Dover Grammar School for Girls 11+ Guide

About Dover Grammar School for Girls

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

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Dover Grammar School for Girls (DGGS) is a beacon of academic excellence and holistic development. This esteemed institution has carved a niche for itself by providing an all-encompassing education that goes beyond the confines of traditional learning. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth, DGGS sets the stage for its students to flourish and reach their full potential.

At DGGS, the curriculum is a tapestry woven with diverse disciplines, ranging from the intricacies of mathematics and science to the boundless realms of technology and the arts. The school's dedicated faculty encourages students to think critically, question conventions, and embrace innovation. Through a meticulously crafted syllabus, girls are empowered to explore their passions, uncover hidden talents, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Beyond the classroom, DGGS offers an unparalleled array of extracurricular activities that cater to every interest and inclination. From the art of debating and the thrill of athletics to the intricacies of physiology and the beauty of poetry, students have countless opportunities to explore, experiment, and excel. The school's comprehensive program is designed to foster social development, encourage creative expression, and nurture sporting prowess, ensuring that each girl discovers her unique path to success.

At the core of DGGS's ethos lie the values of respect, cooperation, gratitude, aspiration, diligence, and creativity. These guiding principles are woven into the fabric of daily life, shaping the character of every student who walks through the school's doors. By embodying these virtues, DGGS aims to mold its students into exemplary citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world around them.

With an enviable reputation and a track record of outstanding achievements, Dover Grammar School for Girls continues to set the standard for excellence in education. As a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, the school has been bestowed with the coveted "Outstanding" rating by Ofsted. This recognition serves as a resounding affirmation of DGGS's dedication to providing an unparalleled learning experience that prepares its students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

School Information

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

Dover Grammar School for Girls is a girls 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 882 pupils attend Dover Grammar School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Robert Benson.

Dover Grammar School for Girls 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Dover Grammar School for Girls, 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 girls seeking admission to Dover Grammar School for Girls. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, comprises two multiple-choice papers that evaluate the candidate's abilities across various subjects.

The first paper, which lasts for one hour, focuses on English and maths. The questions in this section are based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, ensuring that the content aligns with the students' current level of education.

The second paper, also an hour long, assesses the candidate's skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so applicants may be less familiar with the question formats. However, these sections aim to gauge the student's inherent abilities and potential, rather than their acquired knowledge.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Dover Grammar School for Girls, 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
• 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls, 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls) 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 Dover Grammar School for Girls as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Dover Grammar School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 14/11/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/12/2013, 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

GCSE & A-Level Performance

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

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