20-30 minutes. The Kent Test is designed to select children working in the top 25% of their year group.

To pass the exam, children need a total score of 332 or more with no single score lower than 106. Daily reading across various genres and authors helps strengthen comprehension, inference, and vocabulary skills essential for success.

All images © Highsted Grammar School.
All images © Highsted Grammar School.
  • Ensure understanding of Year 6 content before attempting practice papers using a 'little and often' approach
  • Focus on exam technique including familiarity with multiple-choice questions across English, maths, reasoning and spatial reasoning
  • Access free preparation resources through the practice papers section
  • Consider professional support through the tutoring services section
  • Submit requests for special arrangements by 1st July 2025 after discussing with the school's SEN coordinator

Practical Advice

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with a one-hour time limit, plus a short writing task marked electronically. Children take the test in September during Year 6, typically at their own school on a school day or at a Kent grammar school during weekends for non-Kent pupils.

Success requires not just knowledge but also the right mindset. If oversubscribed, places are allocated using criteria including looked after children, pupil premium eligibility, siblings, and distance from school.

  • Prepare for two 30-minute sections with 5-minute practice exercises followed by 25-minute tests
  • Results are emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025 to the registration address or posted if no email provided
  • Consider backup options as many excellent non-selective schools in Kent offer outstanding education with potential Year 8 or Year 9 entry opportunities
  • Explore in-year admission options with testing available three times yearly for casual admissions
  • For detailed contact information and specific guidance, families should refer to the school information section

[1]Highsted Grammar School official website

All images © Highsted Grammar School.
All images © Highsted Grammar School.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Highsted 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 entrance examination for Highsted Grammar School, known as the Kent Test, is a challenging assessment designed to evaluate the academic potential of prospective students. The test comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour, which are provided by GL Assessment.

The first paper focuses on English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. This section assesses the candidate's proficiency in literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for success in secondary education.

The second paper concentrates on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in primary schools, so candidates may be less familiar with these types of questions. This section of the test aims to evaluate the student's ability to think logically, recognize patterns, and manipulate shapes and spaces mentally. Success in these areas demonstrates a child's potential to excel in various academic disciplines.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the Highsted Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

11+ Tutor for Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School 11+ Tests

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

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

The exam board (or test supplier) that Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Highsted Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Highsted Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Highsted Grammar School,
Highsted Road,
Sittingbourne,
Kent
ME10 4PT
School Website
Telephone01795424223
Email Addressadmin@highsted.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places120
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)889 (882 Girls / 7 Boys)
Headteacher Ms Anne Kelly

Highsted Grammar School 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 889 pupils attend Highsted Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Ms Anne Kelly.

Highsted Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Highsted Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 17/01/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 19/03/2023, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Highsted Grammar School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Highsted Grammar School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
17/01/2023119/03/2023GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Highsted Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 17 January 2023 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school was rated Good in all areas, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision.

This inspection result demonstrates that Highsted Grammar School provides a high-quality education to its students, with a strong focus on their personal development and well-being. The school's leadership and management team have effectively created a positive learning environment that encourages good behaviour and attitudes among the students.

The Good rating in the sixth form provision indicates that Highsted Grammar School prepares its students well for their future academic and professional pursuits. Overall, the school has shown itself to be a successful and well-managed institution that prioritizes the needs and development of its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (143 pupils)
  • English Literature (143 pupils)
  • Mathematics (143 pupils)
  • Biology (111 pupils)
  • Chemistry (111 pupils)
  • Physics (111 pupils)
  • Sociology (86 pupils)
  • Geography (83 pupils)
  • German (83 pupils)
  • History (82 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (70 pupils)
  • French (57 pupils)
  • Art & Design (35 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (32 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (32 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (29 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (11 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Sociology (49 pupils)
  • Psychology (45 pupils)
  • Geography (33 pupils)
  • English Literature (28 pupils)
  • Mathematics (25 pupils)
  • History (22 pupils)
  • Economics (21 pupils)
  • Biology (20 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (16 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (15 pupils)
  • Film Studies (14 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (14 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (10 pupils)
  • Art and Design (8 pupils)
  • Chemistry (7 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (7 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (6 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Highsted 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 & Design35---1448117-
Biology111---11825342157
Business Studies:Single70--17613211183
Chemistry1115--51631251478
Computer Studies/Computing11---1151-3-
English Language143---413294922187
English Literature143---616303534156
French57212129147721
Geography83--13819212154
German836152017191032-
History82--1412101991610
Mathematics1432-193840231694
Physics1112--71828301673
Sociology86--2312162412133
Drama & Theatre Studies32--113611712
Physical Education/Sports Studies29----4711511
Science: Double Award328---------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design8--11411
Art and Design (Photography)10-112312
Biology20-34732-
Business Studies:Single15-112523
Chemistry7-1312--
Drama and Theatre Studies6---213-
Economics21-135543
English Literature28--37872
Film Studies14---185-
Geography33--1111074
Government and Politics16-12463-
History22-13864-
Mathematics25-271522
Mathematics (Further)6----23-
Media/Film/Tv Studies14--24521
Physical Education / Sports Studies7---3121
Psychology45-61281351
Sociology49-131017135

FAQ

Is Highsted Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Highsted 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 Highsted Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Highsted Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Highsted Grammar School?

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

Yes, Highsted Grammar School is a girls-only school.

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