Historical Guidance for Kent Grammar School Admissions

This guide provides a summary of past admission trends for grammar schools in Kent, focusing on key factors like test scores, proximity criteria, and priority areas. It aims to help parents and students better understand the patterns in school admissions to prepare for future applications.

1. Overview of Kent Grammar School Admissions Process

Kent grammar schools use the Kent Test to select students based on their performance in key subjects like English, maths, and reasoning. Each year, schools set thresholds for entry, often based on a combination of test scores and how far the applicant lives from the school.

2. Key Elements of the Kent Test

• Standardized Scores: Children’s results are compared against average performance, adjusted for age to ensure fairness across different age groups.

• Thresholds for Admission: To qualify for grammar school, students need to achieve a certain overall score, with minimum requirements for individual subjects.

• Proximity: Schools often prioritize students who live closer, with specific distances defined as "priority areas."

  
  

3. Historical Admission Data (2021-2023)

School	Year	Priority Area Distance (Miles)	Distance Outside Priority Area (Miles)	Score Required (Priority Area)	Score Required (Outside Priority Area)
The Skinners' School	2023	0.102	14.775	<40 marks above threshold	40+ marks above threshold
	2022	3.034	12.018	360+	360+
	2021	2.418	13.981	360+	360+
The Judd School	2023	Not applicable	Not applicable	381	406
	2022	Not applicable	Not applicable	387	409
	2021	Not applicable	Not applicable	387	408
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys	2023	11.883	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
	2022	Not applicable	13.736	Not applicable	Not applicable
	2021	Not applicable	17.463	Not applicable	Not applicable
Oakwood Park Grammar School	2023	41.494	Not applicable	School not full	School not full
	2022	97.422	Not applicable	School not full	School not full
	2021	45.91	Not applicable	School not full	School not full
Maidstone Grammar School	2023	2.59	Not applicable	Below 360	Not applicable
	2022	2.377	Not applicable	Below 360	Not applicable
	2021	61.855	Not applicable	School not full	School not full

4. Kent Grammar School Thresholds Over Time

• 2021-2023: The score required for grammar school placement ranged between 360 and 406, varying by school and proximity.

• Earlier Years: (If additional data from earlier years is available, it could be included here to show trends in score thresholds and admission patterns).

  
  

5. Observations and Trends

• Proximity Matters: Schools in Kent generally give preference to students living closer, and this is reflected in the distance requirements which have fluctuated over the years.

• Rising Test Scores: As competition for places increases, the scores needed, particularly for students living outside priority areas, have risen.

• Schools Not Always Full: Some schools, such as Oakwood Park Grammar School and Maidstone Grammar School, have had years where they didn’t reach full capacity, which might provide opportunities for students from further away.

  
  

6. Advice for Future Applicants

• Focus on Location: Consider your proximity to your chosen schools as this has a significant impact on admissions.

• Aim for Higher Scores: With increasing competition, achieving higher test scores has become crucial, particularly if you live outside priority areas.

• Look at Historical Data: Reviewing past admissions trends for your target schools can give you a better understanding of what to expect and how to prepare.

  
  

This historical guide is intended to offer insights into the evolving trends in Kent grammar school admissions. While the information can help in making decisions, it is essential to stay updated on the current year's criteria, as these can change from year to year.