The Harvey Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Harvey Grammar School.
How to get into The Harvey Grammar School
The Harvey Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into The Harvey Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into The Harvey Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
The Harvey Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18 in Folkestone, Kent [1]. Children currently in Year 5 who were born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 can take the Kent Test in 2025 for September 2026 entry.
The school offers 180 places annually for Year 7 admissions. Families can apply through two different testing routes: the Kent Test or alternatively, the Shepway Test. The school carries out both tests with a passing grade in either being sufficient for entry, even if they failed the other.
The Harvey Grammar School prioritises children who live in the district of Folkestone and Hythe (formerly known as Shepway). A map is available in the school's admissions policy [1].
Application Process
Families must complete two separate registration processes. Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates). Parents who wish their son to sit the Kent Test must register him using an online portal, available on the Kent County Council website.
To apply for the Shepway Test in September 2024 please complete the Application Form Shepway Test Application Form through the school's website [1]. The Shepway Test serves as an alternative assessment option for families.
Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form. This will be available on your home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).
- Register for the Kent Test through Kent County Council between 2nd June and 1st July 2025
- Apply for the Shepway Test directly through the school website
- Complete the Secondary Common Application Form by 31st October 2025
- Provide required documentation including proof of address and birth certificate
- Contact details available in the school information section
Testing and Assessment
The first test will be an English and maths paper and will take 1 hour. Each section will involve a 5 minute practice exercise followed by a 25 minute test. An hour-long exam that evaluates Reasoning abilities. Pupils will be tested on Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning. An hour-long exam that tests English and Maths.
A writing task that lasts for 40 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation time. This isn't marked for the purposes of the 11 Plus exam but may be used as evidence for borderline cases. The exam will take place in September 2025 and families receive their child's results in mid-October (see key dates).
Boys can elect to take the Shepway Test, set by the CEM exam board, which is only undertaken by The Harvey Grammar School and The Folkestone School for Girls. The Shepway Test consists of a computer-based assessment of the verbal, non-verbal and Mathematics elements. It lasts for approximately 45 minutes.
Selection Criteria and Oversubscription
To be given a grammar school assessment, children needed a total score of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 106. Passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee that your child will be allocated a place at your preferred school. Many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.
The Harvey Grammar School has fixed oversubscription criteria, implemented in the following priority order: Children in Local Authority Care or previously in Local Authority Care · Pupil Premium recipients who reside in the District of Folkestone and Hythe (Shepway) Other boys who reside in the District of Folkestone and Hythe (Shepway) Other boys who satisfy the selection requirements, with those living nearest to the school being given the higher priority.
- Looked after children or those previously in local authority care
- Pupil Premium recipients residing in Folkestone and Hythe District
- Local boys from the Folkestone and Hythe District
- Other qualified boys with priority given to those living nearest to the school
- Children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school specifically
Preparation Guidance
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. Children at this age are likely to perform better in exams if they have revised over a longer period. Students that revise in short sessions over a longer period of time tend to retain knowledge better.
Families should begin preparation well in advance of the September 2025 test dates (see key dates). Based on historical data, students who are able to score 75%+ consistently in Kent practice tests are on track to pass The Harvey Grammar School Test.
For free practice resources, families should visit practice 11+ papers. Professional tutoring support is available through 11+ tutors. Taking both tests effectively provides a second chance at admission and may be especially useful if your son finds either the format or content of the Kent Test more challenging than The Shepway Test. 11 Plus Hero has familiarisation materials and practise papers for both to help you decide.
Important Dates and Timeline
Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (see key dates). The examination will be conducted between the 12th and 15th of September. Results are sent to parents on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates).
The Council will communicate assessment decisions in October and offers will be sent out on National Offer Day in March of the following year. Secondary school common application forms must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).
- 2nd June 2025: Kent Test registration opens
- 1st July 2025: Kent Test registration closes - see key dates
- September 2025: Both Kent Test and Shepway Test examinations
- 16th October 2025: Test results released - see key dates
- 31st October 2025: Secondary application deadline - see key dates
- March 2026: National Offer Day
Practical Advice
On exam day, families should ensure children arrive well-rested and have eaten breakfast. The tests are multiple-choice with a separate answer sheet. They are marked by a computer. Children should practice using answer sheets during preparation to become familiar with the format.
If your son fails to receive a Year 7 place at The Harvey Grammar, you can appeal the school's decision. If your child is not offered a place at the school, you will be able to appeal to an independent appeal panel and may be able to join the school's waiting list.
Families should consider backup options within Kent's education system. The school works closely with The Folkestone School for Girls to provide an extensive range of subjects at sixth form level. Contact the school information section for specific guidance on appeals and waiting list procedures.
Kent 11+ Test Information
In order to get into The Harvey 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 Harvey Grammar School requires prospective students to sit the Kent Test, an entrance examination designed to assess their academic abilities. This test, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers that evaluate the candidate's proficiency 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' expected knowledge at this level.
The second paper, also lasting one hour, 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 evaluate the candidate's problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and pattern recognition skills, which are essential for success in academia.
Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test
As well as The Harvey Grammar School, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:
- Barton Court Grammar School
- Borden Grammar School
- Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
- Cranbrook School
- Dane Court Grammar School
- Dartford Grammar School
- Dartford Grammar School for Girls
- Dover Grammar School for Boys
- Dover Grammar School for Girls
- Gravesend Grammar School
- Highsted Grammar School
- Highworth Grammar School
- Invicta Grammar School
- Maidstone Grammar School
- Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
- Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
- Oakwood Park Grammar School
- Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
- Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
- Sir Roger Manwood's School
- The Folkestone School for Girls
- The Judd School
- The Norton Knatchbull School
- The Skinners' School
- Tonbridge Grammar School
- Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
- Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
- Weald of Kent Grammar School
- Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
- Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Kent 11+ Test Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as The Harvey 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.

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).

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 Harvey Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the The Harvey Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into The Harvey Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
Date | Event | Calendar Link |
---|---|---|
02/06/2025 | Kent Test Registration Opens | Add Dates to Calendar |
01/07/2025 | Kent Test Registration Closes | |
11/09/2025 | Kent Test Date For Children In Kent Primary Schools | |
Mid October | Kent Test Results Sent To Parents | |
Late October | Secondary School Common Application Deadline | |
02/03/2026 | National 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 Harvey Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for The Harvey 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 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 Harvey Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School
Here are all available past 11+ papers for The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that The Harvey 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 Board | Subject | 11+ Past Paper |
---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey 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 The Harvey 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 The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | English | ||
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School.
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | English | |||
GL Assessment | Maths | |||
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey 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 Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | English | ||
GL Assessment | Writing | ||
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School.
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Maths | |||
GL Assessment | English | |||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Non-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 Harvey 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 Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
CEM | Maths | |||
CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for The Harvey Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about The Harvey Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Address | The Harvey Grammar School, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JY |
---|---|
School Website | https://www.harveygs.kent.sch.uk/ |
Telephone | 01303252131 |
Email Address | enquiries@harveygs.kent.sch.uk |
Gender | Boys only |
Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1026 (0 Girls / 1026 Boys) |
Headteacher | Mr S Norman |
The Harvey Grammar School is a boys 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 1,026 pupils attend The Harvey Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr S Norman.
The Harvey Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
The Harvey Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 16/03/2016 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 25/04/2016, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data
Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 16/03/2016 | 1 | 25/04/2016 | Outstanding | Full Report |
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GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at The Harvey Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
GCSE Subjects Offered |
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A-Level Subjects Offered |
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GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Harvey 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)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
Art & Design (Fine Art) | 21 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Biology | 57 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 7 | 19 | 18 | 8 | 4 |
Chemistry | 57 | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | 13 | 17 | 9 | 8 |
Design & Technology | 10 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | - | - |
Economics | 37 | - | - | - | 2 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
English Language | 142 | - | - | - | 6 | 18 | 36 | 38 | 31 | 9 | 3 |
English Literature | 142 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 20 | 35 | 51 | 20 | 6 | 2 |
French | 32 | - | - | - | 11 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 4 | - | 2 |
Geography | 72 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 3 |
History | 95 | - | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 2 |
Mathematics | 142 | - | - | - | 1 | 7 | 22 | 33 | 41 | 28 | 9 |
Film Studies | 7 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
Physics | 57 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 11 |
Psychology | 44 | - | - | 2 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 2 | - |
Religious Studies | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Spanish | 64 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 7 | 29 | 6 | 16 | 2 | 1 |
Science: Double Award | 85 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
Biology | 23 | - | 5 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 7 | - | |||
Chemistry | 8 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
Computer Studies / Computing | 7 | - | - | 4 | - | 2 | 1 | - | |||
Economics | 22 | - | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |||
English Language and Literature | 21 | - | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 2 | - | |||
Film Studies | 8 | - | - | 3 | - | 3 | 2 | - | |||
French | 8 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||
Geography | 26 | - | - | 3 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | |||
Government and Politics | 19 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 | - | |||
History | 35 | - | 2 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 1 | |||
Mathematics | 45 | - | 4 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 4 | |||
Mathematics (Further) | 8 | - | - | 3 | 1 | - | 2 | 2 | |||
Physics | 39 | - | 12 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 2 | |||
Psychology | 21 | - | - | 4 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |||
Religious Studies | 10 | - | - | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | |||
Sociology | 23 | - | 1 | 1 | 9 | 11 | - | - |
FAQ
Is The Harvey Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School a private school?
No, The Harvey Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is The Harvey Grammar School free?
Yes, The Harvey Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to The Harvey Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into The Harvey Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact The Harvey 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 The Harvey Grammar School a boys-only school?
Yes, The Harvey Grammar School is a boys-only school.