Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11+

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

How to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

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

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 300 places annually, comprising 210 places at the Tunbridge Wells campus and 90 at Sevenoaks[1].

As a grammar school, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys can only consider applicants who have been assessed as suitable for selective education through Kent County Council's 11+ process, also known as the Kent Test[1].

For 2025/26 entry, children need a total score of 332 with no individual score lower than 106[1]. Children receive three standardised scores for English, maths and reasoning, plus a total aggregate score.

All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.

Application Process

Families must register their child for the Kent Test between 2nd June 2025 and 1st July 2025 (see key dates). Requests will not be accepted after 1st July 2025.

The Kent Test takes place on Thursday 11th September 2025 for children in Kent primary schools and Saturday 13th-Sunday 14th September 2025 for children not in Kent primary schools. Results are emailed on Thursday 16th October 2025 (see key dates).

Families must name TWGSB as a preference on their Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) [1]. Families can name the school only once on the form [1]. Secondary School applications open in September 2025 and close on 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.
  • Complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) and return it directly to Kent County Council by the given deadline [1]
  • Note that families cannot specify which campus they prefer on the SCAF [1]
  • For Pupil Premium eligible children, submit the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) with evidence directly to TWGSB by 31st October (see key dates) [1]
  • For contact details see school information section

Oversubscription Criteria

If more than 300 children applying to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys achieve the required scores, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Children are prioritised for places in the following order: Looked After and previously Looked After Children.

  • Boys with a sibling already attending TWGSB when the new Year 7 starts
  • Boys with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
  • Boys with medical, health or special access reasons for applying to the school
  • Boys who live within three miles of the school
  • Boys who live in named parishes including Badger's Mount, Bidborough, Brasted, Capel, Chevening, Chiddingstone, Cowden, Dunton Green, Edenbridge, Hadlow, Halsted, Hever, Hildenborough, Ightham, Kemsing, Knockholt, Leigh, Otford, Pembury, Penshurst, Plaxtol, Riverhead, Rusthall, Seal, Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks Weald, Shipbourne, Shoreham, Southborough, Speldhurst, Sundridge with Ide Hill, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Westerham
  • Distance from home to school (outside the catchment area), with the closest given priority

Campus Allocation

From the initial list of 300 students offered places at TWGSB, Sevenoaks places are allocated to the 90 students who live closest to the Sevenoaks campus [1]. The remaining places will be at Tunbridge Wells [1].

Campus allocation emails are sent the week after National Offer Day [1]. Families can complete an online form to join a waiting list for their preferred campus [1].

All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.

Examination Format

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers. One paper lasts one hour and assesses English and maths. The other paper lasts one hour and tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning.

The English and maths questions are based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The reasoning subjects are not taught at school, so children might be unfamiliar with these styles of questions.

Pupils also complete a 40-minute writing task which is not marked as part of the exam but might be used in borderline cases.

Preparation Guidance

Grammar schools in Kent provide for children in about the top 25% of the ability range. Families should start preparation early with a structured approach.

Children should have a good understanding of Year 6 content before testing their knowledge with practice papers. Using a 'little and often' approach when recapping content is key, as brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller 'chunks' of information.

  • Begin preparation at least 12 months before the test date
  • Focus on building strong foundations in English and maths first
  • Introduce reasoning techniques gradually over several months
  • Practice with 11+ practice papers only after solid foundation work
  • Consider professional support through 11+ tutoring if needed
  • Regular mock exams help build confidence and exam technique
  • Maintain a balanced approach with regular breaks and non-academic activities

Practical Advice

Passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a place in a Kent grammar school. Families should ensure they know where the Kent grammar schools are and understand the admissions criteria for schools they are interested in.

Students from outside Kent might not be allocated a place during the first round of offers. Families living outside Kent should consider the nature of their child's journey to school, as students with long journeys can struggle with the impact on their physical and mental well-being [1].

  • Visit the school during open events to understand the environment and ethos
  • Ensure children get adequate sleep and nutrition during preparation period
  • Practice exam conditions at home to reduce anxiety on test day
  • Have backup school options ready in case of unsuccessful application
  • Support children with stress management techniques and positive encouragement
  • Arrive early on exam day with all required materials and identification
  • For specific guidance contact details, see school information section

Key Information

The average furthest distance offered over the last three years is 18.81 miles [1]. For Sevenoaks campus allocation, distances vary by year: 2.5 miles (2022), 4.5 miles (2023), and 3.1 miles (2024) [1].

Following any declines from first round offers, Kent County Council offers further places from their waiting list through a Reallocation process in late April [1].

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys was founded in 1956. The school is rated Good by Ofsted and prides itself on a strong academic record and pastoral care.

[1]Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, 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 boys seeking admission to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates applicants' abilities across a range of subjects.

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour. The first paper assesses the candidate's proficiency in English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper focuses on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning skills. These latter 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 boys hoping to secure a place at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. Thorough preparation and practice across all tested subjects can help candidates 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 Grammar School for Boys, 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

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

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys) 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 Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

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 Grammar School for Boys 11+ Tests

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

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

The exam board (or test supplier) that Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys

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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys.

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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys,
St John's Road,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
TN4 9XB
School Website
Telephone01892529551
Email Addressadmissions@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places300
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1636 (50 Girls / 1586 Boys)
Headteacher Ms Amanda Simpson

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a boys 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 1,636 pupils attend Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Ms Amanda Simpson.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Location

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

Ofsted Information

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 10/01/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 01/02/2013, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
10/01/2013101/02/2013GoodFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (227 pupils)
  • Mathematics (227 pupils)
  • English Language (226 pupils)
  • English Literature (226 pupils)
  • Physics (223 pupils)
  • Chemistry (221 pupils)
  • French (125 pupils)
  • History (116 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (111 pupils)
  • Geography (97 pupils)
  • Spanish (87 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (61 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (51 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (50 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (49 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (45 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (37 pupils)
  • Statistics (19 pupils)
  • Art & Design (13 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (10 pupils)
  • Geology (7 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (61 pupils)
  • Geography (47 pupils)
  • Psychology (46 pupils)
  • Economics (41 pupils)
  • History (40 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (33 pupils)
  • Physics (33 pupils)
  • English Literature (24 pupils)
  • Biology (21 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (21 pupils)
  • Sociology (20 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (19 pupils)
  • Logic / Philosophy (17 pupils)
  • Chemistry (16 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (16 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (13 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (12 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (11 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (9 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 & Design13----12442-
Biology2275--4295757371820
Business Studies:Single111--17142941154-
Chemistry2217--9265950371813
Computer Studies/Computing6113711897933
Design & Technology51--1610811771
English Language2261-21520455947307
English Literature2262251235435643199
D&T Food Technology45---11523843
French1251027211523211394
Geography97---47221726192
Geology7---1-121-2
History116---66213325178
Mathematics227--12164868582212
Media/Film/Tv Studies50---257141156
Physics2237--5315455342314
Religious Studies37----1698112
Spanish874-814211512661
Drama & Theatre Studies10----2341--
Physical Education/Sports Studies49--134717953
Statistics19-----23572

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology21-61751-
Business Studies:Single33--387105
Chemistry16-134251
Computer Studies / Computing12--3513-
Design and Technology (Product Design)16--3634-
Economics41--1815134
English Language and Literature11--12521
English Literature24--171213
Geography47-15131612-
Government and Politics21--21963
History40-1-420132
Logic / Philosophy17-141722
Mathematics61-15919168
Mathematics (Further)9--12312
Media/Film/Tv Studies13--1273-
Physical Education / Sports Studies19-3447--
Physics33-6510541
Psychology46--391886
Sociology20---3656

FAQ

Is Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?

Yes, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 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 Grammar School for Boys a private school?

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

Is Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys free?

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

How do I get my child into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys?

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

Yes, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.

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