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Kent grammar or non grammar area…

13 replies

floralania · 01/11/2026 20:56

We currently live in Kent, which is a grammar area. Kids are in years 1&4. They are bright, but adhd and struggle with processing speed meaning they are slow in tests. Extra time isn’t enough, and tutoring would be hard work given they already struggle to do homework. For this reason we suspect they won’t get into the grammar system for secondary. We know it’s early to call this but we have to think ahead because if we move to a non grammar area so they can go to a good mixed comprehensive secondary we need to do that soon. Or, do we gamble and see what happens on our local area? Concerned that if they don’t make it into a grammar school the non-grammar comps may not be a great environment for them, and wouldn’t necessarily push them to their potential. Private isn’t an option. What would you do? And if you’d move, where to that isn’t too far from central Kent..?

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Notanotherrestructure · 01/11/2026 21:10

Could you move to SE London or East Sussex borders with Kent?

floralania · 01/11/2026 21:15

Yes I think Surrey or Sussex would be the options if we move. Probably not back into London. But it’s hard to know where would be best so would be happy to hear if there are specific school recommendations in those areas!

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floralania · 02/11/2026 19:01

Has anyone stuck it out in Kent with the comprehensives there?

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BotterMon · 02/11/2026 19:05

A lot of the of the non-grammar schools in Kent are excellent! There is also a lot of SEN support in the grammar schools if the child is academically able to meet their standards.

Kent is a huge county so your choices will be directed by where you live.

Arewethereyetarewe · 02/11/2026 19:09

Where in Kent?

floralania · 02/11/2026 19:40

T Wells area… are they excellent? Maybe I have just heard not great stories :/

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Digitalisaredangerous · 02/11/2026 20:31

Oxted county is meant to be good if you moved that way.

CPHB2021 · 02/11/2026 20:36

East Sussex have some great, non grammar secondaries. X

CurlewKate · 02/11/2026 20:42

floralania · 02/11/2026 19:01

Has anyone stuck it out in Kent with the comprehensives there?

Well yes-75% of children do!!!

hellospring26 · 02/11/2026 20:43

Bromley? I know not technically Kent anymore but nearly. Some great schools

floralania · 02/11/2026 20:45

CurlewKate · 02/11/2026 20:42

Well yes-75% of children do!!!

Oh is it really 75%? I guess I hadn’t realised that. That does sound more reasonable

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floralania · 02/11/2026 20:46

Digitalisaredangerous · 02/11/2026 20:31

Oxted county is meant to be good if you moved that way.

Thank you that’s helpful x

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floralania · 02/11/2026 20:46

CPHB2021 · 02/11/2026 20:36

East Sussex have some great, non grammar secondaries. X

Thank you - I expected as much, are there any on particular you have heard are good or are they all similar?

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