Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11+ Guide

About Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a selective secondary school in Kent. For children to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys has carved out a reputation as a beacon of educational excellence. This selective grammar school has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception, transforming into an institution that nurtures the minds and hearts of its students. With a vibrant co-educational Sixth Form and state-of-the-art facilities, TWGSB provides an unparalleled learning experience for over 1,500 pupils.

At TWGSB, the curriculum is a tapestry of diverse and thought-provoking subjects, woven together to ignite a passion for learning. From the intricacies of mathematics to the artistry of food technology, students are immersed in a world of knowledge that spans the spectrum of human understanding. The school's unwavering commitment to equipping its pupils with the tools they need to thrive in higher education and beyond is evident in every aspect of its comprehensive educational program.

Beyond the classroom, TWGSB offers a kaleidoscope of extracurricular activities designed to unleash the potential within each student. From the stage to the chess board, from the debating podium to the rugby pitch, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests, hone their skills, and forge lasting friendships. These experiences not only enrich their personal growth but also cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

At the core of TWGSB's ethos lies a profound belief in the transformative power of education. The school recognizes that true learning extends far beyond the confines of textbooks and examinations. It is a journey of self-discovery, a quest to unravel the mysteries of the world and one's place within it. By fostering an environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, TWGSB empowers its students to become lifelong learners and engaged global citizens.

In partnership with families and the wider community, TWGSB is dedicated to nurturing a generation of young men who embody the values of integrity, respect, and excellence. Through a holistic approach to education that encompasses academic rigor, personal development, and social responsibility, the school aims to inspire its students to become leaders, innovators, and compassionate individuals who will make a lasting impact on the world around them. With its outstanding facilities, dedicated staff, and vibrant school community, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys stands as a testament to the enduring power of education to shape lives and forge bright futures.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a boys only school. It is also a local authority maintained school, meaning the local authority oversee the funding, admissions, and overall performance of the school.

In total 1,636 pupils attend Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Ms Amanda Simpson.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys for the 2022-23 academic year.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, children need to pass the Kent 11+ Test. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Kent 11+ Test Subjects & Structure

The Kent 11+ Test requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Spatial Reasoning

The Kent Test is the entrance examination for boys seeking admission to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates applicants' abilities across a range of subjects.

The Kent Test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour. The first paper assesses the candidate's proficiency in English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper focuses on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning skills. These latter subjects are not typically taught in schools, so candidates may be less familiar with the question formats.

Successful performance in the Kent Test is essential for boys hoping to secure a place at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. Thorough preparation and practice across all tested subjects can help candidates feel more confident and perform to the best of their abilities on the day of the examination.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

• Barton Court Grammar School
• Borden Grammar School
• Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
• Cranbrook School
• Dane Court Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School
• Dartford Grammar School for Girls
• Dover Grammar School for Boys
• Dover Grammar School for Girls
• Gravesend Grammar School
• Highsted Grammar School
• Highworth Grammar School
• Invicta Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School
• Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
• Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
• Oakwood Park Grammar School
• Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
• Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
• Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
• Sir Roger Manwood's School
• The Folkestone School for Girls
• The Harvey Grammar School
• The Judd School
• The Norton Knatchbull School
• The Skinners' School
• Tonbridge Grammar School
• Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
• Weald of Kent Grammar School
• Wilmington Grammar School for Boys
• Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Kent 11+ Test Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Kent 11+ Test Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Kent 11+ Test changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Kent 11+ Test Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Kent 11+ Test tests (to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 10/01/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 01/02/2013, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Kent 11+ Test Ensure you double-check with Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.