Holcombe Grammar School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Holcombe Grammar School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Holcombe Grammar School

Holcombe Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Medway, Kent. For children to get into Holcombe Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Holcombe Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the heart of Chatham, Kent, Holcombe Grammar School is a beacon of academic excellence, nurturing over 1,000 pupils across five distinct houses. This prestigious institution, formerly known as Chatham Grammar School for Boys, fosters a spirit of healthy competition among its students, encouraging them to strive for greatness in all aspects of their educational journey.

All images © Holcombe Grammar School.
All images © Holcombe Grammar School.

At Holcombe Grammar, students are immersed in a rich tapestry of subjects, ranging from the realms of technology and mathematics to the depths of science and humanities. The school's unique offering of astronomy lessons serves to sharpen pupils' logical deduction skills, as they delve into the analysis of observational data. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern world.

All images © Holcombe Grammar School.
All images © Holcombe Grammar School.

As an accredited Thinking School, recognized by Exeter University, Holcombe Grammar is dedicated to cultivating a love for lifelong learning. By nurturing students' natural curiosity and fostering a resilient, can-do attitude, the school empowers them to think critically, reflect deeply, and grasp complex concepts with ease. This transformative approach to education lays the foundation for a bright and successful future.

Beyond the classroom, Holcombe Grammar offers a wealth of opportunities for students to explore their passions, whether it be in the creative arts, sports, or drama. This vibrant and friendly ethos is the bedrock of the school's profoundly holistic approach to education, ensuring that every pupil has the chance to thrive and grow as an individual.

Through this unwavering commitment to excellence, Holcombe Grammar molds its students into confident, tenacious, and dedicated individuals. Their remarkable achievements, as evidenced by their outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, stand as a testament to the school's transformative power and the students' unwavering dedication to their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Holcombe Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Holcombe Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Holcombe Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Address
Holcombe Grammar School,
Holcombe, Maidstone Road,
Chatham,
Kent
ME4 6JB
School Website
Telephone 03333602130
Email Address office@holcombegrammar.org.uk
Gender Boys only
Total Year 7 Places 150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1067 (112 Girls / 955 Boys)
Principal Mr Lee Preston

Holcombe Grammar School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,067 pupils attend Holcombe Grammar School and it's led by the Principal, Mr Lee Preston.

Holcombe Grammar School Location

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

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (147 pupils)
  • English Language (147 pupils)
  • English Literature (146 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (89 pupils)
  • Geography (82 pupils)
  • History (82 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (82 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (65 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (59 pupils)
  • Physics (57 pupils)
  • Chemistry (57 pupils)
  • Biology (57 pupils)
  • Psychology (53 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (35 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (29 pupils)
  • Spanish (24 pupils)
  • Sociology (24 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (24 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (18 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (17 pupils)
  • Astronomy (14 pupils)
  • French (13 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Photography) (12 pupils)
  • Music (12 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (68 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (38 pupils)
  • Sociology (34 pupils)
  • Chemistry (32 pupils)
  • Economics (29 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (28 pupils)
  • Law (28 pupils)
  • Biology (23 pupils)
  • Psychology (21 pupils)
  • Physics (20 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (19 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (17 pupils)
  • English Literature (12 pupils)
  • Geography (12 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (12 pupils)
  • History (11 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (10 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (9 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (8 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (7 pupils)

Medway 11+ Information

In order to get into Holcombe Grammar School, children need to pass the Medway 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Medway 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Medway 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Reasoning

Aspiring students seeking admission to Holcombe Grammar School are required to sit for an entrance examination known as the Medway Test. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, is designed to evaluate the academic aptitude and potential of the applicants.

The Medway Test comprises three distinct papers, each focusing on a specific subject area. These subjects include English, which assesses the candidate's language skills, comprehension, and writing abilities; Maths, which tests the student's numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical knowledge; and Reasoning, which evaluates the applicant's logical thinking, pattern recognition, and ability to draw conclusions from given information.

By examining the performance of the candidates across these three subject areas, Holcombe Grammar School aims to identify students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and are well-suited to thrive in the school's challenging and stimulating educational environment.

Other Schools using Medway 11+

As well as Holcombe Grammar School, several other schools also use Medway 11+. These are:

Medway 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Holcombe 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!

Medway 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Medway 11+ 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 Holcombe Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Medway 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

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

Date Event Calendar Link
20/05/2024 11+ Registration Opens
14/06/2024 11+ Registration Closes
17/09/2024 11+ Exam Date
08/10/2024 11+ Results Released
31/10/2024 Secondary School Application Deadline
03/03/2025 School Allocations

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

Ofsted Information

Holcombe Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 30/09/2014 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 22/10/2014, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Holcombe Grammar School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.
Holcombe Grammar School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
30/09/2014 1 22/10/2014 Good Full Report

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Holcombe 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)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Art & Design (Fine Art) 24 - - 2 7 2 4 7 1 1 -
Astronomy 14 - 1 1 5 3 2 2 - - -
Biology 57 - - - - 6 12 21 8 5 5
Business Studies:Single 82 - - 3 7 12 19 18 14 4 4
Chemistry 57 - - - 1 2 13 13 12 7 9
Computer Studies/Computing 65 - 1 4 15 19 5 9 4 4 4
Design & Technology 59 - 1 - 9 12 11 12 7 6 1
English Language 147 - - 2 7 14 40 46 23 13 2
English Literature 146 - - 5 8 17 29 48 19 15 4
D&T Food Technology 18 - - 3 7 4 2 1 1 - -
French 13 1 - - - 2 8 1 - - 1
Geography 82 - - 5 6 18 19 17 10 7 -
History 82 2 2 6 10 16 14 21 5 5 1
Mathematics 147 - - - 4 17 32 41 28 16 9
Media/Film/Tv Studies 17 - - - 3 5 4 3 1 1 -
Music 12 - - - 2 - 8 2 - - -
Art & Design (Photography) 12 - - - - 2 3 3 3 1 -
Physics 57 - - - - 5 17 12 9 8 6
Psychology 53 - 1 8 10 9 11 4 5 3 2
Religious Studies 29 - 1 - 2 4 7 4 6 1 4
Sociology 24 - 1 1 3 4 4 4 5 2 -
Spanish 24 - - 1 2 6 4 4 5 - 2
Physical Education/Sports Studies 35 - - - 2 3 11 15 1 2 1
Science: Double Award 89 - - - - - - - - - -

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) 7 - - 1 2 2 2 -
Biology 23 - 2 9 2 5 4 -
Business Studies:Single 38 - 1 5 8 13 10 -
Chemistry 32 - 2 6 5 10 6 3
Computer Studies / Computing 28 - 7 5 3 8 3 1
Design and Technology (Product Design) 12 - - 1 7 4 - -
Economics 29 - - 5 4 13 7 -
English Language and Literature 19 - 2 6 6 4 - -
English Literature 12 - 1 2 3 3 3 -
Geography 12 - 1 3 4 4 - -
Government and Politics 8 - - 1 3 3 1 -
History 11 - - 2 2 6 - -
Law 28 - 3 3 13 6 3 -
Mathematics 68 - 7 4 13 9 8 8
Mathematics (Further) 9 - 1 1 1 2 2 2
Media/Film/Tv Studies 17 - - 3 1 10 3 -
Physical Education / Sports Studies 10 - 1 1 5 2 - -
Physics 20 - 1 2 2 4 7 4
Psychology 21 - - 2 5 7 5 2
Sociology 34 - 3 1 6 14 7 3

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Holcombe Grammar School has not made any of their past 11+ papers publicly available.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Medway 11+ Ensure you double-check with Holcombe Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
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. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

FAQ

Is Holcombe Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Holcombe 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 Holcombe Grammar School a private school?

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

Is Holcombe Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Holcombe Grammar School?

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

Yes, Holcombe Grammar School is a boys-only school.

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