The Skinners' School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Skinners' School.

How to get into The Skinners' School

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

Admission Requirements

The Skinners' School is a selective boys' grammar school located in Tunbridge Wells, Kent[1]. The school was opened in 1887 and currently has 1,124 pupils, with 319 in the Sixth Form. The school offers 160 places annually for Year 7 entry [1].

Children must take and pass the Kent 11+ Test to be eligible for admission. The Kent PESE (11+) pass mark for September 2025 entry is 332, with no individual score lower than 106 [1]. However, The Skinners' School has set a qualifying score of 40 points higher than the Kent Test threshold score, meaning applicants typically need 372 points [1].

  • Boys only grammar school accepting applications for Year 7 entry in September 2025
  • Must achieve minimum score of 372 points in the Kent 11+ Test (or grammar school assessment if places remain unfilled)
  • No individual test score can be lower than 106 points
  • Boys with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school are given priority

Application Process

Registration for the 2025 Kent Test opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1st July 2025. The exam takes place in September 2025 and families receive results in mid-October. The secondary school common application form must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates) [1].

All images © The Skinners' School.
All images © The Skinners' School.

Families must name The Skinners' School as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form. If applicants qualify for places at multiple schools, they will only be offered one place - the school ranked highest on their application form, so families should put Skinners' first if they want to secure a place there [1].

  • Register for the Kent 11+ Test through Kent County Council between 2nd June and 1st July 2025 (see key dates)
  • Submit the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Rank The Skinners' School as first choice on the application form to maximise chances
  • Families eligible for Pupil Premium must complete a Supplementary Information form
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Catchment Areas and Priority

The Skinners' School operates with geographical priority areas. 140 places are offered to those living in the West Kent Area, while 20 places are offered to those living in the Outer Area [1].

For 2025 entry, the furthest place offered to boys scoring 372 or higher in the West Kent area was 11.111 miles, while in the Outer Area, the furthest place offered was 18.027 miles straight line distance from the school [1].

  • West Kent Area: Up to 140 places with priority for those closest to the school
  • Outer Area: Up to 20 places for applicants outside the West Kent area
  • Up to 14 Pupil Premium places for children in the West Kent Area eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years
  • Up to 14 Governors' places for West Kent area children who narrowly miss the 372 threshold
  • Siblings of current students receive priority with minimum score of 372

The Kent 11+ Test

The Kent Test is administered by GL Assessment and comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour. The first paper evaluates English and maths proficiency, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning [1].

Test dates are Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th September 2025 for children not in Kent primary schools, while Kent primary school children take the test during the school week. Results are sent to families on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates) [1].

  • Paper 1: English and Mathematics (1 hour total)
  • Paper 2: Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (1 hour total)
  • Both papers are multiple-choice format
  • Scores are age-weighted, with younger children receiving adjustments to compensate for immaturity
  • Free familiarisation materials available through Kent County Council

Preparation Guidance

The most effective 11+ preparation happens in short, consistent sessions of 20-30 minutes daily for 10-11-year-olds. Children should aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests as a ballpark figure for successful candidates.

Families should begin preparation approximately 12-18 months before the test date to build confidence and familiarity with question formats. Reasoning subjects are not typically covered in regular school curriculum, so candidates may be less familiar with these question formats [1].

  • Start preparation 12-18 months before the test date
  • Focus on daily 20-30 minute sessions rather than long cramming periods
  • Practice papers available through the practice papers section
  • Consider professional tutoring through the tutoring guidance section
  • Ensure strong foundation in Key Stage 2 English and Mathematics
  • Develop familiarity with reasoning question formats through regular practice
  • Use official Kent Test familiarisation booklets and practice materials

Practical Advice

Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children. For 2024 entry, there were 757 grammar school assessed applications to Skinners', with 237 putting Skinners' as first choice [1].

Families should prepare backup options within Kent's grammar school system and consider appealing if unsuccessful. Of 65 appeals heard for 2024 Year 7 entry, four were upheld [1].

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into The Skinners' 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 Kent Test, administered by GL Assessment, is the entrance examination for admission to The Skinners' School. This assessment comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour. The first paper evaluates the candidate's proficiency in English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum.

The second paper assesses the student's aptitude in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically covered in the regular school curriculum, so candidates may be less familiar with the question formats.

The Kent Test aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child's academic abilities and potential, helping The Skinners' School select students who are best suited for their educational program.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the The Skinners' School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

11+ Tutor for The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' School 11+ Tests

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

Here are all available past 11+ papers for The Skinners' 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 Skinners' School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 Skinners' 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 Skinners' 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 Skinners' School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Skinners' 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 Skinners' School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 Skinners' School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Skinners' 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 Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' 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 The Skinners' School together with their admissions contact details.

The Skinners' School is a boys-only grammar school.
The Skinners' School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
The Skinners' School,
St John's Road,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
TN4 9PG
School Website
Telephone01892520732
Email Addressenquiries@skinners-school.org.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places160
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1118 (0 Girls / 1118 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Edward Wesson

The Skinners' 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 1,118 pupils attend The Skinners' School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Edward Wesson.

The Skinners' School Location

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

Ofsted Information

The Skinners' School was last inspected by Ofsted on 16/11/2021 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 13/01/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

The Skinners' School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.
The Skinners' School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
16/11/2021113/01/2022GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

The Skinners' School was inspected by Ofsted on 16 November 2021 and received an overall outcome of Good. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated as Good. The school's personal development and sixth form provision were both judged to be Outstanding.

The inspection results highlight the strong performance of The Skinners' School across various areas. The Good rating in quality of education suggests that the school provides a well-rounded and effective learning experience for its students. The Good behaviour and attitudes rating indicates that students are engaged and motivated in their learning, and the school maintains a positive learning environment.

The Outstanding ratings in personal development and sixth form provision are particularly noteworthy. These ratings suggest that The Skinners' School excels in supporting students' personal growth and well-being, as well as providing exceptional opportunities and support for students in the sixth form. The Good leadership and management rating reflects the school's effective governance and strategic direction in driving improvement and maintaining high standards.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (161 pupils)
  • Mathematics (161 pupils)
  • Chemistry (160 pupils)
  • English Literature (160 pupils)
  • Biology (159 pupils)
  • Physics (159 pupils)
  • French (114 pupils)
  • History (100 pupils)
  • Geography (77 pupils)
  • Economics (68 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (55 pupils)
  • German (52 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (43 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (34 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (34 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (28 pupils)
  • Music (16 pupils)
  • Art & Design (10 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (95 pupils)
  • Economics (61 pupils)
  • Geography (46 pupils)
  • History (45 pupils)
  • Logic / Philosophy (32 pupils)
  • Physics (31 pupils)
  • Chemistry (28 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (26 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (25 pupils)
  • English Literature (21 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (20 pupils)
  • Biology (19 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (16 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (12 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (9 pupils)
  • French (8 pupils)
  • German (7 pupils)
  • Art and Design (6 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (1 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Skinners' 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 & Design10-----11224
Biology159---12943322943
Business Studies:Single43---1-5711145
Chemistry160----31240223845
Computer Studies/Computing55--12591010126
Design & Technology34-----38887
Economics68---13315151219
English Language161----92146422815
English Literature160----31658482213
French1149--7141911201420
Geography77---11517152513
German521--238109109
History100----3720262618
Mathematics161----41335303643
Music16------3166
Physics159----11732362944
Drama & Theatre Studies34---1-711834
Physical Education/Sports Studies28----159751

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design6----5-1
Biology19--43336
Business Studies:Single16---5461
Chemistry28-115669
Classical Civilisation12--1335-
Computer Studies / Computing26-1-39103
Design and Technology (Product Design)9--1-422
Economics61--2618269
English Literature21---2937
French8--1-151
Geography46--281899
German7--124--
Government and Politics20---5663
History45--11021103
Logic / Philosophy32-1391243
Mathematics95-3916222024
Mathematics (Further)25--231712
Physics31-1445611
Physical Education / Sports Studies1-------

FAQ

Is The Skinners' School hard to get into?

Yes, The Skinners' 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 Skinners' School a private school?

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

Is The Skinners' School free?

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

How do I get my child into The Skinners' School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact The Skinners' 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 Skinners' School a boys-only school?

Yes, The Skinners' School is a boys-only school.

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