Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Wilmington Grammar School for Boys

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

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys (WGSB) is a renowned selective academy nestled in the heart of Kent. As a specialist engineering school, WGSB takes immense pride in its unwavering commitment to cultivating excellence in design technology, mathematics, and physics. The school's ethos is firmly rooted in the belief that education should not only focus on academic rigour but also equip students with the necessary skills to tackle real-world challenges head-on.

All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

At WGSB, students are immersed in a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that nurtures their intellectual curiosity, fosters resilience, and instils a deep sense of integrity. The school's comprehensive curriculum encompasses a wide array of subjects, including core disciplines such as English, mathematics, and science, as well as a diverse range of electives spanning the humanities, modern languages, physical education, technology, and the arts. This well-rounded approach ensures that students receive a holistic education that prepares them for the demands of higher education and beyond.

All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

Beyond the classroom, WGSB offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance students' personal growth and social development. From competitive sports teams and musical ensembles to captivating drama productions and community service initiatives, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop new skills. The school also places a strong emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, providing a supportive and inclusive environment that caters to the unique needs of each individual student.

All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.
All images © Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

WGSB's dedication to academic excellence and its unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of every student has earned it a stellar reputation. With consistently impressive exam results and a glowing endorsement from Ofsted, it is no surprise that WGSB is widely regarded as one of the premier grammar schools in the region. By striking a perfect balance between academic rigour and the broader purpose of education, WGSB is empowering its students to become the innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow.

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.

School Information

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

Address
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys,
Common Lane, Wilmington,
Dartford,
Kent
DA2 7DA
School Website
Telephone 01322223090
Email Address office@wgsb.co.uk
Gender Boys only
Total Year 7 Places 180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1079 (86 Girls / 993 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Stuart Harrington

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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 1,079 pupils attend Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Stuart Harrington.

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (149 pupils)
  • English Language (149 pupils)
  • English Literature (148 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (148 pupils)
  • Geography (99 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (88 pupils)
  • Physics (75 pupils)
  • Chemistry (75 pupils)
  • Biology (75 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (73 pupils)
  • History (72 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (46 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (45 pupils)
  • French (43 pupils)
  • Spanish (42 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (19 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (17 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (17 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (57 pupils)
  • Economics (45 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (38 pupils)
  • Physics (18 pupils)
  • History (18 pupils)
  • Geography (17 pupils)
  • Psychology (16 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (15 pupils)
  • Chemistry (15 pupils)
  • Biology (14 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (14 pupils)
  • English Literature (13 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (12 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (8 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (7 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (7 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (7 pupils)
  • French (6 pupils)
  • Law (1 pupils)

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, 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 boys seeking admission to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, comprises two multiple-choice papers that evaluate the candidate's abilities in 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 one hour in duration, assesses the candidate's skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so candidates may be less familiar with the question styles and formats. However, these sections aim to gauge the student's innate problem-solving abilities and potential for academic success at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

Kent 11+ Test Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys) as well as other relevant dates.

Date Event Calendar Link
03/06/2024 Kent Test Registration Opens
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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 05/03/2013 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 27/03/2013, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2013.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
05/03/2013 1 27/03/2013 Good Full Report

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Art & Design (Fine Art) 17 - - - - - 4 9 3 1 -
Biology 75 - - - - 1 10 24 14 18 8
Business Studies:Single 88 - - - 1 2 10 29 23 16 7
Chemistry 75 - - - - 4 13 21 19 6 12
Computer Studies/Computing 46 - - - 3 6 11 13 6 3 4
Design & Technology 19 - - - 3 4 6 3 2 1 -
English Language 149 - - 1 3 6 39 50 23 14 13
English Literature 148 - 1 - - 8 20 47 33 31 8
D&T Food Technology 17 - - - - 1 3 6 4 2 1
French 43 - - - 3 6 10 5 10 4 5
Geography 99 - - - 3 13 24 29 22 4 4
History 72 - 2 - 2 4 12 14 13 15 10
Mathematics 149 - - - 1 2 8 25 51 46 16
Physics 75 - - - - 3 6 24 17 18 7
Religious Studies 148 - 1 1 4 7 19 61 27 15 13
Spanish 42 1 - 2 8 6 5 10 6 3 1
Physical Education/Sports Studies 45 - - - - 4 16 13 7 3 2
Science: Double Award 73 - - - - - - - - - -

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) 7 - - - 2 4 1 -
Art and Design (Photography) 8 - - - 2 4 2 -
Biology 14 - 4 - 4 2 4 -
Business Studies:Single 38 - 1 1 15 13 4 2
Chemistry 15 - 2 2 5 3 1 -
Computer Studies / Computing 12 - 2 3 3 3 1 -
Economics 45 - 1 3 10 17 9 5
English Literature 13 - 1 - 5 3 2 2
French 6 - 1 1 1 2 1 -
Geography 17 - 3 - 5 8 - -
Government and Politics 15 - - 1 2 8 1 1
History 18 - 1 3 7 6 1 -
Law 1 - - - - - - -
Mathematics 57 - 7 7 11 14 10 6
Mathematics (Further) 7 - - - - 3 - 4
Media/Film/Tv Studies 14 - - - 4 4 5 1
Physical Education / Sports Studies 7 - - - 1 6 - -
Physics 18 - 2 5 5 4 1 1
Psychology 16 - - 4 6 3 2 1

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys currently uses.

The exam board that Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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
GL AssessmentMixed

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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-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)
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-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)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

FAQ

Is Wilmington Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?

Yes, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys a private school?

No, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Wilmington Grammar School for Boys free?

Yes, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Wilmington Grammar School for Boys?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 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 Wilmington Grammar School for Boys a boys-only school?

Yes, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.

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