Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2024
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Highsted Grammar School is a selective Kent-based grammar that admits girls aged 11-18. Known as Sittingbourne High School for Girls until the 1950s, it caters for over 850 pupils in line with high standards and the motto To be, rather than to seem. [1]
At Highsted Grammar, the goal isn’t just for students to memorise and regurgitate information. Although the curriculum is designed foundationally to provide a comprehensive and challenging insight, the school also encourages pupils to dive deep into their syllabus and learn information that traditional education might overlook by exploring the wealth of resources available in its library.
As learning at Highsted goes beyond the classroom setting, the school aims to empower pupils to develop their passions and realise their full non-academic potential. For this reason, Highsted offers many extracurricular activities designed to enrich the learning experience.
Additionally, the school aims to inspire a sense of responsibility towards environmentally responsible strategies. To achieve this, it encourages outdoor learning, incorporates environmental education and has adopted sustainable practices.
Staff are well-trained and dedicated to their work, prioritising the welfare of each pupil on campus with particular emphasis on their mental health. Related activities include the Education for Life Programme, aimed at maximising girls’ social skills on their path to forming positive relationships and lasting friendships. [2]
The school boasts a well-deserved reputation as a high-quality academic institution. Its educational approach leads to outstanding results yearly, with students’ consistently achieving high exam scores. In addition, Ofsted awarded it with an “Outstanding” score. [3]
Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2024
Address: Highsted Road, Sittingbourne ME10 4PT
County: Kent
Admissions info: admin@highsted.kent.sch.uk, 01795 424223
School type: Girls’ grammar
Number of pupils: 865 (approx.)
Number of places in Year 7: 120
Open Day date: June and October
Exam date: 14th September 2024
Pass mark: Aim for 75%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Exam type / Board: Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test / Highsted Test (optional)
Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Highsted Grammar School, pupils must sit the Kent 11 Plus Test. Your daughter will also have the option to take the Highsted Test, set by the school itself. Both tests aim to assess whether a grammar school education is a suitable option for her.
A total of 120 Year 7 places are available at Highsted. Should applications exceed this number, the school uses the following oversubscription criteria, giving priority to:
- Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children
- Recipients of Pupil Premium
- Children with a sibling at the school at the time of entry
- Children who live closest to the school.
If your daughter is not awarded a grammar school place at Highsted, you can appeal the decision in front of an Independent Appeals Panel. You are also advised to check Highsted’s admission process directly via the school’s website. You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Apply for 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Highsted Grammar School
As Highsted Grammar School uses the Kent Test as a means of selection, you must register your child online with Kent Local Authority (LA). Alternatively, you have the option of registering your daughter for the Highsted Test through the school’s website.
Please note that all applicants must also complete the Local Authority Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF). Examination results are typically communicated in mid-October via post and can also be accessed through the LA’s website.
Does Highsted Grammar School belong to a Consortium?
Highsted Grammar School 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 Highsted Grammar School have a catchment area?
Highsted Grammar School does not have a formal catchment area. However, in most cases, it prioritises prospective pupils who live closer to the school.
Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
The majority of Kent-based selective schools require pupils to sit the Kent 11 Plus exam and Highsted Grammar School is no exception.
➢ The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice tests.
Test 1: This is an hour-long exam, split into two sections that cover English and maths. Each section has a 5-minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test.
Test 2: This is a 60-minute test, focusing on Reasoning, which is split into three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
Pupils must also complete a 40-minute writing task, which might be referred to during borderline or appeal cases.
➢ The Highsted Test consists of assessments that cover:
- Verbal ability, numeracy and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- English – focusing on reading and writing skills.
How to Prepare for the Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam?
We highly recommend using our practice tests to prepare for the selective admission process at Highsted Grammar School. They cover all possible question types and can significantly increase your daughter’s confidence ahead of the actual exam.
Familiarising your daughter with the style and format of the 11+ Kent Test can help you identify any weaknesses that need additional work and discover her strengths. This will allow you to create a personalised study plan that focuses on what needs to be studied and when.
By practicing under timed conditions, your daughter will be able to handle exam questions quickly, efficiently and confidently, giving her a significant advantage over their peers. Additionally, by becoming accustomed to answering questions under time pressure while using our practice tests, she will also successfully eliminate pre-exam stress in the lead-up to the Kent Test.
Highsted Grammar School 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 Highsted Grammar School Test.
Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Highsted Grammar School 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.
Highsted Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers
We highly recommend the following resources that have been specifically designed for the Highsted Grammar School 11 plus exam in mind:
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.
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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:
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11+ Kent Tests 6-10 Bundle - Save 15%
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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%
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Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions were included in Highsted Grammar School 11+ past papers. The information provided about Highsted Grammar School was 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 post.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11+ Entry to Highsted Grammar School
How old is Highsted Grammar School?
Highsted Grammar School was established in 1904.
When are the Highsted Grammar School Open Days held?
Highsted Grammar School hosts Open Evening in June and October, welcoming prospective families on campus for a lively event packed with activities.
What are the admissions criteria for Highsted Grammar School?
Highsted Grammar School 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). Alternatively, prospective pupils can sit the Highsted Test.
How do I register my child for the Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent test?
Parents applying to Highsted Grammar School 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 Highsted Grammar School as their preferred secondary school on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
Can I apply for 11+ entry to a Kent school other than Highsted Grammar School?
Yes, you can apply for entry to up to four Kent grammar schools by naming them as preferences on the Secondary Common Application Form.
What’s the format of the Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent Test?
All 11+ applicants for entry to Highsted Grammar School 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 Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent Test?
Yes, the Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent exam does test Non-Verbal Reasoning, combining it with Spatial Reasoning questions.
Is there any way to prepare for the Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent Test?
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 Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent Test?
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+ Highsted Grammar School mock exam for the Kent 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 Highsted Grammar School 11+ Kent Test?
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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