Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2024
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Table of Contents
Introduction
A Kent-based secondary school, Dover Grammar School for Boys (DGSB) was founded in 1905 and currently caters for boys aged 11-16 and a mixed cohort in the Sixth Form. A large investment in the school’s facilities was recently completed, hence the campus now boasts cutting-edge laboratories, a spacious sports hall and computer hubs. [1]
DGSB offers a top-quality education, with an individualised curriculum featuring many educational possibilities that give boys the academic edge for a successful leap into higher education. From IT and art to PSHE and science, pupils are exposed to diverse subjects that nurture unique learning styles and cultivate resilience to educational challenges.
A community-minded school, DGSB is home to a successful Combined Cadet Force, aimed at boosting boys’ leadership skills in parallel with their grit. A selection of other extras, including badminton, cooking, chess, table tennis, Dissection Club and coding are also available, enhancing the educational experience alongside trips and expeditions to exciting destinations. [2]
DGSB wants its students and staff to have a positive experience at the school, so it motivates them to give their best. Sixth Formers, in particular, are encouraged to remain inquisitive, and are ultimately expected to leave DGSB with an unwavering sense of self-confidence and readiness to tackle the challenges of higher education.
While the school cares about academic excellence, it also focuses on developing pupils’ character, encouraging determination, drive and a commitment to learning. Students demonstrate a high level of commitment and dedication in all areas of school life, resulting in remarkable achievements across academia, sports, music and the arts.
Ofsted regards the school as “Good”. [3]
Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2024
Address: Astor Avenue, Dover CT17 0DQ
County: Kent
Admissions info: office@dgsb.co.uk, 01304 206117
School type: Boys’ grammar
Number of places in Year 7: 150
Open Day date: June, October
Exam date: September 2024
Pass mark: Aim for 75%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Exam type / Board: Kent 11 Plus (PESE) Test or Dover Grammar School Test
Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
Admission to Dover Grammar School for Boys in Year 7 is based on pupil performance in the Kent Test, or the school’s own entrance test. Before parents commit to registering their son, the school recommends attending one of its open events. This will give you a better idea as to whether or not your son would be suited to a grammar school education.
Dover Grammar School for Boys has a maximum of 150 places allocated in Year 7. In case of oversubscription, the school gives priority to:
- Children in Local Authority Care
- Children in receipt of Pupils Premium
- Children with a sibling already attending the school at the time of entry
- Children with specific medical, health and special access requirements
- Children whose parents are members of the school’s staff
- Children who live close to the school.
For more information about the admissions process in Year 7, please visit 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys
In the first instance, parents should complete and submit separate registration forms for the Kent Test and/or the Dover Boys Test. Your son’s current primary school can help you register for the Kent Test, or you can refer to Kent County Council’s website.
For the Dover Boys Test, an application form can be found on the school’s website. Please note that you will also be asked to complete a Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF), stating Dover Boys as a school of preference, and submit it to the Local Authority.
Does Dover Grammar School for Boys belong to a Consortium?
Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys have a catchment area?
Dover Grammar School for Boys does not have a formal catchment area. However, in most cases, it prioritises prospective pupils who live closer to the school.
Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
Kent has its own 11 Plus exam, the Kent Test, which is used to allocate Year 7 places. Dover Grammar School for Boys also has the Dover Test. It is not necessary for pupils to take both exams.
The Kent Test’s format is as follows:
- Reasoning: A one-hour exam that tests students’ Reasoning abilities, split into multiple sections. These sections cover Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- English and Maths: A one-hour exam, split into two sections. The English section tests comprehension and literacy skills, while the multiple-choice maths section covers a range of topics, including arithmetic.
- Writing: This 40-minute task is not marked as part of the 11 Plus exam, but can be referred to during an appeal case.
The Dover Test covers similar topics, including Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning and also tests at Key Stage 2 National Curriculum maths and English level.
How to Prepare for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam?
At Exam Papers Plus, we believe that the ‘little but often’ approach works best when studying for the Kent Test. Additionally, we advise that you make use of up-to-date practice tests to identify any weak areas in your son’s knowledge base.
Practice papers can also help your son familiarise himself with the exam layout and the types of questions that will come up on the big day. As he becomes accustomed to answering questions under time pressure, he will successfully eliminate pre-exam stress.
Our practice tests are thoroughly researched and relevant, reflecting the competitive format of the eleven plus Kent Test. As such, they will help ensure that your child completes the exam both efficiently and effectively. Our recommendations to help your child prepare for the Kent Test can be found further below.
Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys Test.
Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.
Dover Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers
We highly recommend the following resources that have been specifically designed 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.
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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 1-10 Bundle - Save 20%
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11+ Kent Tests 6-10 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%
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Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions were included in Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ past papers. The information provided about Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys
How old is Dover Grammar School for Boys?
Dover Grammar School for Boys was founded in 1905.
When are the Dover Grammar School for Boys Open Days held?
Dover Grammar School for Boys typically hosts Open Evening in the Summer and Autumn terms, welcoming prospective families on campus for a lively event packed with activities.
What are the admissions criteria for Dover Grammar School for Boys?
Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Test.
How do I register my child for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Kent test?
Parents applying to Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys as their preferred secondary school on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
Can I apply for 11+ entry to a Kent school other than Dover Grammar School for Boys?
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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Kent Test?
All 11+ applicants for entry to Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Kent Test?
Yes, the Dover Grammar School for Boys 11+ Kent exam does test Non-Verbal Reasoning, combining it with Spatial Reasoning questions.
Is there any way to prepare for the Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 child with the opportunity to become familiar with the format and question types that they 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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+ Dover Grammar School for Boys 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 Dover Grammar School for Boys 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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