Barton Court Grammar School 11+ Guide

About Barton Court Grammar School

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

Nestled in the picturesque city of Canterbury, Kent, Barton Court Grammar School is a beacon of academic excellence. This co-educational selective school welcomes students aged 11 to 18, fostering an environment where young minds can flourish and reach their full potential. With a rich history and a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, Barton Court Grammar School has earned its reputation as an outstanding institution.

At the core of Barton Court's educational philosophy is a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their chosen paths. From the fundamental disciplines of English, mathematics, and science to a diverse array of elective subjects, pupils have the opportunity to explore their passions and cultivate their talents. The school's dedicated faculty goes above and beyond to ensure that each student receives the support and guidance needed to excel academically and personally.

Beyond the classroom, Barton Court Grammar School offers a wealth of extracurricular activities designed to enrich the educational experience. From the melodic strains of the orchestra to the lively debates of the debating club, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop new skills. The school's commitment to the arts is evident in its vibrant choir and captivating theatre productions, while sports enthusiasts can showcase their athletic prowess in various competitive teams.

What sets Barton Court apart is its unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. From the moment students join the school, they are placed in carefully selected tutor groups, taking into account their preferences and the insights of their primary school teachers. This personalized approach ensures that each pupil feels valued and supported throughout their educational journey. The school's recently renovated "Wellbeing" room serves as a safe haven where students can seek guidance, discuss their aspirations, and navigate any challenges they may face.

With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and community spirit, Barton Court Grammar School is an exceptional choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience. As an academy renowned for its outstanding achievements and consistently high Ofsted ratings, Barton Court continues to shape the minds and hearts of its pupils, preparing them to become confident, independent, and critical thinkers ready to make their mark on the world.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Barton Court Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Barton Court Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 985 pupils attend Barton Court Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Jonathan Hopkins.

Barton Court Grammar School 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 Barton Court Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Barton Court Grammar School, 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 entrance examination for Barton Court Grammar School, known as the Kent Test, is a challenging assessment designed to evaluate the academic potential of prospective students. This comprehensive test, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two distinct multiple-choice papers that cover a range of subjects essential for success in secondary education.

The first paper, spanning one hour, focuses on English and maths. The questions in this section are closely aligned with the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, ensuring that students have a solid foundation in these core subjects. The second paper, also lasting one hour, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects may be less familiar to students, as they are not typically taught in primary schools.

To excel in the Kent Test and secure a place at Barton Court Grammar School, students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency across all five subjects. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential for success in this rigorous examination. By carefully evaluating each student's performance, the school aims to identify those who possess the academic aptitude and potential to thrive in a challenging grammar school environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Barton Court Grammar School, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

• 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
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys
• 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 Barton Court Grammar School 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 Barton Court Grammar School, 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 Barton Court Grammar School) 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 Barton Court Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Barton Court Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 11/02/2020 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 08/03/2020, 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

Ofsted Report Summary

Barton Court Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 11 February 2020 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated Outstanding performance in several areas, including Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, and Leadership and management. The Quality of education and Sixth form provision were both rated as Good.

The inspection report highlights the school's exceptional strengths in fostering positive behaviour, personal growth, and effective leadership. Students at Barton Court Grammar School benefit from an environment that nurtures their development and encourages them to excel academically and personally.

While the school's overall performance is commendable, there is still room for improvement in the Quality of education and Sixth form provision to reach the same Outstanding level as the other areas. Nonetheless, the school's Good rating in these areas demonstrates a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Barton Court Grammar School 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 Barton Court Grammar School. Please note that this may include past 11+ 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 Barton Court Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board that Barton Court Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

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 Barton Court Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.