Kent Test 2026

Thanks for starting the thread. We are awaiting scores on 15th October. Feels like a long wait.

I am also waiting for results for the Kent test and Shepway test, both 15th October..not too much longer now.

Thanks -I’ll join this thread 🙂. I’m not that fussed about the Kent test as I don’t think we can get a place at a Kent grammar anyway. Our biggest hope was Weald of Kent and historically girls from my area have managed to get a place there from the waiting list pretty much every year. This year however we’re competing against more local girls who took the Weald of Kent test in addition to Kent.

I’ve heard rumours that the pass mark will be high for Kent this year, probably means that the test was easy for most kids but could also be that more children from private schools took the test this year. Could just be rumours though.

My daughter only finished around 50 % of the NVR questions so not expecting her to get a great score.

The other striking issue is the difference in pass rates between different areas of the county, mainly reflecting poverty and disadvantage.

Did anyone's daughters take the weald test? Any feedback on what it included? I heard there were small timed sections and that they had to do 45 arithmetic questions in 15 minutes!

Yeah they definitely do, but not surprising as they are taught it in school but the state schools aren't allowed to teach it. Also a bit more money flying round for tutors I would assume.

I agree- I think the pass rate will be higher for Kent because my daughter and all her friends that took it appeared to find it much easier in comparison to Bexley. It was the opposite for Bexley this year where the pass mark seemed lower - top 180 score was also reduced from 254 in 2025 to 244 this year.

Only time will tell- good luck to everyone awaiting results! roll on the 15th 😊

I’m new to all this why would we need dd raw scores?

Does the Kent test letter not give the scores at all or does it only give the age standardised scores?

The only super selective we’re considering is TOGS do they use the raw scores instead of the standardised ones?

The email will only give you your child's standardised scores, which is what schools, including TGS, look at. You can respond to the email and ask for your child's raw scores, which some people (especially tutors!) consider interesting data. They can help future children to some degree, as it's a clearer standard to aim for in mocks. They can also give some small indication of how difficult the test was this year (if a lower raw score is adjusted to a higher SAS, then it may have been a more difficult exam). That's not fool proof, of course, since it all depends on the specific children taking the exam.

If you look at previously shared raw scores with their standardised scores, you can see that children needed a higher raw score in 2025 than in 2019 to get an equivalent standardised score. This might mean that the 2025 exam was easier, or it might mean that there were a greater number of highly prepared children taking the exam, which could be relevant if you have a younger child to prepare.

Pleased to have stumbled across this thread. I can bless you all with anxiety here instead of internalising it all 😂I cannot wait for next week and for this all to be over to be honest. We've tried to keep pressure off DD, but with her sister at our local Grammar she's just desperate to join her there. She's more than capable, top of the year in CATs but came out of the test quite negative, specifically regarding NV. The timings threw her, I had no idea it would be different to practice papers which is all she did for prep. Keeping my fingers crossed for her and for yours! ❤

placemarking

Haha, also counting down here! Ultimately, we all just want our kids to be happy hey. I think the anxiety just comes from the unknown, and as much as I want Grammar for her because she has her heart set on it, she'll be fine (hopefully!) wherever she ends up. But roll on results day!

I’m driving myself mad about school choices! DS2 is awaiting results next week and really wants grammar but I’m not convinced it would be right for him. Academically, I think he would be fine, but being the youngest of 4 children, he’s certainly got some spark about him 🤣 and I’m just not sure grammar will be the best fit. I went to grammar and hated it, my ex-husband went to grammar (super selective Judd) and loved it. DD1 refused to take 11+ and has just finished her a-levels at an all girls academy and came out with AAB. DD2 is at the same school and thriving (she passed her 11+ but wanted the same school as her sister). DS1 hates school and has no desire to be pushed, so didn’t even consider it with him, but again is doing well at a local academy. I just can’t help feeling DS2 would also thrive at a non grammar, but then I feel like an awful mum for not being fully onboard with what he wants. My ex husband (we have a good relationship) thinks I’m basing my views on my own experience - he’s probably got a point to be honest 😂. I haven’t told DS2 what I think but equally don’t want him to make a wrong choice if he does pass and ends up at a school he’s unhappy at. I’m so glad this is my last time of going through this!!

Had an email lasted night to say DGSB are now going to be emailing results instead of posting them which im SO relieved about. With my eldest he failed Kent Test and we had to wait until the end of the next day to get the DGSB results as our post comes so late!!

@Mumof4andno I know what you mean about deciding on school choices - I thought my daughter passing Bexley would make it easier buts it’s actually made it harder!

in your case though I think I’d take him around the grammar schools - let him get a feel for a school he particularly likes ( he may not get a feel for any) and if he’s still persistent in going I’d let him go to grammar. Give him the same freedom of choice you gave your eldest three. If it turns out he ends up hating his choice of grammar school, it will be a shame but he can always move schools to the academy - not sure how oversubscribed your local academy school is, but I heard it was always harder moving into a grammar as an in year applicant. On this basis I would defo try the grammar school first ( and perhaps put him on the waiting list of the academy just incase).

Hopefully, once you get the results and start visiting schools the decision will get easier- good luck for results next week 🤞

Thank you @Spiderhead84 . That’s brilliant advice… I need to realise that grammar has probably changed a lot since I left 26 years ago! I just think my area (Tunbridge Wells) pushes grammar so much and it annoys me, especially when we have some brilliant all ability schools in the area that get fantastic results. I think DS has been swept away with all grammar school frenzy because that’s what his friends are doing. We’ve looked round all the schools and he’s still saying grammar is his favourite so we will see what next week brings!

Well done to your daughter on the Bexley test and good luck for your decisions too!

I feel this next week will go soooo sloooooowly…..

I also heard the basic pass mark is much higher this time, around 10 marks higher.

A lot of the kids at skinners and the boys grammar have plenty of spark, I'm sure he'll be fine if that's what he wants and he's able enough. My daughter is at TWGGS and loves it but I also have a sparky son who feels like a very different prospect to his sister - a few years to go til he takes the test though (if he does).

Yes, a couple from DC’s class too. Must be appeals. Although possibly a good sign as I’ve heard they only appeal if within a mark or two and that head teacher appeals are often successful.