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Introduction
Dartford Grammar School for Girls was founded in 1904 and admits girls aged 11-18. A selective establishment, it caters for approximately 1,000 students and occupies a beautiful campus in Dartford, Kent, including a number of spacious facilities. [1]
Dartford Grammar School for Girls offers an up-to-date curriculum that is ambitious and well-rounded, covering a wide range of topics, including DT, languages, science, PSHE and religious studies. Besides this, Dartford Grammar School for Girls has an extensive extracurricular programme to let pupils explore their interests.
From cooking and classic films to Philanthropic Society and dance, the school’s extracurriculars offer an array of activities for girls to discover new talents and develop their non-academic skill set. In this way, Dartford Grammar aims to create a learning atmosphere where students can truly thrive, as well as embrace their unique strengths while growing in healthy ambition.
Pastorally, the school provides personalised support and specialist services, enabling learners to reach their full potential. Additionally, the school establishes partnerships with parents and the wider community in an effort to inspire character development, allowing girls to become global citizens with a clear vision for their future.
The school is very well respected, with its pupils securing spots at top-tier universities. In addition, Ofsted regards it as “Outstanding”. [2]
Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2025
Address: Shepherds Lane, Dartford DA1 2NT
County: Kent
Admissions info: school@dartfordgrammargirls.org.uk, 01322 223123
School type: Girls’ grammar
Number of pupils: 1,000 (approx.)
Number of places in Year 7: 180
Open Day date: October
Exam date: September 2025
Pass mark: Aim for 75%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Exam type / Board: Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test
Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Dartford Grammar School for Girls, pupils must sit the Kent 11 Plus Test, assessing whether grammar school is a suitable option for them.
With 180 Year 7 places available, Dartford Grammar School for Girls is often over-subscribed. In such cases the school uses the following oversubscription criteria, giving priority to:
- Looked After or previously Looked After Children
- Students who are eligible for Pupil Premium
- Students who live closest to the school (100 places allocated here)
- Students leaving outside of the priority area
- Students who perform highly in the Kent Test.
Parents of students who are not awarded a Grammar School place can appeal the decision in front of an Independent Appeals Panel.
You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Apply for 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Dartford Grammar School for Girls
In order to apply for Year 7 entry to the school on behalf of your child, you need to register her online with the Kent Local Authority (LA). You will also be asked to complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF), stating Dartford Grammar School for Girls as your daughter’s preferred school, and submit it to the LA. Test results will be posted in mid-October.
Does Dartford Grammar School for Girls belong to a Consortium?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls belongs to the Kent 11+ Consortium, a group of schools that use the same entrance exam format and share a very similar admissions process.
Does Dartford Grammar School for Girls have a catchment area?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls has a priority area that includes Dartford and the following parishes: Ash-cum-Ridley, Fawkham, Stone, Bean, Hartley, Sutton at Hone and Hawley, Crockenhill, Hextable, Swanley, Darenth, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Swanscombe and Greenhithe, Eynsford, Longfield and New Barn, West Kingsdown, Farningham, Southfleet and Wilmington.
Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
Along with the majority of Kent-based selective schools, Dartford Grammar for Girls requires pupils to take the Kent 11 Plus exam, which consists of two multiple-choice tests with a separate answer sheet.
The first test is one hour long and is split into two sections, English and Maths. Each section consists of a 5-minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test.
The second test is a reasoning paper and is split into three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section is 30 minutes long, including a 10-minute practice section. The Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning tests are each around 15 minutes long, including practice sections.
Prospective pupils are also required to sit a 40-minute writing task. Although this isn’t marked as part of the 11+ exam, it could be used in appeal cases, borderline cases, or at a Head’s request.
How to Prepare for the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus (11+) Exam?
When it comes to preparing for the Kent Test, the timing of the preparation is crucial. Early preparation, coupled with relevant practice papers, allows sufficient time for children to become familiar with the test format, practise different types of questions and develop the necessary skills and strategies to perform well on the test.
Our practice papers are designed to closely mimic the format and difficulty level of the Kent Test, providing your daughter with an insight into the layout of the actual exam. In this way, she will be able to deal with the exam paper questions quickly, efficiently and confidently.
A structured approach to exam preparation that includes our practice tests tends to help children gain a significant advantage over other candidates, even in competitive assessments such as the Kent Test. Practical and convenient, our resources are available for immediate download, print and use after purchase.
Dartford Grammar School For Girls 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores
Following the exam, your child will receive three standardised scores, one for English, one for Mathematics, and one total score including Reasoning. In order to pass the exam, your child’s standardised score must be over 109 and their total score must be 332 or more. [1]
Based on historical data, we have found that students who are able to score 75%+ consistently in our 11+ Kent practice tests are on track to pass the Dartford Grammar School For Girls Test.
Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Dartford Grammar School For Girls 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.
Dartford Grammar School For Girls 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers
Gaining a Year 7 place at a Kent-based school isn’t always easy. We have designed a number of practice tests specifically for the Kent Test:
Pre-11+ Practice Tests
➢ The Kent Pre-11+ Practice Tests are designed for Year 4 and 5 students to introduce the exam format and boost their confidence. These tests are less challenging than the Kent 11+ Exam. They offer an accurate yet more straightforward representation of the actual exam, allowing students to familiarise themselves with exam specifics. This approach provides a solid foundation for students to progress to more challenging 11+ Practice Tests.
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our Kent Pre-11+ Practice Tests at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
PRE-11+ KENT TESTS 1-5 BUNDLE - SAVE 15%
Kent – Full Practice Tests
➢ The following practice tests are specifically designed to help your child prepare for the Kent Test. They provide excellent mock exam preparation, highlighting your child’s strengths and weaknesses:
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended full practice resources for the Kent 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
11+ Kent Tests 1-15 Bundle - Save 25%
✅ Alternatively, you can choose a bundle of five of our recommended full practice tests for the Kent 11+ Exam, and still save 15%. Select the relevant bundle below to learn more:
11+ Kent Tests 1-5 Bundle - Save 15%
11+ Kent Tests 6-10 Bundle - Save 15%
11+ Kent Tests 11-15 Bundle - Save 15%
Kent – Subject Specific Practice
➢ The following 11+ resources provide full preparation for the English section of the Kent Test, maximising your child’s comprehension and writing skills:
English
Full Practice Tests
Skill specific practice
Masterclasses
Writing
If you’d like to have your child’s writing assessed and marked, you may be interested in our Writing Marking Service. Please click here to learn more.
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the English section of the Kent 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
11+ Kent English Bundle
➢ The following 11+ resources extensively cover the Mathematics section of the Kent Test, allowing your child to thoroughly prepare for exam day:
Mathematics
Full Practice Tests
Skill Specific Practice
11+ Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
11+ Reflection, Rotation & Symmetry
Masterclasses
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the Maths section of the Kent 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
11+ Kent Mathematics Bundle
➢ In order for your child to master Verbal Reasoning skills in the lead-up to the Kent Test, we recommend the following resources:
Verbal Reasoning
Full Practice Tests
Skill Specific Practice
Masterclasses
11+ Verbal Reasoning Masterclass
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the Verbal Reasoning section of the Kent 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
11+ Kent Verbal Reasoning Bundle
➢ The following resources will help boost your child’s Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning abilities ahead of the Kent Test:
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Full Practice Tests
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning – Pack 1
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning – Pack 2
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning – Pack 3
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning – Pack 4
Skill Specific Practice
Masterclasses
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Masterclass
Spatial Reasoning
Full Practice Tests
11+ Spatial Reasoning – Pack 1
Skill Specific Practice
✅ You can now purchase a bundle of all of our recommended resources for the Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning section of the Kent 11+ Exam at a large discount. Click the button below to learn more:
11+ Kent NVR & SR Bundle - Save 35%
Don’t forget to use the code eppdiscount at checkout to get 10% off orders over £70 and 20% off orders over £250 if you don’t buy a bundle.
Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions have been included in Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ past papers. The information provided about Dartford Grammar School for Girls is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the article.
Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dartford Grammar School for Girls.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11+ Entry to Dartford Grammar School for Girls
How old is Dartford Grammar School for Girls?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls was founded in 1904.
Is Dartford Grammar School for Girls an academy?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls converted to academy status in 2017.
When are the Dartford Grammar School for Girls Open Days held?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls typically hosts Open Days in the Autumn term, welcoming prospective families on campus for a lively event packed with activities.
What are the admissions criteria for Dartford Grammar School for Girls?
Dartford Grammar School for Girls assesses prospective pupils through the standardised Kent Test (PESE), also used by other schools in the Kent Grammar School Consortium. The assessment covers English, Mathematics and Reasoning (Verbal, Non-Verbal and Spatial).
How do I register my child for the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ test?
Parents applying to Dartford Grammar School for Girls must register their child for the 11+ exam using an online portal, which can be accessed through the Kent County Council website. Residents of Kent also need to state Dartford Grammar School for Girls as their preferred secondary school on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
Can I apply for 11+ entry to a Kent school other than Dartford Grammar School for Girls?
Yes, you can apply for entry to up to four Kent grammar schools by naming them as preferences on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
What’s the format of the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ Exam?
All 11+ applicants for entry to Dartford Grammar School for Girls will be asked to sit the Kent (PESE) Test which tests English comprehension, Reasoning abilities and Mathematics. There will also be a creative writing paper, which isn’t marked for the purposes of the 11 Plus exam but may be used as evidence for borderline cases.
Is there Non-Verbal Reasoning in the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ Exam?
Yes, the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ entrance exam does test Non-Verbal Reasoning, combining it with Spatial Reasoning questions.
Is there any way to prepare for the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ entrance examination?
One of the best ways to prepare for a challenging entrance exam, such as the Kent Test, is to use practice tests. They will provide your daughter with the opportunity to become familiar with the format and question types that she will encounter in the actual exam. Our practice papers are used successfully every year by hundreds of thousands of students targeting schools with a competitive entrance exam.
Which are the best preparation materials for the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ entrance examination?
We recommend beginning with a few full practice tests, such as this one. These will act as diagnostics so you can quickly work out which areas your child needs to focus on. You can then select the relevant topic based material listed above to target weaker areas. Please get in touch if you need advice on how to prepare or what to focus on for each section and stage of the exam.
Where can I find the best 11+ Dartford Grammar School for Girls mock test?
Our 11+ Kent Practice Tests replicate the format and style of the actual exam, effectively preparing students for success in this competitive assessment. Each practice test is designed to mimic the full examination experience, covering relevant Maths, English and Reasoning question types. More details are available on this page.
What is the pass mark for the Dartford Grammar School for Girls 11+ Exam?
Historical data shows that most schools in the area do not admit applicants who have a standardised score of less than 109 and a total score of less than 332. Exam results from previous years suggest this correlates with a score of roughly 75%+ in our 11+ practice tests.
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Author(s)
Louise Lang
Director of Learning
