For families considering grammar school for their child, the Kent Test (also known as the 11+ or PESE) is a key part of the process. Here’s an overview to help you understand each stage and what’s involved.

📝 Registration

You can register your child for the Kent Test online via:
🔗 www.kent.gov.uk/ola

✅ If you include a valid email, results will be emailed to you directly
📬 Please note: Postal results may arrive later than email notifications

📅 Test Date: Early September (Year 6)

📚 What Does the Test Involve?

Your child will sit:

• ➕ Maths & English paper

• 🧠 Reasoning test (Verbal, Non-Verbal & Spatial)

• ✍️ Writing task (used for headteacher assessment only)

📊 Results

You’ll receive an email stating whether your child has passed or not, alongside their scores. 

🧑‍🏫 Headteacher Assessment (HTA)

If a child doesn’t meet the pass mark:

👩‍🏫 The headteacher may request an assessment on your child’s behalf (you won’t be informed unless successful)
📄 A panel of local headteachers will review:

• The writing task

• Work samples from school

• A report from your child’s teacher

✅ If successful, this is treated the same as a direct pass and recognised by all Kent grammar schools.

📉 What If My Child Misses the Test?

You may still apply to sit the test later if:

1️⃣ Your child was unwell on test day (must be confirmed by a GP)
2️⃣ You move to Kent after 1st July and submit your SCAF by the December deadline

📞 Contact Kent County Council for guidance on in-year testing and late applications.

⚖️ Appeals

Parents can only appeal once school allocations are announced.

💬 If you are considering an appeal:

• Discuss with the Executive Headteacher

• Bring your child’s scores to the meeting

• Understand that children scoring below 100 in any paper may be less likely to be supported unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., illness)

🎓 Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and not all may be supported.

📌 Please Note:

• 🎯 Grammar schools may allocate places based on highest scores

• 📄 Each school has its own oversubscription criteria

• 🧾 Final pass marks may vary and are not always pre-set—they can depend on the applicant pool each year

🧩 Need More Help?

We know this process can be overwhelming. If you have any questions or would like to talk through your child’s options:

📞 Speak with your child's class teacher or Mrs Burlton, Executive Headteacher
📧 Contact the School Office

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

🔗 Further Information:

• KCC Kent Test Information Page