Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information

Founded in 1904, Highworth Grammar School is a selective, state-funded grammar open to girls aged 11-18, although boys are welcome in the sixth form. In 2011, the school gained academy status and has had Music Specialist Status since 2005.

With approximately 1300 pupils, the school teaches a traditional curriculum with an innovative streak. According to the school itself, they are ‘constantly looking to find ways of improving what [they] do’.

11 Plus Exam Information for Highworth Grammar School

Address: Highworth Grammar School, Quantock Drive, Ashford TN24 8UD

County: Kent

Admissions Info: office@highworth.kent.sch.uk, 01233 624910

School Type: Girls’ Grammar

Number of pupils: 1,241 (approx.)

Number of Places in Year 7: 184

Open Day Date: June

Exam Date: September

Exam Board Type: Kent 11 Plus Exam (GL)

Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus Admissions

All 184 Year 7 places at Highworth Grammar School are allocated on the basis of student performance in the Kent 11 Plus Test, created by GL Assessment. All admissions are dealt with by the Local Authority (LA) and when parents are applying, they must apply directly to Kent County Council.

In cases where there are more suitable candidates than Year 7 places, Highworth Grammar School uses its oversubscription criteria, giving priority to:

Children in Local Authority Care.
Children who already have a sibling at the school at time of entry.
Children who have health or special access reasons.
Children who live closer to the school, at a permanent address.

Should a student not receive a Year 7 place at Highworth Grammar School, parents can appeal the decision. Our guide to grammar school appeals explains the process in detail for parents or guardians.

More information about Highworth Grammar School’s admission criteria is available on the school’s website.

How to Apply for 11 Plus Entry to Highworth Grammar School

All applications for 11+ entry to Highworth Grammar School must go through the Local Authority, Kent County Council. Parents must complete the LA’s Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF), which can be done online. It is the LA that coordinates all Year 7 places, not the school, so parents are advised to contact the LA directly with any specific registration questions.

Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format

To be considered for a Year 7 place at Highworth Grammar School, girls must reach the required standard in the Kent 11 Plus test. This test is standard across the county of Kent and most selective grammar schools in the area adhere to it.

The Kent 11+ exam is split into three sections:

Section 1 focuses on English and maths. Each subject is assessed with of a 5-minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test. The paper is multiple-choice and an hour long overall.
Section 2 tests students’ reasoning abilities. The test is split into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning. The test is multiple-choice and an hour long in total.
Section 3 is a writing task that lasts for 40 minutes. This is not marked as part of the overall 11+ score, but is considered when looking at borderline cases, or during an appeal process.

To get a better idea of what to expect from the Kent 11+ test, including a sample question, take a look at this article for parents.

How to Prepare for the Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus Exam?

If your daughter is due to sit the Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus, she will require a supportive and structured study environment. Whatever her attainment levels, your daughter is likely to benefit from regular revision, covering the key subjects she’ll be tested on in the exam itself.

The Kent Test’s English section requires good comprehension skills, so encourage your child to read freely and then discuss their understanding of what they have read. Start with this reading list for 11 Plus level.

Practice Exam Papers for the Highworth Grammar School 11 Plus Exam

Our online practice papers will give your daughter the best possible chance of success in the Kent 11 Plus exam, with a view to gaining a Year 7 place at Highworth. The two resources below have been specifically designed for the Kent Test, and we would highly recommend including them in your daughter’s study plan. They replicate the format and style of the actual Kent Test covering all subjects, including Spatial Reasoning:

Kent – Full Practice Tests

Kent – Subject specific practice

English

Full Practice Tests

Skill specific practice

Writing

Mathematics

Full Practice Tests

Skill specific practice

11+ Maths – Grammar Schools – Problem Solving

Verbal Reasoning

Full Practice Tests

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Full Practice Tests

11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning – Grammar Schools – (Pack 1)

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The information provided about Highworth 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.