Tonbridge Grammar School 11+ Guide
A detailed look at Tonbridge Grammar School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.
About Tonbridge Grammar School
Tonbridge Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Kent. For children to get into Tonbridge Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Tonbridge Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.
Nestled in the picturesque county of Kent, Tonbridge Grammar School is a prestigious selective school for girls. The school's expansive 14-acre campus in Deakin Leas provides an idyllic setting for learning and personal growth. With a steadfast commitment to its motto, "Courage and Honour," Tonbridge Grammar School sets the bar high for academic excellence and character development.
The school's comprehensive curriculum, which undergoes annual revisions and enhancements, is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills they need to pursue their chosen career paths and become responsible, engaged members of society. Tonbridge Grammar School's enrichment programme is a cornerstone of its educational approach, offering students a wealth of opportunities to broaden their horizons. From captivating trips to far-flung destinations like Iceland and Japan to a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including Jazz Band, debating, STEM Club, and hockey, students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions within the school's dynamic learning environment.
At Tonbridge Grammar School, creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning atmosphere is of utmost importance. The school recognizes the significance of fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth in its students, while also promoting a sense of global connectedness and encouraging them to become active contributors to the betterment of the world. The school's dedication to its learners' mental well-being is exemplified by its innovative "Wellbeing Hub," where each pupil can access personalized and professional support from trained staff, reflecting the school's holistic approach to education.
Year after year, Tonbridge Grammar School celebrates the remarkable academic achievements of its students, with many securing placements at prestigious universities. The school's outstanding academic record is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its teaching staff and the unwavering commitment of its students. Ofsted, the UK's educational oversight body, has recognized Tonbridge Grammar School's exceptional standards by awarding it an "Outstanding" rating, further cementing its position as a beacon of educational excellence.
School Information
Below you will find further information about Tonbridge Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
Address |
Tonbridge Grammar School, Deakin Leas, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2JR |
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School Website | https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/ |
Telephone | 01732365125 |
Email Address | office@tgs.kent.sch.uk |
Gender | Girls only |
Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1131 (1102 Girls / 29 Boys) |
Head Teacher | Mrs Rebecca Crean |
Tonbridge 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 1,131 pupils attend Tonbridge Grammar School and it's led by the Head Teacher, Mrs Rebecca Crean.
Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
GCSE Subjects Offered |
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A-Level Subjects Offered |
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Kent 11+ Test Information
In order to get into Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School is known as the Kent Test. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers designed to evaluate a child's academic potential and reasoning abilities.
The first paper, which lasts for one hour, focuses on English and maths and is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The second paper, also one hour in duration, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so children may be less familiar with the question formats.
The Kent Test aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child's abilities, helping Tonbridge Grammar School select students who demonstrate the greatest potential for academic success within their challenging educational environment.
Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test
As well as Tonbridge 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
- 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
- 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
Date | Event | Calendar Link |
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03/06/2024 | Kent Test Registration Opens | Add Dates to Calendar |
01/07/2024 | Kent Test Registration Closes | |
02/09/2024 | Kent County Council Opens Secondary School Applications | |
12/09/2024 | Kent Test Date For Children In Kent Primary Schools | |
14/09/2024 | Kent Test Date For Children Not In Kent Primary Schools | |
17/10/2024 | Kent Test Results Sent To Parents | |
31/10/2024 | Secondary School Common Application Deadline | |
03/03/2025 | National School Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Tonbridge Grammar School as they may well change.
Ofsted Information
Tonbridge Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 16/10/2019 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 07/11/2019, 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
Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 16/10/2019 | 1 | 07/11/2019 | Outstanding | Full Report |
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Ofsted Report Summary
Tonbridge Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 16 October 2019 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high standards across the curriculum. The behaviour and attitudes of students were also deemed outstanding, reflecting the school's positive and inclusive learning environment.
The school's personal development provision was highly commended, with a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their skills, interests, and character. Leadership and management were found to be outstanding, with a clear vision and effective strategies in place to drive continuous improvement.
The sixth form provision at Tonbridge Grammar School was also rated as outstanding, with students receiving excellent support and guidance to achieve their academic and personal goals. Overall, the school has demonstrated its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all its students.
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tonbridge 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)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
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U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
Art & Design (Fine Art) | 30 | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 7 |
Biology | 167 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 18 | 32 | 44 | 66 |
Chemistry | 167 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 21 | 35 | 39 | 62 |
Computer Studies/Computing | 57 | - | - | 1 | - | 4 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 12 | 14 |
Design & Technology | 51 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 4 | 11 | 33 |
English Language | 176 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 9 | 19 | 49 | 49 | 47 |
English Literature | 176 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 13 | 30 | 48 | 43 | 36 |
French | 58 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 19 |
Geography | 116 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 4 | 6 | 22 | 41 | 39 |
History | 119 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 21 | 42 | 37 |
Latin | 73 | - | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 19 | 30 |
Mathematics | 176 | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | 20 | 32 | 44 | 66 |
Music | 35 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 14 |
Physics | 167 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 10 | 23 | 23 | 35 | 74 |
Spanish | 78 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 25 |
Drama & Theatre Studies | 48 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | 17 | 11 | 10 | 1 |
Physical Education/Sports Studies | 27 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 8 |
Science: Double Award | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
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U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
Biology | 47 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Chemistry | 34 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Economics | 24 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Geography | 31 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
History | 40 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Logic / Philosophy | 23 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Music | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Physical Education / Sports Studies | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Physics | 20 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Psychology | 49 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Other Classical Languages | 13 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Past 11+ Paper Downloads
Here are all available past 11+ papers for Tonbridge 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 Tonbridge Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board that Tonbridge Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.
Exam Board | Subject | 11+ Past Paper |
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GL Assessment | Mixed |
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 Tonbridge Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Marking Scheme (Answers) |
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GL Assessment | English | |||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Maths | |||
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Marking Scheme (Answers) |
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GL Assessment | English | ||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | Writing |
Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond.
Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Marking Scheme (Answers) |
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GL Assessment | English | ||
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
CGP
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Marking Scheme (Answers) |
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GL Assessment | Maths | |||
GL Assessment | English | |||
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.
Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Marking Scheme (Answers) |
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CEM | Maths | |||
CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
FAQ
Is Tonbridge Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Tonbridge Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Tonbridge Grammar School a private school?
No, Tonbridge Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Tonbridge Grammar School free?
Yes, Tonbridge Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Tonbridge Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Tonbridge Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Tonbridge Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is Tonbridge Grammar School a girls-only school?
Yes, Tonbridge Grammar School is a girls-only school.