Tonbridge Grammar School 11+

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

How to get into Tonbridge Grammar School

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

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 [1]. Tonbridge Grammar School educates girls between the ages of 11 and 16 and both girls and boys in the Sixth Form. The school offers 180 places annually to children who pass the Kent Test.

Registration for the Kent Test opens on 2nd June 2025 and closes on 1st July 2025. Families must submit the secondary school application by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). The school uses the Kent 11+ Test for admissions testing.

To be eligible for grammar school consideration, children need a total score of 332 or more with no single score lower than 106. Achieving a qualifying score does not guarantee a place but allows consideration for any Kent grammar school named on the Common Application Form.

All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.
All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.

Oversubscription Criteria

When more than 180 children achieve qualifying scores, the school prioritises places in the following order: looked after children and previously looked after children first.

  • Up to 135 places for girls who pass the Kent Test and live in the priority area
  • 35 places for girls who pass the Kent Test and live outside the priority area
  • Up to 15 places allocated to girls eligible for Pupil Premium
  • Places offered in order of total exam score with proximity to school as a tie breaker

Application Process

Families must register children for the Kent Test between 2nd June 2025 and 1st July 2025. Tonbridge Grammar School is selective and requires children to take the 11 plus exam for eligibility.

Parents name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form. This form becomes available from early September 2025 and must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.
All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.
  • Register through the Kent County Council website during the application window
  • Discuss access arrangements with the school's SENCO before registration if needed, as requests close on 1st July 2025
  • Results are emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025 if an email address is provided during registration (see key dates)
  • For specific application guidance, contact the school information section

Kent 11+ Test Format

The first test is an English and maths paper lasting 1 hour, with each section involving a 5 minute practice exercise followed by a 25 minute test. The reasoning booklet examines verbal, non-verbal, and spatial reasoning abilities.

The tests are multiple-choice with a separate answer sheet and are marked by computer. Children receive three standardised scores for English, maths and reasoning, plus a total aggregate score, with slight adjustments for age.

  • The Kent Test is used by all grammar schools within Kent County Council area, requiring only one test regardless of how many Kent grammar schools families apply to
  • Maths and English sections allow 25 minutes for 25 questions each
  • Reasoning covers over 80 questions testing verbal, non-verbal, and spatial skills
  • Test scores range from 69 to 141 with the highest possible total score being 423

Preparation Guidance

Preparation for the Kent 11+ involves familiarisation and practice to master the challenging format and manage intense competition. The exam tests speed, accuracy, and strategy with strict time limits and multiple-choice sections requiring quick, confident answers.

All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.
All images © Tonbridge Grammar School.

Without practice, children often struggle with format rather than content, and minor mistakes significantly impact results as only the top 25% secure places. Grammar schools in Kent provide for children in the top 25% of the ability range, with some schools prioritising highest scores.

  • Families should start preparation early and maintain regular, achievable goals with a growth mindset celebrating effort and achievement
  • For practice papers, families can access resources through 11+ practice papers
  • Professional tutoring guidance is available through 11+ tutoring services
  • Families may want to discuss their child's academic achievement with their primary school before deciding to register

Open Events and School Information

The school hosts open mornings in October 2025 with presentation options by the Head Teacher. Families can register to be notified when tickets become available for October 2025 dates.

The school does not manage individual tours beyond published open events, but detailed information and an electronic prospectus are available on their website. Families with application process queries should visit the Kent County Council website first.

  • Open Morning 1: Tuesday 7 October 2025, 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • Open Morning 2: Thursday 9 October 2025, 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • Open Morning 3: Tuesday 14 October 2025, 9:30am – 12:30pm
  • For specific contact details and further clarification, visit the school information section

Practical Advice

The school states it is impossible to accurately predict where cut-off scores will settle. Tonbridge Grammar School is popular and heavily oversubscribed, usually full in all year groups with occasional spaces due to family relocation.

All children are automatically placed on waiting lists for any higher preferences than the school offered. Declined places are filled via Kent County Council's reallocation on 24th April 2025 (see key dates).

  • Passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a place, so families should research Kent grammar school locations and admissions criteria
  • Contact kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk for special arrangements information if needed
  • Information on appeals is available on the school website
  • For administrative queries, contact details are in the school information section

[1]Tonbridge Grammar School official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School is known as the Kent Test. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers designed to evaluate a child's academic potential and reasoning abilities.

The first paper, which lasts for one hour, focuses on English and maths and is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper, also one hour in duration, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so children may be less familiar with the question formats.

The Kent Test aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child's abilities, helping Tonbridge Grammar School select students who demonstrate the greatest potential for academic success within their challenging educational environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the Tonbridge Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Tonbridge Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/06/2025Kent Test Registration OpensAdd Dates to Calendar
01/07/2025Kent Test Registration Closes
11/09/2025Kent Test Date For Children In Kent Primary Schools
Mid OctoberKent Test Results Sent To Parents
Late OctoberSecondary School Common Application Deadline
02/03/2026National School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Tonbridge Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School 11+ Tests

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

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

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

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

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

Tonbridge Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Tonbridge Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Tonbridge Grammar School,
Deakin Leas,
Tonbridge,
Kent
TN9 2JR
School Website
Telephone01732365125
Email Addressoffice@tgs.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1131 (1102 Girls / 29 Boys)
Head Teacher Mrs Rebecca Crean

Tonbridge 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 1,131 pupils attend Tonbridge Grammar School and it's led by the Head Teacher, Mrs Rebecca Crean.

Tonbridge Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Tonbridge Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 16/10/2019 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 07/11/2019, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Tonbridge Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.
Tonbridge Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
16/10/2019107/11/2019OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Tonbridge Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 16 October 2019 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high standards across the curriculum. The behaviour and attitudes of students were also deemed outstanding, reflecting the school's positive and inclusive learning environment.

The school's personal development provision was highly commended, with a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their skills, interests, and character. Leadership and management were found to be outstanding, with a clear vision and effective strategies in place to drive continuous improvement.

The sixth form provision at Tonbridge Grammar School was also rated as outstanding, with students receiving excellent support and guidance to achieve their academic and personal goals. Overall, the school has demonstrated its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (176 pupils)
  • English Literature (176 pupils)
  • Mathematics (176 pupils)
  • Biology (167 pupils)
  • Chemistry (167 pupils)
  • Physics (167 pupils)
  • History (119 pupils)
  • Geography (116 pupils)
  • Spanish (78 pupils)
  • Latin (73 pupils)
  • French (58 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (57 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (51 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (48 pupils)
  • Music (35 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (30 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (27 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (9 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Psychology (49 pupils)
  • Biology (47 pupils)
  • History (40 pupils)
  • Chemistry (34 pupils)
  • Geography (31 pupils)
  • Economics (24 pupils)
  • Logic / Philosophy (23 pupils)
  • Physics (20 pupils)
  • Other Classical Languages (13 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (11 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (9 pupils)
  • Music (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tonbridge 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)30-----55857
Biology167----2418324466
Chemistry167----2721353962
Computer Studies/Computing57--1-4101061214
Design & Technology51------341133
English Language176---11919494947
English Literature176---141330484336
French58----448121119
Geography116----346224139
History119--113212214237
Latin73-1-1234131930
Mathematics176-----1320324466
Music35----1384514
Physics167----11023233574
Spanish78---1396142025
Drama & Theatre Studies48---1351711101
Physical Education/Sports Studies27-----36648
Science: Double Award9----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology47-------
Chemistry34-------
Computer Studies / Computing9-------
Economics24-------
Geography31-------
History40-------
Logic / Philosophy23-------
Music6-------
Physical Education / Sports Studies11-------
Physics20-------
Psychology49-------
Other Classical Languages13-------

FAQ

Is Tonbridge Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Tonbridge Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Tonbridge Grammar School?

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

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

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