Dartford Grammar School 11+ Guide

About Dartford Grammar School

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

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Dartford Grammar School is a beacon of academic excellence, nurturing the minds of bright young men aged 11-18. As one of England's most venerable educational institutions, this selective grammar school has carved a niche for itself, providing an outstanding learning experience that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. With a mixed Sixth Form welcoming girls, Dartford Grammar fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing its students for the challenges of the modern world.

Renowned for its exceptional academic prowess, Dartford Grammar School takes pride in its International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) curriculum, which has earned it the prestigious title of 'The IB Secondary School of the Decade' by the Sunday Times. This innovative approach to education enables students to develop a global perspective, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible, well-rounded citizens of the world.

At the core of Dartford Grammar's ethos lies a commitment to holistic development. The school's extensive co-curricular programme is a testament to this dedication, offering students a plethora of opportunities to explore their passions and cultivate new interests. From STEM and sports to music, drama, culture, and outdoor education, the school provides a platform for students to discover their true potential and forge lifelong friendships.

With an unwavering focus on academic rigor and personal growth, Dartford Grammar School continues to mold young minds, instilling in them the values of integrity, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge. As students embark on their journey through the hallowed halls of this esteemed institution, they are guided by a faculty of dedicated educators who are committed to unlocking each individual's unique talents and abilities.

Dartford Grammar School is more than just an educational establishment; it is a vibrant learning community that embraces diversity, fosters intellectual curiosity, and prepares its students to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. With its rich history, outstanding academic record, and commitment to character development, Dartford Grammar School stands as a shining example of educational excellence in the United Kingdom.

School Information

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

Dartford Grammar School is a boys only 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 1,516 pupils attend Dartford Grammar School and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Julian Metcalf.

Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School, known as the Kent Test, is a challenging assessment designed to evaluate the academic potential of prospective students. The test comprises two multiple-choice papers, each lasting one hour, which are provided by GL Assessment.

The first paper focuses on English and maths, with questions based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. This section assesses the candidate's proficiency in literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for success in secondary education.

The second paper concentrates on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in primary schools, so candidates may be less familiar with these types of questions. This section of the test aims to evaluate the student's ability to think logically, recognize patterns, and manipulate shapes and figures mentally. Success in this part of the assessment demonstrates a child's aptitude for learning and problem-solving, which are crucial skills for thriving in a grammar school environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Dartford Grammar School, 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 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 Dartford 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 Dartford 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 Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Dartford Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 06/12/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 26/01/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Dartford Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 6 December 2022 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding achievements across all aspects of its operations. Dartford Grammar School has shown itself to be a top-performing institution that provides an excellent learning environment for its students.

The Outstanding rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school's staff, students, and leadership team. Dartford Grammar School serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through a commitment to high-quality education and a focus on the overall development of its students.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Dartford 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 Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board that Dartford 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 Dartford Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.