Barton Court Grammar School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

Barton Court Grammar School is a leading co-educational selective grammar school situated in Canterbury, Kent. Established in 1945, it provides an exceptional education to over 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Recognised as one of the best grammar schools in UK, BCGS is renowned for its academic excellence and high standards. The school’s current Ofsted Rating highlights its status as a "Good" provider with outstanding features.

Distinguished as an accredited Advanced Thinking School, BCGS integrates cognitive tools into its curriculum to master critical analysis. As a leading grammar school, it offers a broad and balanced curriculum, including a unique mix of A Level and vocational BTEC subjects in the Sixth Form, ensuring a diverse education tailored to individual student pathways

In this guide, I apply 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Barton Court Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar (Academy Converter)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Mixed (Co-educational)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1000+
• GCSE Results (2025): 47.8% achieved Grade 9-7
• A-Level Results (2025): 60% achieved A*-B

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Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 150
• Exam Board: GL Assessment (Kent Test)
• Number of Stages: 1
• School Catchment Area: No. (See Below for more details)
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90% (Kent Test Aggregate Score 332)

Planning for the Barton Court Grammar School open day and the subsequent assessment schedule requires careful attention to detail. I have compiled the definitive calendar of Barton Court Grammar School 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through every stage of the admissions process.

From the initial registration to the specific 11+ Exam date, this schedule allows you to plan your academic year effectively. Keeping track of these 11 plus exam dates ensures you submit all necessary applications on time.

Barton Court Grammar School follows the coordinated admissions scheme operated by Kent County Council (KCC). Admission into Year 7 is determined through the 11 plus exam process, specifically known as the Kent Test (PESE).

How to Register for 11+ Exam

To secure a place at BCGS, your child must sit the Kent Test (Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education - PESE).

• Register your child for the 11+ Exam via the Kent County Council website.
• Ensure this online registration is completed between early June 2025 and early July 2025.
• Students entering Grammar Schools in Kent must achieve the required standard in this test to be eligible.

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Submitting the Common Application Form (CAF)

Registering for the test does not constitute an application for a school place. You must apply for the school formally through your Local Authority.

• Log in to your Local Authority Admissions Portal to access the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
• Place BCGS as a named preference on this form to be considered for admission.
• Submit the SCAF by the national deadline of Friday 31^st October 2025.

Supplementary Information Form (SIF)

Most applicants only need the SCAF, but specific circumstances require additional documentation. Refer to the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy for full criteria.

• Download and complete the Supplementary Information Form if applying under Pupil Premium or specific health criteria.
• Return this form directly to the school office, not the Local Authority.
• Submit this document by Friday 31^st October 2025 to ensure priority ranking is processed correctly for eleven plus exams entry.

Barton Court Grammar School determines admission eligibility through the 11 plus test results and the proximity of the child's home. As detailed in the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school prioritises applicants living closest to the site.

Distance Measurement Criteria

• Distance is measured in a straight line using the National Land and Property Gazetteer.
• The measurement runs from the child’s permanent home address to the school's designated point.
• This dynamic School catchment area fluctuates annually based on applicant density.

Parents should note there is no fixed 11+ exam catchment map for this school. Consequently, the effective BCGS Catchment Area shrinks or expands depending on the number of local siblings and passers in a specific year.

As stated in the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school participates in the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme administered by the Kent Local Authority. Admission depends on the pupil’s performance in the Barton Court Grammar School 11 Plus Test, officially known as the Kent Test (PESE).

This examination is designed to assess whether a child’s academic ability is suitable for a grammar school education among secondary schools in Kent.

The assessment consists of three papers involving 11+ English, 11+ Mathematics, and Reasoning. The papers are multiple-choice, set by GL assessment, except for the writing exercise.

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Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does BCGS follow?

GL Assessment (Kent PESE)

How long is the 11+ Exam for BCGS ?

The test is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes total.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

Parents must ensure their child understands how to fill in the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet correctly. As the Kent test 2025 is machine-marked, faint marks or stray scribbles can lead to errors; pupils should draw a clear horizontal line inside the box corresponding to their answer.

Barton Court Grammar School (BCGS) selects students based on the Kent Test, as outlined in the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy. Candidates must meet the annual threshold set by Kent County Council to be eligible.

Historical Kent Test Thresholds

The eleven plus exam pass mark requires a specific aggregate and minimum score per paper.

• 2025 Entry: Total 332+ (minimum 108 in each section).
• 2024 Entry: Total 332+ (minimum 107 in each section).

Securing high 11 plus exam results is vital, though admission depends on oversubscription criteria. Regular practice helps children perform well above these cut-offs.

Barton Court Grammar School is a premier co-educational choice in Canterbury, distinguished as an accredited Advanced Thinking School. However, given the exceptional demand for places and its rigorous selection criteria, relying solely on BCGS is a risky strategy for parents.

I have guided families through the Kent 11+ process for over 18 years and frequently see capable students miss out due to the sheer volume of applicants in the Canterbury and coastal areas.

 I always advise parents to curate a portfolio of three Grammar options and two Private options. This strategic approach secures a pathway to elite education, even if BCGS is not the final destination.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting Barton Court Grammar School often look to the Simon Langton schools for single-sex state options. For private alternatives, the historic independent schools in Canterbury provide exceptional backup plans.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Barton Court Grammar School

• Simon Langton Schools (The Langtons): These are the premier single-sex alternatives in Canterbury. If your child scores highly on the Kent Test but prefers a single-sex environment, these are the natural choices.
• Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School: Located in nearby Faversham, this school mirrors the co-educational environment of BCGS. It is an excellent option for parents who want a mixed setting without private fees.
• The King’s School, Canterbury: As the oldest school in the UK, this offers world-class facilities. It serves as a robust academic backup for families willing to consider the independent sector.
• Kent College: This school offers a nurturing pastoral environment and accepts a slightly wider ability range. It acts as a safe, high-quality backup if the 11+ result is borderline.

According to the National School Census, competition remains fierce at BCGS despite minor fluctuations in applicant numbers. With roughly seven applicants fighting for every single place, the pressure to secure a spot is undeniable.

Source: National School Census.

Barton Court Grammar School remains consistently popular, with a 27% oversubscription rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into Barton Court Grammar School?

Parents frequently ask, "Is Barton Court Grammar School hard to get into?" given the intense rivalry for seats. However, passing the eleven plus exam is achievable with a solid, targeted strategy.

As stated in the Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy, preparation is key for the BCGS entrance tests. Keep reading to discover the specific exam format needed to secure your child's place.

​Barton Court Grammar School follows the coordinated admissions scheme operated by Kent County Council (KCC), utilizing the Kent Test (PESE) provided by GL Assessment. This single-stage exam assesses candidates on English, Mathematical, and Reasoning skills to determine suitability for grammar schools in Kent.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics

Our analysis of the 11 plus maths papers for the Kent 11 plus test reveals a strong emphasis on core numerical skills. The questions are designed to test a student's ability to apply mathematical concepts in varied contexts.

Numbers and Geometry typically account for the majority of the marks in this assessment. Students should focus on mastering these areas to ensure a competitive score.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics

In the 11 plus English papers, Reading Comprehension is the most critical component. It assesses a child’s ability to infer meaning and understand complex texts efficiently.

Vocabulary and Grammar also play a significant role in the overall English score. Regular practice with 11+ English comprehension exercises is highly recommended.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning Topics

11 plus Verbal Reasoning questions for the Kent Test often focus on pattern recognition within words and numbers. Topics such as Codes and Missing Letters are frequently tested.

Success in this section requires speed and accuracy in decoding logic. Consistent practice with varied question types is essential.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

The 11 plus Non Verbal Reasoning section tests spatial awareness and logical deduction using shapes. Our analysis shows a balanced distribution across 2D shapes and spatial reasoning.

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Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Barton Court Grammar School?

Our targeted Kent test practice papers and 11 plus exam papers mimic the actual exam format. These resources help students familiarize themselves with the question styles well in advance.

We recommend the following 11+ practice papers to ensure comprehensive preparation for the Kent Test.

Barton Court Grammar School (BCGS) is highly competitive, making rigorous preparation vital for success. Sitting a Barton Court Grammar School 11 plus mock exam helps students understand the specific test format. 

These 11 plus mock tests identify weak spots and build necessary speed and accuracy under pressure.

The school uses the Kent Test (GL Assessment). We recommend the following resources to mirror this specific challenge:

You can assess your child’s ability using our free 11 plus mock test. Securing an 11 plus mock test Kent place ensures familiarity with the local exam style.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 3^rd September 2026 to 23^rd October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: 2^nd November 2026 to 18^th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: 4^th January 2027 to 12^th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: 22^nd February 2027 to 25^th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: 12^th April 2027 to 28^th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: 7^th June 202a7 to 21^st July 2027

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Barton Court Grammar School Official Website.

Navigating the 11+ grammar school entry requires coordinating with your local authority and understanding specific exam formats. Here are the essential, official resources to help you prepare your application for Barton Court Grammar School.

• Kent Test Familiarisation Materials
• UK Govt. - Get Information on Barton Court Grammar School Page
• Barton Court Grammar School Ofsted Report
• Gov.UK Find your Local Council Page
• Barton Court Grammar School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data