Kent grammars with 380+ kent test score

[Osakagirl]

Hello,
My DS got 383 in the Kent test, with 133 for Maths. I'd be interested to know whether this is considered to be in the higher band score or whether we're a bit below.
We are in Lewisham, so totally out of county, but the train connections are not bad to Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge from our local station. I am not that keen on any of our local comp options, so I'm thinking of mainly putting down the Kent grammars with one safe option locally.
I wondered what is the likelihood of getting into one of the grammars with those scores? I understand that these scores would be feasible if we have a local address but we'd need over 400 for consideration for the Judd or Skinners. I've heard that there's a better chance of getting into TWBGS later on, but would be interested to know how feasible this is.

We may move if he gets a place, but we're trying to avoid renting if at all possible.

Thank you!

@Osakagirl I am not trying to be rude here at all. But Why would you move just for grammar school? it's not a magic ticket to anything! You can get the same results at any school if you work hard enough. He might hate it! Then what? You have moved for nothing. What does he want?

Well, Angrybirds6122, we've kind of had enough of the crime, pollution and general aggro of our part of Lewisham where student leave beer cans in our front garden, there's fly tipping on our road and dog mess on the way to school. I'm keen for a slightly quieter pace of life, and given that a schoolkid was stabbed to death outside one of the local comps a couple of years ago, I'm not really sure that I want him in that kind of environment. There are some good schools in many respects, but there are also some major behavioural issues at some of the local schools and my friends complain that their children are in classrooms where the teacher spends more time trying to control a few naughty elements than teaching. Grammars may not be a golden ticket, but it's likely there will be less behavioural issues.

Hi @Osakagirl have you looked at eleven plus exams website and forum? There's a Kent section and some threads about past cut off scores. I think the schools would also give you this information and whether it can vary year on year.

I'm in Bexley borough but only know a bit about the two Kent grammars closest to us, Dartford and Wilmington which you've probably already looked at.

I forgot to say there's also a Kent 11+ thread on here.

My sons attended skinners approx 10 years ago and the score was 410 to get in.Am guessing it's higher now .
Great school.

Not trying to be rude…. Whilst being rude.

Who is anyone to question someone’s else’s choices? Parents come on mumsnet for help, not ignorant comments.

If you could get the same results at all schools just by “working hard”, then everyone would just go to their local school and Grammars would not be desirable. All schools are different.

Good for you to or getting out of that area and wanting better for your son. 😀

I'm assuming this mark was a pass for the Kent test. If so, I would move now as they may take by distance unless your son has an amazing score. Also, Tonbridge and Tubbridge Wells are far from Lewisham for a child travelling to school.

Does this website help? www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test#tab-5

Riiiight. You just want to move full stop, regardless. Apologies, I assumed you were looking to move based on schools (grammar) only. Yes, doesn't sound like a nice area.

didn't realise they were looking to move from a bad area (that wasn't in the OP) assumed they were just looking to move to allow him to go to grammar school. Anyway, I am allowed to give my opinion and no, I really wasn't trying to be rude. Just confused as to why you would move for that reason.

Wouldn’t Dartford and Wilmington Grammars not be closer to you . Did your child not sit the Bexley test ?

Yes, we've been thinking of moving for a while but procrastinating, and this might finally be the kick in the pants we need. I loved the edginess of this area for a long time, but I think that I'm past that point now. We're looking at West Kent partly because of the schools, but we also like the area and the surrounding countryside.

When we bought our house, the local secondary was outstanding in every category and it was one of the most oversubscribed schools in the country. They've had a leadership crisis and results have plummeted. I think it may be getting better but there's a way to go. We knew we liked Kent but didn't want to put our boy under the pressure of moving house then him having to pass the exam without a good alternative. If he hadn't got the result we would have looked at the local schools which are fair options.

Didn’t pass Bexley. I think that wilmhurst just goes on distance if you pass

I hear good things about the grammar stream at St Matthew's if you wanted to stay in Lewisham. I can understand if you don't though.

What about Thomas Tallis?

Hi, I live in that area of Kent, my DS is at the same stage, just took the 11+ and looking at those schools too.
It is a fantastic place to bring up a family, lots of reasons to move here including schools. But I would think a commute from Lewisham for school would be long and tiring. Move here instead!
You're right that your son's score isn't quite high enough for Judd without a local address. Their scores from previous years are on their website. Same for Skinners I believe. Give TWGSB a call to ask, but I think the commute would put you off anyway.

You need to move before December. Ideally to Judd catchment or Skinners. All on their websites. Those are in county superselective scores but not out of county. If you prefer IB, then Dartford but I would consider area to live in as well.

Do you live towards the west side of Lewisham? Haberdashers’ Hatcham is a pretty good school.

There are direct trains from Lewisham to Dartford