Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend is a prestigious selective grammar school for girls situated in Kent. Established in 1914, it offers high-quality education to 1,000+ students aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form). It is widely considered one of the best grammar schools in UK.

Locally known as Mayfield Girls Grammar School, the academy maintains exceptional academic standards for every pupil. The school currently holds a prestigious Ofsted Rating of "Outstanding".

Through its dynamic House System introduced during its 2014 centenary, Mayfield Grammar School integrates character development into its core curriculum.

The school also maintains a premier Duke of Edinburgh’s Award center and utilizes seven distinct houses—Atholl, Chadwick, Darnley, Lynton, Reekie, Westbrook, and Penfold—to foster resilience and independent learning across all Key Stages.

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

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar (Academy Converter)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Girls (Mixed Sixth Form)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1360+
• Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend GCSE Results (2025): 42% achieved Grade 9-7
• Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend A-Level Results (2025): 50% achieved A*-B

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Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective (Kent Test)
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 210
• Exam Board: GL 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)

Securing a place at Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend, requires careful attention to a strict administrative timeline. Below is the definitive schedule for the upcoming entry cycle, detailing essential 11 plus exam dates, registration deadlines, and open day information to streamline your preparation.

Mayfield utilizes the GL Assessment for the primary Kent 11+ test (PESE). Additionally, the school offers the Mayfield Procedure, an optional internal assessment featuring a computer-based reasoning test and a handwritten English paper. This provides a vital alternative pathway for girls to demonstrate their academic potential.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated through the Kent Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education (PESE). Parents researching how to register for 11+ exam entry must adhere strictly to the deadlines set by the local authority.

Step-by-Step Registration and Application

• Register for the Kent Test: You must register your daughter for the 11+ Exam online via the Kent County Council website.
• Registration Window: The portal for the 11 plus exam registration typically opens in early June 2025 and closes in early July 2025.
• The Assessment: Your daughter will sit the eleven plus exams in September 2025 to determine her eligibility for a grammar school place.
• Common Application Form (SCAF): After the 11 plus exam process concludes, you must list the school on your Local Authority SCAF by 31^st October 2025.
• Sibling Policy: As noted in the Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Admissions Policy, priority is often given to sisters of current pupils.

Following this protocol is essential for securing a place at Mayfield Girls Grammar School. This standardised process applies to most selective grammar schools in Kent.

As detailed in the Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Admissions Policy, residency within the school's designated Priority Areas is a primary oversubscription criterion. 

To be eligible for a priority place, your child’s permanent address must be within the defined Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Catchment Area at the time of application.

Priority Areas and Postcodes

Unlike many other Kent schools, Mayfield Grammar does not use a list of civil parishes. Instead, the school utilizes a specific postcode-based priority system to allocate places:

• Priority Area 1: Includes postcodes starting with DA2 6, DA2 8, DA3, DA4, DA9, DA10, DA11, DA12, DA13, ME3, TN15 7, and the specific addresses TN15 6AR, TN15 6AT, and TN15 6AS.
• Priority Area 2: Includes postcodes starting with DA1, DA2 7, ME2, TN13, TN14, and all other TN15 areas not listed in Priority Area 1.

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Ranking and Measurements

In the event of oversubscription within each Priority Area, places are first allocated to girls in receipt of Free School Meals (who have completed a Supplementary Information Form). Remaining places are then ranked based on:

1. The highest aggregated score in the Kent PESE (11+) tests.
2. Proximity of the child’s home to the school, measured in a straight line.

While passing the 11 plus test is mandatory, residing within Priority Area 1 significantly improves admission chances, as these students are considered before those in Priority Area 2 or those living outside the catchment boundaries.

For more details on how a School Catchment Area works, review our guide.

As stated in the Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Admissions Policy, admission for September 2026 is based on the Kent 11 plus test (PESE).

Exam Details

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend follow?

GL Assessment (Kent Grammar Schools)

How long is the 11+ Exam for Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend?

The tests take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes in total.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend 11 Plus Test uses automated optical marking. Ensure your child marks the separate answer sheet with a distinct horizontal line using an HB pencil and fully erases any changes to avoid scoring errors.

Admission to Mayfield Girls Grammar School is determined by the Kent Test. The qualifying score is set annually by Kent County Council based on standardised 11 plus exam results.

Recent Kent Test Thresholds

• 2024 Entry: Total Score 332 (minimum 107 per section).
• 2023 Entry: Total Score 332 (minimum 109 per section).

While the exact pass mark fluctuates, consistent preparation ensures students score comfortably above the threshold in the eleven plus exam.

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend is the premier choice for girls’ secondary education in the local area. However, the school is heavily oversubscribed every year. Securing a place requires a high rank in the Kent Test.

I have advised Kent parents for over 18 years on school selection. My recommended strategy is to shortlist three grammar schools and two private schools. This ensures your daughter has excellent options beyond mayfield girls grammar school.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most families in Gravesend look towards Dartford or Rochester for strong backup options. Here is how the top alternatives compare to the target school:

Why these schools are the top alternatives

• Dartford Grammar School for Girls: This is the closest academic rival to Mayfield. It shares the Kent Test 11+ format, meaning one exam covers both applications.
• Rochester Grammar School: This school is an "Advanced Thinking School" with exceptional results. It is ideal for girls seeking a highly academic International Baccalaureate pathway.
• Wilmington Grammar School for Girls: Located nearby in Dartford, this school offers a supportive environment. It is often a strategic choice for students passing the Kent Test.
• King’s School Rochester: This is the second-oldest school in the UK. It offers small class sizes and a holistic curriculum for families considering private education.
• Cobham Hall: This independent school is just minutes from Gravesend. It offers a distinct Round Square ethos focusing on personal discovery and creativity.

According to the National School Census, competition at Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend is consistently high. With a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 210, the school receives significantly more applications than available places.

Parents targeting Mayfield Girls Grammar School should note the following trends:

• Consistent Interest: There are approximately three applicants for every seat.
• Rising Competition: The school saw a 53% oversubscription rate in 2024.

Source: National School Census.

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend remains consistently oversubscribed, with a 26% oversubscription rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend?

Parents frequently ask, “Is Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend hard to get into?” given the competitive numbers. However, success in the eleven plus exam is manageable with a solid, targeted strategy.

As stated in the Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend Admissions Policy, thorough preparation is vital. For Mayfield Girls Grammar School aspirants, understanding the process is the first step.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of kent test practice papers highlights the importance of numerical fluency for this exam. Questions often focus on Numbers and Geometry, covering a significant portion of the test. Proficiency in these areas is essential for achieving a high score.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

The English paper for the Kent grammar school test demands strong literacy and analytical skills. We have found that Comprehension and Vocabulary are the most heavily weighted topics in this section. Students must demonstrate precise understanding and a wide lexical range.

Our 11+ English past papers resources help students familiarize themselves with these critical areas. Consistent practice is key to navigating the challenging texts used in the exam.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Success in 11 plus verbal reasoning requires the ability to identify complex patterns quickly. This section often includes coding and word association questions found in Kent test past papers. These tasks test a student's logical acuity and verbal dexterity.

Elevate your preparation with our comprehensive 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. This pack includes detailed answer hints to help students understand the logic behind every question.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11 plus non verbal reasoning test evaluates spatial awareness and abstract logic. Students must solve problems involving shapes, often practiced in our kent 11 plus test materials. Identifying the 'Odd One Out' is a frequent and crucial question type.

Prepare effectively with our targeted 11+ NVR Practice Papers. These resources provide structured practice to master the visual patterns typically seen in secondary schools in kent exams.

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

Our targeted 11+ practice papers are based on the actual question styles of top schools. We recommend the following resources for the Mayfield Grammar School 11+ exam. These packs cover all essential boards and question types.

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend is highly selective, making focused preparation crucial for success. Sitting an 11 plus mock test helps your daughter familiarise herself with the exam format.

These sessions are vital to identify weak areas and refine speed under strict exam conditions. Success at Mayfield Girls Grammar School requires rigorous practice and accuracy.

For the entrance exam, the school uses GL Assessment. We recommend the following resources to mirror this challenge:

Securing a targeted 11 plus mock test Kent pack ensures readiness for the region's specific assessment style. You can also access our free 11 plus mock test to evaluate your child's current level.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 1^st September 2026 to 23^rd October 2026
•  Autumn Half Term 2: 4^th 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 2027 to 21^st July 2027

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend 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 Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend.

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