Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

How to get into Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 (see key dates). The school currently has approximately 1,000 students across all year groups and welcomes 145 students annually into Year 7, with an additional 17 Governor Places available for exceptional candidates.

All applicants must pass the Kent 11+ Test to be considered for admission as TWGGS can only consider applicants who have been assessed as suitable for selective education by the Kent PESE 11+ test. The test typically requires a total score of 332 or higher with no individual score below 106 to achieve grammar school assessment.

Families must register children for the Kent 11+ Test between 2nd June 2025 and 1st July 2025 (see key dates). Late registrations cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

Catchment Area Priority

The school prioritises children living within 4 miles of the school or in specific named parishes including those falling within this distance in East Sussex. The named parishes include: Badger's Mount, Bidborough, Brasted, Brenchley, Capel, Chevening, Chiddingstone, Cowden, Dunton Green, East Peckham, Edenbridge, Hadlow, Halsted, Hever, Hildenborough, Horsmonden, Ightham, Kemsing, Knockholt, Lamberhurst, Leigh, Otford, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Penshurst, Plaxtol, Riverhead, Rusthall, Seal, Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks Weald, Shipbourne, Shoreham, Southborough, Speldhurst, Sundridge with Ide Hill, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and Westerham as outlined in the school's admissions policy.

The admission criteria changed significantly from September 2020 regarding distance prioritisation compared to previous years. A detailed map showing the catchment area is available in the school's admissions policy for families to confirm their location.

Application Process

All Year 7 applications must be submitted through the Local Authority Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme administered by Kent County Council and not directly to the school. Families complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) online at www.kent.gov.uk or via alternative methods available from Kent County Council.

All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

Kent County Council cannot accept multiple applications for the same child so families may use only one application method. The SCAF becomes available in early September 2025 and must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) through the home council website.

Families applying for Pupil Premium places must also complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are eligible and meet criterion 5 of the oversubscription criteria. For specific contact information and forms, families should visit the school information section.

Key Dates and Timeline

The application timeline follows specific deadlines that families must observe carefully. Kent 11+ Test registration opens on 2nd June 2025 and closes on 1st July 2025 (see key dates) with no exceptions for late applications.

All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

The Kent 11+ Test takes place in September 2025 with specific dates varying by school location being Thursday 11th September for children in Kent primary schools and Saturday 13th-Sunday 14th September for children not in Kent primary schools. Test results are sent to families on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates) by email if an address was provided during registration.

Year 7 place offers are typically sent out in March of the following year after the test results and application processing. Families can then accept or decline offers according to local authority procedures.

Oversubscription Criteria

When more than 145 qualified children apply to the school, places are allocated using specific oversubscription criteria in priority order. The criteria prioritise: Looked After and Previously Looked After Children including those adopted or under special guardianship as well as girls who have been in state care outside England.

Next priority goes to Pupil Premium eligible girls who pass the Kent 11+ Test and live in named parishes or within four miles of the school having been eligible for free school meals within the last 6 years. Children with siblings already at TWGGS receive priority if they live in the school's named parishes or within four miles of the school location.

The school also considers medical, health or special access reasons requiring a place at the school with evidence from qualified practitioners. Distance from school becomes the final determining factor using straight-line measurements with random allocation if distances are identical.

Test Preparation Guidance

The Kent 11+ Test consists of two multiple-choice papers and a short writing task designed to assess children's skills in English, maths and reasoning. Each paper lasts approximately one hour with children marking answers on separate sheets for electronic marking to ensure accurate scoring.

The first paper includes 30-minute sections testing English and mathematics with each section including a 5-minute practice activity. The English section focuses mainly on reading comprehension with additional questions covering grammar, punctuation and vocabulary to assess language skills comprehensively.

Effective preparation requires short, consistent practice sessions rather than intensive cramming using a 'little and often' approach. Children should have solid understanding of Year 6 content before attempting practice papers to build confidence gradually. For free preparation resources, families can visit practice papers and for tutoring guidance see tutoring options.

Exam Day Preparation

Children attending Kent primary schools take the test on Thursday 11th September 2025 while those at non-Kent schools sit the exam on Saturday 13th-Sunday 14th September 2025 (see key dates) depending on their school location. Families should ensure children arrive punctually and bring required identification and stationery as specified in test instructions.

Test conditions follow strict protocols with multiple-choice questions marked electronically requiring careful completion of answer sheets. Children receive three standardised scores for English, mathematics and reasoning plus a total aggregate score with slight age adjustments to ensure fairness.

Families can help children manage exam stress through regular practice, adequate sleep and nutritious meals before the test date. Understanding the test format reduces anxiety and allows children to focus on demonstrating their abilities effectively.

Special Arrangements

Children with disabilities or special educational needs affecting test access must have these discussed with their primary school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) before registration as schools must apply for necessary access arrangements. Requests will not be accepted after 1st July 2025 (see key dates) making early discussion essential.

The online registration form requires confirmation that access arrangement requests have been discussed with the child's school before completion. For additional information about special arrangements, families can contact kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk for detailed guidance.

All requests require proper documentation and evidence from qualified practitioners to support applications for special considerations. Schools handle the application process directly with local authorities rather than individual families.

Appeals Process

Families refused places have the right to appeal decisions according to section 2 of the School Admission Appeals Code providing formal recourse procedures. Appeals are heard within 30 school days of place refusal upon confirmation of examination results ensuring timely resolution.

Families receive notification of appeal dates, times and venues 10 school days prior to hearings allowing adequate preparation time. Appeal outcomes are communicated within 5 working days of hearings being completed providing prompt decision notification.

The school maintains waiting lists ranked according to oversubscription criteria which can change as circumstances alter. Places occasionally become available due to changed circumstances or relocations offering opportunities throughout the academic year.

Alternative School Options

Kent offers numerous excellent secondary schools beyond grammar schools for families whose children don't secure places including many non-selective schools providing outstanding education. Some schools offer Year 8 or Year 9 entry tests providing future opportunities.

Grammar school qualification doesn't guarantee specific school places as many are oversubscribed with qualified candidates requiring families to consider multiple options. The most important factor is finding schools where individual children can flourish academically and personally regardless of selection type.

Many successful students attend non-grammar schools and achieve excellent results, university places and career success demonstrating multiple pathways to achievement. Families should research all local secondary options to identify schools matching their children's needs and interests effectively.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Kent Test is the entrance examination for admission to Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates applicants' abilities across a range of subjects. The test comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour.

The first paper focuses on English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so candidates may be less familiar with the question formats.

Successful performance in the Kent Test is essential for gaining a place at this prestigious grammar school. Thorough preparation and practice across all the tested subjects can help students feel more confident and perform to the best of their abilities on the day of the examination.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

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

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

11+ Tutor for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School,
Southfield Road,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
TN4 9UJ
School Website
Telephone01892520902
Email Addressinfo@twggs.kent.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places145
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)984 (984 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Mrs Linda Wybar

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is a girls only school. It is also a local authority maintained school, meaning the local authority oversee the funding, admissions, and overall performance of the school.

In total 984 pupils attend Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Linda Wybar.

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 19/09/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 09/11/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
19/09/2023109/11/2023OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 19 September 2023 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 the students were also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment throughout the school.

The school's personal development provision was highly commended, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to grow and develop beyond the classroom. 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School was also rated as Outstanding. Students in the sixth form benefit from high-quality teaching, excellent support, and a wide range of opportunities to prepare them for their future careers and further education.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (145 pupils)
  • English Literature (145 pupils)
  • Mathematics (145 pupils)
  • Biology (122 pupils)
  • Chemistry (122 pupils)
  • Physics (122 pupils)
  • History (96 pupils)
  • Geography (88 pupils)
  • Spanish (73 pupils)
  • Economics (72 pupils)
  • French (44 pupils)
  • German (39 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (38 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (29 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (26 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (23 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (22 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (19 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (16 pupils)
  • Music (13 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (47 pupils)
  • Psychology (46 pupils)
  • Sociology (43 pupils)
  • Geography (36 pupils)
  • History (33 pupils)
  • English Literature (32 pupils)
  • Mathematics (32 pupils)
  • Chemistry (25 pupils)
  • Economics (24 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (18 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (16 pupils)
  • Physics (15 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (7 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (6 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (6 pupils)
  • Spanish (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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)26------131111
Biology122----1729222538
Chemistry122----21223222934
Computer Studies/Computing22----225427
Design & Technology19-----25363
Economics72--141013141686
English Language145----1931424121
English Literature145----41231393722
French441--2855895
Geography88----237222430
German39-----3116910
History96---2-720321817
Mathematics145----51241433113
Music13------5341
Physics122----3924273623
Religious Studies29----113969
Spanish73---3-69202213
Drama & Theatre Studies38----12910610
Physical Education/Sports Studies16---1126231
Science: Double Award23----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)18----5103
Biology47-35612129
Chemistry25-224484
Computer Studies / Computing7--1141-
Drama and Theatre Studies6----132
Economics24-123855
English Literature32--3611111
Geography36--169128
Government and Politics16-114622
History33--141684
Mathematics32-32510102
Physics15--26421
Psychology46--5513167
Religious Studies6---123-
Sociology43--12161212
Spanish6----42-

FAQ

Is Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Tunbridge Wells Girls' 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 Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School?

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

Yes, Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only school.

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