The Folkestone School for Girls 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Folkestone School for Girls.

How to get into The Folkestone School for Girls

The Folkestone School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls 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 178-180 places annually [1].

Families must register for the Kent 11+ Test between 2nd June 2025 and 1st July 2025 (see key dates). The Secondary Common Application Form must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

  • Register online through Kent County Council website for the Kent 11+ Test registration period
  • Complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) naming the school as a preference on local authority website
  • Attend school Open Events to understand the educational philosophy as advised by the school
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Application Process

Families must complete a two-stage application process involving test registration and school application. The Kent 11+ Test registration opens 2nd June 2025 and closes 1st July 2025 (see key dates).

The school offers an additional opportunity through the Shepway Test for families seeking a second chance at selective assessment developed by CEM at Cambridge University. This computer-based assessment includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and creative writing components.

  • Register through Kent County Council online portal during the June-July registration window (see key dates)
  • Submit Secondary Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Name up to four Kent grammar schools as preferences on the application form
  • Consider Shepway Test as alternative assessment if needed for second opportunity
  • Request special arrangements by 1st July 2025 through current school's SENCO (see key dates)

Catchment Area and Priority

The school prioritises children living in the Folkestone and Hythe District (formerly known as Shepway) as part of its admissions policy. A detailed map is available in the school's admissions policy [1].

In case of oversubscription among qualified candidates, the school applies distance criteria giving priority to children living closest to the school within the catchment area. The school typically receives approximately two applications per place with 384 applications for 179 offers in recent years.

  • Priority given to residents of Folkestone and Hythe District area
  • Distance from school determines priority among eligible candidates in oversubscription scenarios
  • Families must provide proof of address and maintain residence until end of first term for verification
  • School receives applications from Kent residents primarily with limited out-of-county offers

Kent 11+ Test Requirements

The Kent 11+ Test takes place in September 2025 with results released on 16th October 2025 (see key dates). Children need a total score of 332 or higher with no individual section below 106 to qualify for grammar school consideration.

The assessment covers three main areas: English comprehension, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial) plus a writing component. Results are standardised to account for age differences ensuring fairness for younger candidates in the cohort.

  • Test dates: 11th September 2025 for Kent primary pupils, 13-14th September 2025 for others (see key dates)
  • Three standardised scores needed: English, Mathematics and Reasoning components
  • Minimum qualifying threshold: 332 aggregate with 106+ in each section for grammar assessment
  • Alternative Shepway Test available for second opportunity at school premises
  • Writing task considered for borderline and appeal cases only

Preparation Guidance

Effective preparation involves daily 20-30 minute sessions starting well before the test date as recommended by educational psychologists. Families should focus on consistent practice rather than intensive cramming sessions for optimal results using structured approaches.

Children should achieve 75% or higher scores consistently in practice tests as an indicator of readiness for the actual examination based on historical performance data. Year 6 content mastery should be completed before attempting practice papers to build solid foundations.

  • Start preparation with consistent daily sessions of 20-30 minutes duration
  • Target 75%+ scores in practice tests as readiness indicator for exam success
  • Complete Year 6 curriculum content before attempting practice papers for effective preparation
  • Access free preparation resources at practice papers section
  • Consider professional support through tutoring services

Exam Day and Results

Test dates are 11th September 2025 for children at Kent primary schools and 13-14th September 2025 for those at schools outside Kent (see key dates). Results will be emailed on 16th October 2025 to the address used during registration (see key dates).

Families receive three individual standardised scores and one aggregate total score for assessment purposes. The minimum Shepway Test score for school eligibility is 117 aggregate though this does not guarantee admission due to potential oversubscription.

  • Arrive early on test day with required identification and stationery
  • Results delivered by email on 16th October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Backup postal delivery if no email address provided by first class post
  • Contact primary school for scores if results not received the following day
  • Appeal deadline: 28th March 2025 after receiving final school offer (see key dates)

Practical Advice

Families should attend the school's Open Events to understand the educational philosophy and determine suitability as part of the decision process. Year 5 Open Mornings are scheduled for 28th April to 2nd May 2025 (see key dates) [1].

Consider backup school options within Kent given that passing the test does not guarantee admission to oversubscribed schools. The school typically serves the top 25% of the ability range making competition significant for available places.

  • Attend Year 5 Open Mornings from 28th April to 2nd May 2025 (see key dates)
  • Discuss child's academic achievement with primary school teachers before deciding to register
  • Research backup school options as passing does not guarantee placement at preferred schools
  • Understand admission criteria for all preferred schools before applying
  • Contact details and specific guidance available in school information section

[1]The Folkestone School for Girls official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into The Folkestone 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 students seeking admission to The Folkestone School for Girls. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers that evaluate the candidate's abilities in 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 one hour in duration, assesses the candidate's skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so students may be less familiar with the question styles and formats. However, these sections aim to gauge the candidate's innate problem-solving abilities and potential for academic success.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the The Folkestone School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

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

11+ Tutor for The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls 11+ Tests

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

Here are all available past 11+ papers for The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

The Folkestone School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
The Folkestone School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
The Folkestone School for Girls,
Coolinge Lane,
Folkestone,
Kent
CT20 3RB
School Website
Telephone01303251125
Email Addressprincipal@folkestonegirls.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1217 (1217 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Mark Lester

The Folkestone School for Girls 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 1,217 pupils attend The Folkestone School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Mark Lester.

The Folkestone School for Girls Location

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

Ofsted Information

The Folkestone School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 11/10/2012 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 25/10/2012, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

The Folkestone School for Girls obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.
The Folkestone School for Girls obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
11/10/2012125/10/2012OutstandingFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (181 pupils)
  • English Literature (181 pupils)
  • Mathematics (181 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (181 pupils)
  • Geography (138 pupils)
  • History (124 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (113 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (76 pupils)
  • French (72 pupils)
  • Biology (66 pupils)
  • Chemistry (64 pupils)
  • Physics (64 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (50 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (35 pupils)
  • Dance (32 pupils)
  • Spanish (31 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Photography) (28 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (16 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Psychology (51 pupils)
  • Biology (38 pupils)
  • Geography (31 pupils)
  • History (31 pupils)
  • English Literature (28 pupils)
  • Mathematics (26 pupils)
  • Chemistry (21 pupils)
  • Sociology (21 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (15 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (11 pupils)
  • Dance (9 pupils)
  • Spanish (9 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (8 pupils)
  • Physics (8 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (7 pupils)
  • Economics (7 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Folkestone 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 & Design (Fine Art)50----113131157
Biology66----1111152018
Business Studies:Single76--17716211356
Chemistry64-----510171913
Computer Studies/Computing16---1136221
Dance32----3410375
English Language181---193259403010
English Literature181--1182763402912
French72---1512156978
Geography138--27102032322114
History124--21112162432225
Mathematics181---540502732243
Art & Design (Photography)28-----41356-
Physics64----1212132115
Religious Studies181--110152640373220
Spanish31---2293645
Drama & Theatre Studies35---13109921
Science: Double Award113----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)8----224
Art and Design (Photography)7---1213
Biology38-35111081
Chemistry21-32556-
Dance9-1-251-
Economics7--13-3-
English Language and Literature15-152241
English Literature28--251371
Geography31--278113
Government and Politics11--3-44-
History31--381271
Mathematics26-547442
Physics8--4111-
Psychology51-25181583
Religious Studies6---141-
Sociology21-146532
Spanish9-1-332-

FAQ

Is The Folkestone School for Girls hard to get into?

Yes, The Folkestone 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 The Folkestone School for Girls a private school?

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

Is The Folkestone School for Girls free?

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

How do I get my child into The Folkestone School for Girls?

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

Yes, The Folkestone School for Girls is a girls-only school.

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