Is this school the best grammar schools in uk?

As per the Secondary School League Tables 2025 (Sunday Times Parent Power), Borden Grammar is ranked 320th nationally. It remains a leading choice for boys in the Swale district.

How can I apply for Borden Grammar School 11+ Exam Entry?

Parents must register for the Kent Test via Kent County Council and name Borden Grammar School on their Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).

What is the format of the Borden Grammar School 11+ Exam?

The school uses the Kent Test (PESE). This includes 11 plus test papers covering English, Maths, and Reasoning. Writing exercises are also included but not scored automatically.

What is the catchment area for Borden Grammar School?

Priority is given to boys in Priority Area 1 (ME9–12) and Area 2 (ME8, ME13). Admission is then based on straight-line distance to fill remaining places.

Which papers are best for Borden Grammar School 11+?

GL Assessment resources are recommended for the Kent Test. Practising with 11 plus exam papers helps students familiarise themselves with the format before the real 11+ exam.

Is Borden Grammar School good?

Yes, Borden Grammar School is highly regarded for its academic support and pastoral care. It maintains strong standards, often reflected in positive feedback and 11 plus results 2025.

What is the cut off marks for Kent grammar school?

The 11 plus pass mark is determined annually by Kent County Council. Students usually need an aggregate score of around 332, with no single score below 107.

Which is better, private or grammar school?

Grammar schools like Borden Grammar offer high-quality education without fees. Many parents find them comparable to private schools, especially when supported by 11 plus tuition.

What is the No. 1 grammar school in Kent?

Rankings vary by metric. While super-selective schools in West Kent often top tables, Borden is a prime choice for boys in Swale seeking quality 11 plus exams success.

What is the hardest grammar school to get into in Kent?

Super-selective schools in Dartford or Tonbridge often have higher cut-offs. Borden admits based on the standard Kent Test pass, making it accessible for local qualifiers.

What is the most expensive school in Kent?

Private schools charge fees, whereas Borden Grammar School is state-funded and free. Parents only pay for optional extras or 11 plus mock test preparation externally.

Which grammar school is better?

The "better" school depends on your child's needs. Borden offers a supportive environment. Reviewing secondary school league tables 2025 can help compare local options.

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

Written by:Ishita B...Ishita Baviskar

Expert Reviewed

6th April 2026

6 mins read

6th April 2026

6 mins read

Introduction to Borden Grammar School

Borden Grammar School is a historic selective grammar school for boys situated in Sittingbourne, Kent. Established in 1878, it delivers a high-quality education to more than 900 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, borden grammar is known for fostering strong academic excellence and character. Its official Ofsted Rating is currently "Good", reflecting its consistent standards and pupil support.

Borden Grammar School champions a holistic education, supported by a strong commitment to the creative and performing arts.

As a school with specialist sports status, it prioritises physical well-being and active lifestyles, a focus complemented by its dedicated student-led Mental Health Ambassador programme and comprehensive wellbeing support.

In this guide, I apply 6+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Borden Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

Nitere Porro – Strive Forward

Borden Grammar School Motto

Key Details

School Details

Type of School: Grammar School (Academy)
Boarding Type: No Boarding
Gender Type: Boys (Co-educational Sixth Form)
Religion: None
Age Range: 11-18
Number of Pupils (Total): 900+
Borden Grammar School GCSE Results(2025): 41% achieved Grades 7–9
Borden Grammar School A-Level Results(2025): 52% achieved Grades A*–B

Year 7 Admissions Details

Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 150
Exam Board: GL Assessment (Kent Test) / Borden Assessment
Number of Stages: 1
School Catchment Area: Yes. (See Below for more details)
Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
Pass Mark: Aim for 90% (Standardised Score 332)

Important 11+ Exam Dates

To help you navigate the admissions process, I have compiled the essential Borden Grammar School 11 plus exam dates. Whether you are scheduling the Borden Grammar School open day or strictly organizing the 11+ Exam date schedule, this calendar covers every vital milestone.

Key dates for the Kent Test (PESE), used by Borden Grammar School, are listed below.

Date	Event
Monday 2^nd June 2025	Kent Test Registration Opens
Tuesday 1^st July 2025	Registration Deadline (Closing Date)
Thursday 11^th September 2025	11 plus exam dates (Stage One / Kent Test)
Tuesday 14^th October 2025	Test Results Emailed to Parents
October 2025 (TBC)	Open Evening (Year 6 Entry)
Friday 31^st October 2025	Local Authority CAF Deadline
Monday 2^nd March 2026	National Offer Day
Friday 24^th April 2026	Deadline for Acceptance of Offers

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Mind the gap: There is a crucial two-week window between receiving test results (mid-October) and the CAF deadline (31 October). Since passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a place at Borden, use this time to realistically assess if your score meets historic cut-offs before finalizing your school choices.

Borden Grammar School Application Process for 11+ Exam Entry

Navigating the 11 plus exam process correctly is essential for securing a place at this school. As one of the sought-after grammar schools in Kent, admission depends on specific testing protocols.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

Parents must adhere to strict deadlines to register their son for the necessary assessments.

Kent Test Registration: You must register for the 11+ Exam (Kent Test) via the Kent County Council website.Registration for this test opens in early June 2025 and closes in early July 2025.
Borden Optional Test: The school conducts its own testing, known as the Borden Assessment Procedure, for candidates who miss the Kent Test pass mark.
Borden Entrance Test Registration: To sit this optional test, you must express interest directly to the school by the July deadline. This allows the school to administer the Borden Entrance Test in September if required.

Submitting the Common Application Form

Registration for eleven plus exams is separate from applying for a school place.

The SCAF: You must complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) through your Local Authority.
Local Authority Admissions: Kent residents should apply via the Kent Local Authority Admissions Portal. Families living outside Kent must use their home authority’s eAdmissions system (e.g., Medway or Bexley).
Deadline: The national closing date for the SCAF is Friday 31 October 2025. You must name Borden Grammar as a preference on this form to be considered.
The SIF: If applying under Pupil Premium or Free School Meals criteria, you must also submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to the school by 31 October 2025.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Secure the Safety Net: Do not wait for results to inquire about the Borden Assessment. Register your son for both the Kent Test and the Borden Entrance Test by the July deadline. This provides a vital second chance for admission in September if he narrowly misses the Kent Test pass mark, ensuring he has every opportunity to succeed.

Borden Grammar School Catchment Area

Borden Grammar School does not use a single fixed geographical circle. Instead, the School catchment area is defined by a tiered priority system based on the applicant's permanent residence at the time of application.

To be eligible for a place, a boy must first reach the required standard in the 11 plus test (Kent Test) or the Borden Assessment. Places are then allocated according to the following residency tiers:

Priority Area 1: Applicants residing in postcodes ME9, ME10, ME11, and ME12.
Priority Area 2: Applicants residing in postcodes ME8 and ME13.
Other Areas: Applicants living in any other postcode.

As stated in the Borden Grammar School Admissions Policy, applicants within each priority tier are ranked by straight-line distance ("as the crow flies") from their home to the school.

This ensures all qualified boys in Priority Area A are offered places before those in Area B, with proximity only used to differentiate between applicants within the same tier.

Consequently, the effective catchment radius fluctuates annually based on the number of qualified applicants from Sittingbourne, the Isle of Sheppey, and surrounding districts.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Know Your Tier: Before applying, check which priority area your postcode falls into. If you live in ME8 or ME13 (Area 2), your son will only be considered after every qualified applicant from Area 1 (ME9–12) has been offered a place. Distance only becomes the deciding factor among families living within the same postcode tier.

Borden Grammar School 11+ Exam Format

As stated in the Borden Grammar School Admissions Policy, all applicants must register for the Kent Test (PESE) to be considered. This assessment targets boys within the top 25% of the ability range for Kent secondary schools.

While admission is primarily via the Kent Test, the school offers the optional Borden Assessment Procedure as an additional qualifying pathway. Candidates unsuccessful in the initial Kent testing process remain eligible for admission if they reach the required standard through this school-specific assessment.

Subject	No. of Questions	Duration	Format/Topics
English & Maths	Approx. 50-60 (Combined)	60 Minutes	Multiple Choice (GL). Tests comprehension skills and 11+ Mathematics concepts including number, algebra, and measures.
Reasoning	Approx. 60-80 (Combined)	60 Minutes	Multiple Choice (GL). Split into timed sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning.
Creative Writing	1 Prompt	40 Minutes	Standard Format. An extended writing task. This is not machine-marked but is reviewed by Headteachers in borderline cases.

Subject

No. of Questions

Duration

Format/Topics

English & Maths

Approx. 50-60 (Combined)

60 Minutes

Multiple Choice (GL).

Tests comprehension skills and 11+ Mathematics concepts including number, algebra, and measures.

Reasoning

Approx. 60-80 (Combined)

60 Minutes

Multiple Choice (GL).

Split into timed sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning.

Creative Writing

1 Prompt

40 Minutes

Standard Format.

An extended writing task. This is not machine-marked but is reviewed by Headteachers in borderline cases.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

Does the school have its own exam?

Admission is primarily via the Kent Test 2025 (PESE), though the school offers an optional Borden Assessment Procedure as an alternative qualifying pathway.

How are scores calculated?

English, Maths, and Reasoning marks are age-standardised and aggregated to determine if the Borden Grammar School 11 Plus Test threshold is met.

What exam board is used?

The school follows GL Assessment (Kent PESE), the standard format used by all Kent Grammar Schools.

How long is the exam?

The total testing time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, excluding registration and breaks between the papers.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The GL assessment tests utilise separate answer sheets that are marked by a computer. Ensure your child marks the lozenges clearly with a horizontal line using an HB pencil, as stray marks or incomplete erasures can result in errors during the automated scanning process.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

The Writing Task: While the English writing task is not included in the final automated score, it is critical for headteacher reviews and appeals. Ensure your son practices structuring arguments clearly, as this script is the first thing reviewed if he narrowly misses the Kent 11 plus test pass mark.

Borden Grammar School 11 Plus Pass Mark

Borden Grammar School uses the Kent Test for selection. Candidates must meet the Kent test pass mark percentage as outlined in the Borden Grammar School Admissions Policy.

Recent Kent Test Thresholds

2025 Entry: Score 332+ (minimum 108 per section).
2024 Entry: Score 332+ (minimum 107 per section).
2023 Entry: Score 332+ (minimum 109 per section).

The maximum score is 423. Achieving strong 11 plus exam results requires focus. Ample practice ensures that your child is able to score above the pass mark.

Which are the Best Alternatives to Borden Grammar School?

Borden Grammar School is the premier choice for boys' education in the Sittingbourne and Swale area. However, catchment areas fluctuate yearly, making reliance on a single school a risky strategy. I always advise parents to curate a balanced list of backups.

A robust application portfolio should include neighbouring grammar schools and solid independent options. By selecting a mix of schools, you ensure your son accesses an elite education regardless of one specific outcome. Below are the most strategic alternatives based on recent peer trends.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most families targeting Borden Grammar also consider schools in Faversham, Ashford, and Rochester. The following table highlights the strongest academic peers within a commutable distance.

School Name	School Type	Gender	Admissions Criteria	Exam Board	GCSE (9-7)*	A-Level (A-B)
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar	State Grammar	Co-Ed	Kent Test + Catchment	GL Assessment	~48%	~65%
The Norton Knatchbull	State Grammar	Boys	Kent Test + Catchment	GL Assessment	~35%	~55%
Sir Joseph Williamson’s	State Grammar	Boys	Medway Test + Score	GL / Maths	~62%	~80%
Sutton Valence School	Independent	Co-Ed	Exam + Interview	School's Own	~45%	~72%
King’s School Rochester	Independent	Co-Ed	Exam + Interview	School's Own	~42%	~68%

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Borden Grammar

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (Faversham): This is the closest geographical alternative and accepts the same Kent Test results. Being co-educational, it offers a different social dynamic while maintaining high academic standards.
The Norton Knatchbull School: Located in Ashford, this school is a traditional boys' grammar with a strong reputation in STEM. It is easily accessible via direct train links from Sittingbourne.
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School: Often called "The Math School," this Rochester option is highly prestigious. Please note it requires the Medway Test, which differs significantly from the Kent Test.
Sutton Valence School: This independent school provides a holistic education with smaller class sizes. It is an excellent fallback for parents seeking strong pastoral care alongside academics.

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Borden Grammar strictly prioritises applicants from specific named parishes in Swale before distance. Living just outside these designated zones significantly lowers your admission chances, even with a strong pass score.

How many Apply for Borden Grammar School?

According to the National School Census, competition for places at Borden Grammar School remains consistently intense. Although year-on-year numbers vary, there are typically three applicants competing for every single available place. This demand emphasises why thorough preparation for the eleven plus exam is crucial for your son.

Year	2025	2024	2023	2022
Applications Received	323	375	374	353
No: of Applications per Place	3	3	3	3
% Oversubscription	25%	34%	21%	21%

Source: National School Census.

Borden Grammar School remains oversubscribed, with a notable 25% oversubscription rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into Borden Grammar School?

Parents frequently ask me, “Is Borden Grammar School hard to get into?” given these statistics. Despite the intense competition, I can assure you that success is manageable with a solid, targeted strategy. Familiarising yourself with the Borden Grammar School Admissions Policy is the first step.

What are the topics for Borden Grammar School 11+ Exam?

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the 11+ maths papers for Borden Grammar shows a strong emphasis on core numerical skills. Numbers and Geometry account for a significant portion of the questions in the Kent Test.

11 Plus Maths Topics	Estimated % of Questions
Numbers	35%
Geometry	23%
Statistics	15%
Ratio & Proportions	12%
Algebra	10%
Probability	5%

We recommend using our Kent test practice papers to master these topics. These resources are designed to match the difficulty of the actual exam.

Subject	Name of the practice pack	Type of exam questions
Maths	Kent Test (11+) 11 Plus Exam Practice Papers 2026	MCQ

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on our review of 11+ English past papers, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary are the most critical areas. Students must demonstrate strong inference skills to succeed in the Kent Test 2025.

English Topic	Estimated % of Questions
Reading Comprehension	45%
Vocabulary	35%
(SPAG) Grammar & Punctuation	20%

Our 11+ practice papers online free resources and bundles provide comprehensive coverage. These packs help ensure your child is ready for one of the best grammar schools in Kent.

Subject	Name of the practice pack	Type of exam questions
English	Kent Test (11+) 11 Plus Exam Practice Papers 2026	MCQ
English	11+ Comprehension Test Papers	MCQ
English	11+ SPAG Papers	MCQ
English	11+ Vocabulary	MCQ
English	11+ Literary Devices	MCQ

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11 plus verbal reasoning section focuses heavily on Maths-based coding and word meanings. These topics collectively account for approximately 75% of the total marks in this section.

11 Plus VR Topics	Estimated % of Questions
11+ VR Maths	35%
11+ VR Making words	20%
11+ VR Missing Words	20%
11+ VR Word Meaning	15%
11+ VR Codes	10%

Elevate your score with our targeted resources. Our packs include extensive 11 plus exam online test practice to build speed and accuracy.

Subject	Name of the practice pack	Type of exam questions
Verbal Reasoning	11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers	MCQ

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of non verbal reasoning 11 plus papers for the Kent Test shows a balance between spatial and logical patterns. 2D Views and Analogies are critical focus areas for success.

11 Plus NVR Topics	Estimated % of Questions
Odd One Out	30%
Analogies	28%
Spatial Reasoning: 2D Views of 3D Shapes	22%
Block Counting	20%

Prepare for success with over 1,900+ targeted questions. Our 11+ practice papers are used by thousands of students to master these visual puzzles.

Subject	Name of the practice pack	Type of exam questions
NVR	11+ NVR Practice Papers	MCQ

Creative Writing

The Kent Test includes a creative writing 11 plus exercise which may be used in appeal cases. It is vital to practice structured writing to handle this section effectively.

Subject	Name of the practice pack	Type of exam questions
Creative Writing	Creative Writing	Standard

Best 11 Plus Mock Test for Borden Grammar School

Sitting a Borden Grammar School 11 plus mock exam is vital given the competitive entry process. Regular practice with 11 plus mock tests helps your son become familiar with the specific question types he will face. These sessions identify weak areas while testing speed and accuracy under strict timing

As Borden Grammar uses the GL Assessment format (Kent Test), we recommend the following packs:

Exam Board	Suggested Mock Exams Names
GL Assessment	11+ GL Assessment Mock Pack 1(Maths + English)
GL Assessment	11+ GL Assessment Mock Pack 2(Maths + Verbal)
GL Assessment	11+ GL Assessment Mock Pack 3(NVR + Verbal)

You can download our 11 plus mock test papers pdf free to check your child's current level. Booking a specific 11 plus mock test Kent ensures students can handle the pressure of the real assessment.

Borden Grammar School Half - Term Dates

Autumn Half Term 1: 03^rd September 2025 to 24^th October 2025
Autumn Half Term 2: 03^rd November 2025 to 19^th December 2025
Spring Half Term 1: 05^th January 2026 to 13^th February 2026
Spring Half Term 2: 23^rd February 2026 to 02^th April 2026
Summer Half Term 1: 20^th April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
Summer Half Term 2: 01^st June 2026 to 21^st July 2026

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

Related References for Parents

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 Borden Grammar School.

Author(s)

Ishita Baviskar

Co-Founder of PiAcademy and School Uni Guide

Ishita Baviskar is an education specialist and co-founder of PiAcademy, with extensive experience in developing high-quality exam preparation materials for competitive exams, including Pre-11+, 11+, and GCSE, as well as UK National Curriculum resources for KS1 and KS2 SATs.