Dartford Grammar School's 11+ process opens in June of Year 5, which is earlier than most families realise. Register with the school, supply the required documents, sit the test in the autumn of Year 6, then name the school on your local authority application. Missing the registration window closes the route for that year, so check the school's published timeline before anything else.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry, and 92.4% their first-preference primary. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

If you're a parent in the Dartford area considering Dartford Grammar School for your child, understanding the 11+ entry application process is crucial. This blog post aims to provide detailed guidance on how to navigate this process effectively.

What Is the Application Process?

The journey to securing a place at Dartford Grammar School begins early and requires careful preparation.

What is the application timeline?

- The application process starts in June of Year 5.

- Parents must fill out an online application form available on the school's website.

What is required documentation?

To complete the application, you will need:

- Personal details of your child such as name, address, and date of birth.

- Proof of address and date of birth, which can include:

- A copy of the child's birth certificate or passport.

- A recent utility bill or council tax statement.

How Do You Prepare for the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test?

Success in the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT) is pivotal for admission.

Why Does Early Preparation Matter?

Starting early can significantly enhance your child's performance by building confidence and competence in key areas.

Which resources help you prepare?

- Regular practice in mental arithmetic, problem-solving, and reading comprehension.

- Utilization of practice exam papers.

- Consider hiring a tutor to provide professional guidance and support.

What is after the examination?

What to do once your child has taken the 11+ STT.

How do you accept the offer?

- If your child passes and meets the admission criteria, they will be offered a place.

- You must accept the offer by the deadline and provide proof of identity and residency.

How do you handle rejections?

- If not offered a place, you have the right to appeal.

- Appeals are managed by Kent County Council, with details available on their website.

What should you do next?

Applying for 11+ entry to Dartford Grammar School involves several steps from completing an application form to preparing for and taking the 11+ STT. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can enhance your child's chances of success. Start preparing early and utilize all available resources to support your child through this challenging yet rewarding journey.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: