Weald of Kent's 11+ covers English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, so preparation has to span all four. Start early, learn the format, work through timed practice tests, then spend the review time on the weakest section. Psychological preparation matters too - a child who has sat several timed papers meets the real one as routine rather than as an event.

Roughly one family in six missed their first-choice secondary school for September 2026: 83.6% were offered it. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Weald of Kent Grammar School is a premier educational institution dedicated to empowering girls in the Sevenoaks area through rigorous academic challenges. Gaining admission into this prestigious school requires passing the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which evaluates proficiency in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. This article aims to demystify the preparation process and offer actionable strategies to help prospective students excel in this demanding test.

What are preparation strategies?

How do you start early?

- Timing: Begin preparation at least one year in advance.

- Benefits: Allows ample time to cover all subjects thoroughly and reduces last-minute stress.

How do you understand the test format?

- Sections Covered: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning.

- Preparation Tips: Familiarize yourself with the structure and type of questions in each section to boost confidence and efficiency during the test.

How do you take practice tests?

- Importance: Mimics test conditions and helps in time management.

- Strategy:

- Regular practice to track progress.

- Analyze results to identify strong and weak points.

How do you focus on weak areas?

- Identifying Weaknesses: Use practice tests to pinpoint weaker subjects or topics.

- Improvement Plan: Allocate additional study time and resources to these areas to enhance proficiency.

How do you use study guides and online resources?

- Recommended Resources:

- CGP 11+ series for comprehensive coverage.

- Bond 11+ books for practice and revision.

- Weald of Kent Grammar School’s official website for updates and tips.

- Usage Tips: Integrate these resources into daily study routines to maximize preparation effectiveness.

What is psychological preparation?

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for success in the STT. Encourage regular breaks, maintain a healthy study-life balance, and focus on building confidence through consistent practice and positive reinforcement.

What should you do next?

Preparing for the Weald of Kent Grammar School Secondary Transfer Test is a rigorous but rewarding process. By starting early, understanding the test format, engaging in consistent practice, focusing on weaker areas, utilizing quality study materials, and maintaining a positive outlook, students can significantly enhance their chances of success. Remember, the key to triumph is persistence, resilience, and confidence.

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: