Highworth Grammar School 11+ Guide

About Highworth Grammar School

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

Nestled in the heart of Ashford, Kent, Highworth Grammar School is a beacon of academic excellence and personal growth for girls aged 11-18. As a selective state school, Highworth prides itself on fostering an environment that is both challenging and nurturing, empowering students to reach for the stars and achieve their full potential.

With a student body of approximately 1500, Highworth offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate knowledgeable, well-rounded young adults. The school's commitment to providing relevant and engaging education is evident in its constant pursuit of innovative teaching methods and its diverse range of subjects. From traditional academic disciplines to specialized courses, Highworth ensures that every student has the opportunity to explore her passions and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Beyond the classroom, Highworth boasts an extensive extracurricular program that caters to a wide array of interests. From sports and outdoor activities like archery and hockey to creative pursuits such as 3D animation and choir, there is something for everyone. The school's vibrant club scene not only encourages students to pursue their hobbies but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. This supportive and collaborative environment is a testament to Highworth's dedication to nurturing the whole student, both academically and personally.

At the core of Highworth's ethos are the R-E-A-C-H qualities, which the school actively promotes and instills in its students. These qualities encompass being reflective thinkers, enthusiastic learners, aspiring individuals, compassionate beings, and happy students. By embodying these traits, Highworth girls develop into confident, self-assured, and independent young women who are ready to make their mark on the world.

With its outstanding academic record, supportive community, and commitment to personal growth, it is no surprise that Highworth Grammar School has been recognized as an "Outstanding" institution by Ofsted. As one of the top 100 grammar schools in the UK, Highworth continues to set the standard for excellence in education, ensuring that its students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

School Information

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

Highworth Grammar School is a girls 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 1,542 pupils attend Highworth Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Duncan Beer.

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

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School, known as the Kent Test, is a challenging assessment that evaluates applicants' abilities across several key areas. This test, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers designed to gauge a child's potential for academic success.

The first paper, which spans one hour, focuses on English and maths and is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper, also lasting one hour, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning skills. It is important to note that these latter subjects are not typically taught in schools, so children may be less familiar with the question formats encountered in this section.

To secure a place at Highworth Grammar School, prospective students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency across all tested areas. The Kent Test aims to identify those children who possess the necessary aptitude and potential to thrive in a academically demanding environment.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Highworth 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
• Dartford Grammar School for Girls
• Dover Grammar School for Boys
• Dover Grammar School for Girls
• Gravesend Grammar School
• Highsted 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 Highworth 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 Highworth 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 Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Highworth Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/06/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/07/2013, 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 Highworth 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 Highworth 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 Highworth Grammar School currently uses.

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