Kent 11+ – 353 score. Orpington area. Chance for grammar? Willing to move by July

[OrpMum]

Hi all,
I’m hoping for some advice. My DD scored 353 in the Kent Test this year. We’re currently living in Orpington, but we’re willing to move by July if that helps our chances for certain schools.
Does anyone have experience with similar scores? Would 353 generally be enough for the popular Kent grammars? And how much does distance typically come into play?
Any insights on cut-offs, realistic options, or areas we should be looking at would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!

What preferences did you put on your Secondary application form? You’d likely get a place at TWGSB, possibly their Sevenoaks site. If you listed Skinners then unlikely given they have at cut off score of 372 (most years) before you’re considered for a place. Likewise Judd take from the highest score down until they reach capacity. They do have inner and outer catchments but even so you’d probably need in the 380s to get a place. Don’t know about any of the other grammars in afraid.

Depends what you mean by 'popular'. If you're out of catchment for most they expect evidence that you have no ties to the old area (you've sold your house) but have you not missed the deadline here? I'd imagine you need to now to go onto a wait list.

Thank you for your reply! I meant Weald of Kent. Do you know if 353 is usually enough for a place there?

Weald of Kent don’t take test score into account. You just need to pass the test, then places are offered based on distance. Lots of girls go from the Orpington area (including my DDs) although you may not get a place on the first round of offers so will need to be patient.

Hopefully, you have named at least one local school on your CAF which your DD will have a good chance of being offered on national offer day, if she doesn't get WoK or any other grammar school. Did she try for Newstead Wood?

Moving nearer to any Kent school you've named will only help if you are able to do so lock, stock and barrel, so to speak, by December 8th (and even if that were possible, I'd check with the actual admissions policy of any school which is sn academy, as they can set different rules re a change of address being counted for the initial allocation of places).
www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/195646/Secondary-admissions-book.pdf

Apologies i missed DD in your OP! So ignore my post! But as pp says Weald is a pass and then live close enough. TWGGS is also a pass but their furthest distance offered isn't far at all, its very much a local school, most are from TW and surrounding villages. TOGS creamscoff the top scores and goes out until spaces are filled. I believe they may have an inner/outer catchment but you’ll have to check their website,

You won’t get TOGs or TWGS with that score and your distance.

Weald and MGGS are your best bets.

Did you put them down on your school application?

Yes, I have given one local school in the CAF. Thank you

Thank you for your reply! So they will consider Orpington! I know only couple of girls from Petts Wood going to Weald's Tonbridge campus.

Yes, both are on my list.

If you don’t mind sharing, what year did your DD join Weald of Kent?

@OrpMumI will DM you

You’ll have more of a chance with MGGS as they generally have spaces most years. We liked it - my daughter wasn’t keen on the brown though. It’s number 4 on our list.

Be prepared to go through the appeal process