Cranbrook School 11+

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

How to get into Cranbrook School

Cranbrook School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into Cranbrook School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Cranbrook 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). Cranbrook School offers 90 day places annually for Year 7 students [1].

All students must achieve grammar school assessment through the Kent Test (11+). Children need a total score of 332 or higher with no single section scoring lower than 107 to qualify for admission consideration.

Families must hold either a UK or Irish passport or have the Right of Abode in the UK[1]. Day students receive priority based on residence within the designated Priority Area.

All images © Cranbrook School.
All images © Cranbrook School.
  • Register for the Kent Test between 2nd June and 1st July 2025 (see key dates)
  • Submit applications through local authority Common Application Form
  • Provide proof of address and birth certificate
  • Meet passport or Right of Abode requirements
  • Contact information available in the school information section

Priority Area and Catchment

Cranbrook School operates a Priority Area system rather than a traditional catchment area. Families living within this area receive priority for day places after higher criteria are applied [1].

The Priority Area includes the civil parishes of Cranbrook, Sissinghurst, Goudhurst, Staplehurst, Frittenden, Benenden, Sandhurst and Hawkhurst. Additionally, any property within 8.5 kilometres of the school measured by straight line qualifies for priority consideration.

Families considering relocation should verify their postcode using the official Kent County Council checker before making property decisions. Living within the Priority Area provides significant advantage but does not guarantee admission due to high competition for places.

All images © Cranbrook School.
All images © Cranbrook School.
  • Seven specified civil parishes with defined boundaries
  • Properties within 8.5 kilometres straight-line distance from school
  • Priority given to residents within this area
  • Verification available through Kent County Council website
  • Property location crucial for day pupil applications

Application Process

Applications for September 2026 entry follow the coordinated admission scheme administered by Kent County Council. Registration for the Kent Test opens on 2nd June 2025 and closes on 1st July 2025 (see key dates).

The Kent Test takes place in September 2025 with results released on 16th October 2025 (see key dates). Families must then submit their Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) naming Cranbrook School as a preference.

Special access arrangements require discussion with the child's primary school SENCO before registration. Schools must apply for any necessary accommodations before the 1st July 2025 deadline (see key dates).

All images © Cranbrook School.
All images © Cranbrook School.
  • Register online through Kent County Council website during June-July window
  • Complete Common Application Form by 31st October deadline
  • Include Cranbrook School among preferred choices
  • Arrange special access provisions through primary school if needed
  • Monitor application through local authority system
  • Await national offers day on 2nd March 2026 (see key dates)

Oversubscription Criteria

When more qualified applicants apply than places available, Cranbrook School applies specific oversubscription criteria in priority order. Children must first achieve the required Kent Test scores before these criteria apply [1].

The school prioritises children in the following order: looked after children, those eligible for pupil premium in the last six years, children with health and special access reasons, children of permanent school staff, and finally children living in the Priority Area.

Children living outside the Priority Area are considered last in the ranking system. Recent admission scores for Priority Area residents were 337-338, while non-Priority Area applicants typically required significantly higher scores.

  • Looked after children receive highest priority
  • Pupil premium eligibility considered over six-year period
  • Health and special access needs assessed individually
  • Staff children given specific priority category
  • Priority Area residence provides significant advantage
  • Non-Priority Area applicants face higher score requirements

Examination Preparation

The Kent Test consists of two papers each lasting one hour, covering English, mathematics and reasoning. Children also complete a creative writing exercise lasting 40 minutes, used only for borderline cases or appeals.

Preparation should focus on Year 6 curriculum content before attempting practice papers. Educational experts recommend 20-30 minute daily sessions using a consistent, structured approach rather than intensive cramming periods.

Families seeking additional support should explore practice materials and consider professional tutoring guidance. The test challenges children in the top 25% of ability range, requiring thorough preparation and confidence building.

  • Master times tables and basic mathematical operations
  • Develop reading comprehension and vocabulary skills
  • Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning techniques
  • Use short, frequent study sessions rather than marathon preparation
  • Complete practice papers under timed conditions
  • Focus on Year 6 curriculum mastery before advanced preparation

Practical Guidance

On examination day, children should arrive well-rested and prepared with necessary equipment including pencils and erasers. The test venue provides separate answer sheets marked electronically, requiring careful attention to marking instructions.

Families should develop backup school options within Kent's grammar school system and comprehensive alternatives. Popular backup choices include other high-performing Kent grammar schools and outstanding comprehensive schools in the local area.

Results anxiety is common among families during the October waiting period. Maintaining perspective and supporting children regardless of outcomes helps preserve family wellbeing throughout the process. For specific queries or concerns, contact details are available in the school information section.

  • Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition before examination day
  • Practice with separate answer sheets and electronic marking systems
  • Research alternative school options thoroughly
  • Maintain open communication with child throughout process
  • Plan realistic expectations based on preparation level
  • Consider appeal procedures if results seem inconsistent
  • Support child's confidence regardless of outcome

School Fees and Costs

Cranbrook School operates as a state grammar school, providing free education to all day students. No tuition fees apply for students attending as day pupils, making it an exceptional value compared to independent alternatives [1].

Additional costs may include uniform, books and educational trips. The school offers boarding places for Year 9 students onwards, which incur separate accommodation charges significantly lower than independent school fees.

Families eligible for pupil premium receive priority consideration in admissions and may qualify for additional support with educational costs. Financial assistance information is available through the school information section.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Cranbrook 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 students seeking admission to Cranbrook School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates applicants' abilities across a range of subjects. The test is divided into 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 students hoping to secure a place at Cranbrook School. The examination aims to identify those with the academic potential to thrive in the school's challenging educational environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

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

Key Dates for the Cranbrook School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

11+ Tutor for Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School 11+ Tests

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

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

The exam board (or test supplier) that Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School.

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

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

Cranbrook School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Cranbrook School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Address
Cranbrook School,
Waterloo Road,
Cranbrook,
Kent
TN17 3JD
School Website
Telephone01580711800
Email Addressadmissions@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk
GenderMixed (both girls and boys)
Total Year 7 Places90
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)884 (369 Girls / 515 Boys)
Headteacher Mr David Clark

Cranbrook School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) 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).

Notably, Cranbrook School is one of very few English grammar schools to also offer boarding facilities.

In total 884 pupils attend Cranbrook School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr David Clark.

Cranbrook School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Cranbrook School was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/03/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 18/05/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Cranbrook School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
Cranbrook School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
22/03/2022118/05/2022GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Cranbrook School was inspected by Ofsted on 18/05/2022 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated outstanding performance in both Behaviour and attitudes and Personal development.

The Quality of education, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision were all rated as Good. This indicates that Cranbrook School provides a well-rounded education, with a strong focus on student development and well-being.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (153 pupils)
  • English Language (153 pupils)
  • Mathematics (153 pupils)
  • Chemistry (152 pupils)
  • English Literature (152 pupils)
  • Physics (152 pupils)
  • History (122 pupils)
  • French (82 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (77 pupils)
  • Geography (76 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (55 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (55 pupils)
  • Spanish (50 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (33 pupils)
  • Latin (28 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (19 pupils)
  • Chinese (18 pupils)
  • Music (6 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (44 pupils)
  • Mathematics (43 pupils)
  • Psychology (43 pupils)
  • History (37 pupils)
  • Chemistry (35 pupils)
  • Physics (35 pupils)
  • English Literature (31 pupils)
  • Economics (27 pupils)
  • Geography (25 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (21 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (21 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (21 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (12 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (11 pupils)
  • French (11 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (8 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (8 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Cranbrook 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)19------3646
Biology1531--5192925282521
Chemistry1521--6172232142634
Chinese18---------9
English Language153--2412224739225
English Literature152-112132538412110
D&T Food Technology55---58914118-
French82---452012151410
Geography76---25131717166
History122-114122416281719
Latin28---1236583
Mathematics153---2163530291922
Music6-----11111
Physics1521--6142718232538
Religious Studies77--2461019101313
Spanish50--187157732
Drama & Theatre Studies33-----612375
Physical Education/Sports Studies55--2581316722

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)11---2216
Biology44-6568134
Business Studies:Single21-14862-
Chemistry35--341467
Classical Civilisation21-133122-
Drama and Theatre Studies8---251-
Economics27--31085-
English Literature31-2291431
French11-111431
Geography25-148812
Government and Politics21--22611-
History37--471862
Mathematics43-32413138
Mathematics (Further)8----152
Physics35-536884
Psychology43-6121293-
Religious Studies12-21153-

FAQ

Is Cranbrook School hard to get into?

Yes, Cranbrook 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 Cranbrook School a private school?

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

Is Cranbrook School free?

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

How do I get my child into Cranbrook School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Cranbrook 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.

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