Highworth Grammar School 11+

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

How to get into Highworth Grammar School

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

About Highworth Grammar School

Highworth Grammar School is a large selective state school for girls in Ashford, Kent [1]. The school has been educating students from the Ashford community for over a century and is now a thriving school with over 1500 students and 140 staff [1].

Highworth Grammar School is an 11-18 selective girls' grammar school. It is single sex entry (girls only) for Years 7 to 11 but permits entry for boys in the Sixth Form only [1]. The school converted to become an academy school on 1 January 2011 [1].

Admission Requirements

At age 11, students will need to reach the required standard in the Kent Test for admission into Year 7 [1]. The Published Admission Number (PAN) has increased over the years and is now 210 for the newest cohorts [1].

The school is a selective girls' school and entry into Year 7 is only for students who have passed the Kent Test and been 'G' (grammar) assessed [1]. To secure a place at a Kent grammar school, a total score of 332 or more out of 423 is needed, with no individual score below 108.

Applications for September 2025 admissions must be made by Thursday 31 October 2024 (see key dates) [1].

  • Girls must pass the Kent 11+ Test for eligibility
  • Application through Kent County Council using Secondary Common Application Form
  • 210 places available annually in Year 7
  • No specific catchment area restrictions

Application Process

Applications for a secondary school place (Year 6 into Year 7) during the coordinated round must be made to the home Local Authority (Kent County Council, if you live in Kent) using their SCAF (Secondary Common Application Form) or online process [1].

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 (see key dates).

  • Register for the Kent 11+ Test between 2nd June and 1st July 2025 (see key dates)
  • Complete the Secondary Common Application Form through Kent County Council
  • Submit application by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Highworth Grammar School does NOT require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) [1]
  • KCC will notify families on Offer Day (Monday 3 March 2025) (see key dates) [1]
  • Contact information available in the school information section

Oversubscription Criteria

Highworth Grammar School does not have a formal catchment area. Passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee that children will be allocated a place at their preferred school. Many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.

When the number of children selecting Highworth Grammar School as their preferred choice exceeds the available spots, the school uses specific criteria for prioritising candidates: Children in local authority care or previously in care. Children receive a pupil premium. Children with a sibling are already at the school. Children with medical, health, social, or special access needs for attending. Proximity of children's homes to the school, measured by straight-line distance.

Exam Structure and Content

All available Year 7 places at Highworth Grammar School are allocated on the basis of student performance in the Kent 11 Plus Test, created by GL Assessment. This test consists of two one-hour papers with multiple-choice questions covering English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Section 1 focuses on English and maths. Each subject is assessed with of a 5-minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test. The paper is multiple-choice and an hour long overall. Section 2 tests students' Reasoning abilities. The test is split into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning.

  • Paper 1: English and Mathematics - 60 minutes total
  • Paper 2: Reasoning (Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial) - 60 minutes total
  • Writing Task:40 minutes - not marked for main assessment
  • All sections are multiple-choice format
  • Practice exercises included before each test section

Key Dates for 2025 Entry

Families should note these important dates for September 2025 entry:

  • 2nd June 2025: Kent Test registration opens (see key dates)
  • 1st July 2025: Kent Test registration closes (see key dates)
  • September 2025: Kent Test examination dates (see key dates)
  • Mid-October 2025: Kent Test results sent to families (see key dates)
  • 31st October 2025: Application deadline for secondary schools (see key dates)
  • 3rd March 2025: Offer Day notification from Kent County Council (see key dates) [1]

Preparation Guidance

To prepare effectively, parents should ensure comprehensive coverage of all topics from the Key Stage 2 curriculum and begin revising at least a year in advance. The most effective 11+ preparation happens in short, consistent bursts. For 10–11-year-olds, educational psychologists recommend daily learning sessions of 20–30 minutes – just enough time to reinforce core skills without losing focus.

Based on historical data, students who are able to score 75%+ consistently in Kent practice tests are on track to pass the Highworth Grammar School Test. Families can access practice materials through various resources, and the school recommends visiting multiple schools before making decisions.

  • Start preparation at least one year in advance
  • Cover all Key Stage 2 curriculum topics thoroughly
  • Practice with 11+ practice papers regularly
  • Aim for 75%+ scores in practice tests consistently
  • Consider professional support through tutoring services
  • Use daily 20-30 minute sessions for optimal learning
  • Focus on exam technique and time management skills

Appeals Process

If daughters are not offered a Year 7 place at Highworth Grammar School, families can appeal the decision. All students who have sat the casual entrance test and have been refused a place in writing have the right of appeal. Families have the right to appeal if their application is turned down, regardless of whether their child has been assessed as selective or not [1].

The decision of the appeal panel is final. If the appeal is unsuccessful, children cannot test or appeal again for the same academic year [1].

  • Appeal forms sent with refusal letters
  • Prompt submission results in earlier appeal dates
  • Panels consider child's academic ability and educational needs
  • Decision is final for that academic year
  • Alternative school placement offered if unsuccessful

In-Year Admissions

For 'In Year' applications, an IYAF (In Year Admission Form) must be completed and sent to the School [1]. Students can take Kent Test until December 31 with IYAF. From January, Year 7 applicants take Highworth's own test.

The offer of a place following a successful result in the test will depend upon a place being available in the appropriate year group. If the school is fully or over-subscribed in a year group it means the school cannot offer places and families will have to appeal [1].

  • Complete In Year Admission Form (IYAF) from Kent Admissions
  • Take Kent Test until 31st December
  • School's own test required from January onwards
  • Year 8 entry possible with May/June testing
  • Places subject to availability in year groups

Practical Advice

Kent Admissions advise parents to visit several schools to help them make a choice. By using the Kent Admissions Schools Database, parents can find the schools nearest to them and access contact information [1].

Advice and guidance is available from daughters' primary schools. Families should ensure daughters work hard in Year 5 to produce very good work as this might be included in any Headteacher appeal [1].

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School, known as the Kent Test, is a challenging assessment that evaluates applicants' abilities across several key areas. This test, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers designed to gauge a child's potential for academic success.

The first paper, which spans one hour, focuses on English and maths and is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper, also lasting one hour, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning skills. It is important to note that these latter subjects are not typically taught in schools, so children may be less familiar with the question formats encountered in this section.

To secure a place at Highworth Grammar School, prospective students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency across all tested areas. The Kent Test aims to identify those children who possess the necessary aptitude and potential to thrive in a academically demanding environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the Highworth Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

11+ Tutor for Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School 11+ Tests

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

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

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

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

11+ Practice Papers for Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Highworth 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 Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School.

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

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

Highworth Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Highworth Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Highworth Grammar School,
Maidstone Road,
Ashford,
Kent
TN24 8UD
School Website
Telephone01233624910
Email Addressoffice@highworth.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places120
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1542 (1442 Girls / 100 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Duncan Beer

Highworth 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 1,542 pupils attend Highworth Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Duncan Beer.

Highworth Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Highworth Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/06/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/07/2013, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Highworth Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.
Highworth Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
13/06/2013105/07/2013OutstandingFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (222 pupils)
  • Mathematics (222 pupils)
  • English Literature (221 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (221 pupils)
  • Biology (167 pupils)
  • Chemistry (167 pupils)
  • Physics (167 pupils)
  • Geography (125 pupils)
  • History (117 pupils)
  • Spanish (93 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (71 pupils)
  • German (68 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (62 pupils)
  • French (59 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (55 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (50 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (39 pupils)
  • Music (34 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (34 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (31 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (24 pupils)
  • Economics (23 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (21 pupils)
  • Dance (20 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (88 pupils)
  • Mathematics (80 pupils)
  • Psychology (72 pupils)
  • Chemistry (70 pupils)
  • English Literature (49 pupils)
  • History (36 pupils)
  • Geography (31 pupils)
  • Economics (30 pupils)
  • Physics (26 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (25 pupils)
  • Sociology (25 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (16 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (15 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (13 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (12 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (11 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (9 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (9 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (9 pupils)
  • Dance (8 pupils)
  • Film Studies (8 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (7 pupils)
  • Music (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Highworth 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 & Design (Fine Art)62----241321175
Biology167----4838473436
Business Studies:Single50--1-151112119
Chemistry167----82135463126
Computer Studies/Computing21---3149121
Design & Technology39-----159204
Dance20----242354
Economics23---1-21154-
English Language222----82961623725
English Literature221---381965584523
D&T Food Technology31----226795
French591-2614109575
Geography125---24729442217
German68---392017667
History117-1149719162931
Mathematics222---3155354503710
Media/Film/Tv Studies71-----61024238
Music34----2710654
Physics1671--1102152322822
Religious Studies221---461234536547
Spanish931--911231316119
Drama & Theatre Studies34----2711572
Physical Education/Sports Studies24-----16395
Science: Double Award551---------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)11----344
Art and Design (Photography)9----531
Biology88-6101822256
Business Studies:Single25--151252
Chemistry70-761518194
Computer Studies / Computing9--2124-
Dance8----332
Design and Technology (Product Design)13--13153
Drama and Theatre Studies12---6411
Economics30---514101
English Literature49--4919116
Film Studies8----422
Geography31--287103
Government and Politics9---2331
History36-11512143
Mathematics80-1914222211
Mathematics (Further)7---1114
Media/Film/Tv Studies15---3102-
Music6--121-2
Physics26-126287
Psychology72-262019214
Religious Studies16---11041
Sociology25-226843

FAQ

Is Highworth Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Highworth Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Highworth Grammar School?

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

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

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