Sir Roger Manwood's School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Sir Roger Manwood's School is a historic co-educational selective grammar school located in Sandwich, Kent. Established in 1563, Manwood's provides an exceptional education to 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 the UK, it is now exclusively a day school. The school recently enhanced its campus by repurposing its former boarding house, The Grange, into a dedicated Sixth Form centre. Its official Ofsted Rating is currently "Good."

Operating as a high-achieving state grammar, the school integrates pastoral depth with academic rigour. It cultivates resilience through its E3 (Engage, Explore, Excel) personal development framework and offers extensive leadership opportunities via a distinguished Combined Cadet Force (CCF), preparing students for holistic success.

In this guide, I apply 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Sir Roger Manwood's School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar / Academy Converter
  
• Boarding Type: No Boarding(Day only)
  
• Gender Type: Mixed
  
• Religion: None
  
• Age Range: 11 to 18
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1000+
  
• Sir Roger Manwood's School GCSE Results (2025): 39% achieved Grades 7-9
  
• Sir Roger Manwood's School A-Level Results (2025): 55% achieved Grades 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: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Sibling Policy: Yes. (See Below for more details)
• Pass Mark: Aggregate score of 332+ (Kent Test standard)

Navigating the timeline for Sir Roger Manwood's School open days and entrance assessments is vital for a stress-free experience. I have compiled the essential Sir Roger Manwood's School 11 plus exam dates, derived directly from the school's admissions policy and the Kent County Council (KCC) schedule.

This table provides the definitive 11+ Exam schedule to help you strategically coordinate your preparation for the upcoming 11 plus exam dates.

Sir Roger Manwood's School is a co-educational selective school that admits students based on their performance in the Kent Test (PESE). This process ensures applicants meet the academic standards required for one of the leading grammar schools in Kent.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

Parents must complete a strict two-step application process to secure a Year 7 place for September 2026. The 11 plus exam registration is entirely separate from the general school application.

• Register for the Test: You must register your child for the 11+ Exam via the Kent County Council website.
• Registration Window: The online registration for the Kent Test typically opens in early June 2025 and closes in early July 2025.
• Test Date: The entrance assessment is scheduled to take place in September 2025.
• Apply for a Place: After sitting the test, parents must complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) through their Local Authority.
• SCAF Deadline: As outlined in the Sir Roger Manwood's School Admissions Policy, the deadline to submit the SCAF is 31^st October 2025.
• Day-Only Status: Please note that Sir Roger Manwood's School is now exclusively a day school. Boarding was discontinued in 2020; therefore, there is no longer a boarding application or supplementary form for residential places.

Sir Roger Manwood's School does not use a "fixed" catchment in the traditional sense that excludes those living outside it. Instead, it uses a Priority Area combined with a straight-line distance criterion to allocate places when the school is oversubscribed.

Understanding the 8.5-Mile Priority Zone

The school's admissions policy highlights a specific interest in applicants living within an 8.5-mile radius of the school. This radius specifically covers the following postcodes: CT3, CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, CT15, and CT16.

• Priority for Pupil Premium: Applicants eligible for Pupil Premium who live within these postcodes and the 8.5-mile radius are given higher priority in the oversubscription criteria.
• Distance Measurement: For all other applicants, distance is measured in a straight line from the child's permanent home address to the school's designated entrance using the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) data.
• The "Fluid" Cut-off: Because places are offered to those living closest first, the effective "cut-off" distance changes every year based on the density of qualified applicants.

As stated in the Sir Roger Manwood's School Admissions Policy, the school participates in the coordinated admissions scheme for secondary schools in Kent. Admission is based on the results of the Sir Roger Manwood's School 11 Plus Test, officially known as the Kent Test (PESE). This assessment is designed to identify academic potential suited to a grammar school environment.

The Kent Test (PESE)

Parents frequently ask what is in the 11 Plus exam for this school. The test comprises two main multiple-choice papers. The first paper assesses English and Mathematics skills, while the second focuses on Reasoning.

The 11+ exam questions are provided by GL Assessment. It is vital to note that while the writing exercise is not initially scored, it is critical for Headteacher Panels in borderline cases or appeals.

When considering How long is the 11+ exam, students should prepare for a rigorous session. The Kent Test 2025 will follow the traditional format where 11+ exam questions must be answered rapidly and accurately. Registration for the Kent 11 plus test opens in June of Year 5.

Parent’s Top 4 Queries

Does the school set its own exam? 

No, Sir Roger Manwood’s School uses the Kent Test (PESE), coordinated by Kent County Council and provided by GL Assessment.

Are the scores age-standardised? 

Yes, the final scores for 11+ English, Maths, and Reasoning are standardised to ensure fairness for younger children in the year group.

What exam board does Sir Roger Manwood's School follow? 

GL Assessment (Kent Grammar Schools).

How long is the 11+ Exam for Sir Roger Manwood's School? 

Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in total, including breaks and the writing exercise.

Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

Most Kent Test 2025 papers are marked by an automated optical reader. Your child must mark their answers on a separate OMR sheet using an HB pencil. Ensure they understand how to draw a clear horizontal line; marks that are too faint or outside the box may not be registered by the scanners.

Sir Roger Manwood's School requires students to pass the Kent Test for entry. The required 11 plus exam results are set annually by Kent County Council to determine eligibility.

Historical Kent Test Thresholds

• 2026 Entry: Aggregate 332+ (minimum 108 per section).
• 2025 Entry: Aggregate 332+ (minimum 108 per section).
• 2024 Entry: Aggregate 332+ (minimum 107 per section).

Meeting the Kent test pass mark percentage allows consideration but does not guarantee a place. Extensive preparation is vital to securing strong 11 plus test results.

Sir Roger Manwood's School is a prime choice for families in East Kent. However, with the catchment area tightening and competition rising, relying solely on one option is risky.

I have advised Kent parents for nearly two decades. I often see families fixate on Manwood's, only to face disappointment if the catchment shrinks or the passing score fluctuates.

I strongly recommend a strategy of 3 Grammar options and 2 Private options. This balanced approach ensures your child secures a high-quality education regardless of the 11+ outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

When targeting Manwood's, families usually consider the Canterbury and Thanet schools. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Sir Roger Manwood's School

• Simon Langton Grammar Schools (Boys & Girls): Located in Canterbury, these are the academic heavyweights of East Kent. They are often viewed as the "super-selective" options and boast higher Oxbridge success rates than Manwood's.
  
• Dane Court Grammar School: A superb co-educational alternative in Broadstairs. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) instead of A-Levels, providing a broader curriculum that appeals to many Manwood's applicants.
  
• Kent College, Canterbury: This independent school is known for its "can-do" ethos and strong pastoral care. It serves as an excellent backup for parents seeking a co-educational environment with small class sizes.
  
• St Edmund's School: Another Canterbury independent option with a strong arts focus. It provides a nurturing environment for children who might find the sheer scale of the state grammars overwhelming.

According to the National School Census, competition for places at Sir Roger Manwood's School is consistently intense. In 2024, there were 455 applications for a Pupil Admission Number (PAN) of 150, equating to four applicants per place. This high volume of interest highlights the necessity for early and focused preparation.

Source: National School Census.

As stated in the Sir Roger Manwood's School Admissions Policy, the school saw a 29% oversubscription rate in 2025. Comprehensive preparation is mandatory to ensure your child is competitive enough to succeed.

How hard is it to get into Sir Roger Manwood's School?

Parents frequently ask me, “Is Sir Roger Manwood's School hard to get into?” because of the challenging selection ratios. Based on my experience, passing the eleven plus exam is manageable with a solid, targeted strategy.

As a key member of the Kent Consortium, Sir Roger Manwood's School utilizes the Kent Test for its entrance procedure. This exam assesses candidates on Maths, English, and Reasoning abilities.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our comprehensive analysis of Kent test past papers indicates a strong emphasis on core numerical skills. Questions often focus heavily on Number knowledge and Data Handling, which form the backbone of the assessment.

The breakdown below highlights that Numbers and Data Handling account for approximately 60% of the questions in the 11+ maths papers.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

The English section of the Kent 11 plus test is designed to test a child's reading skills and understanding of language. Comprehension remains the most significant component, requiring students to deduce meaning from complex texts.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Verbal Reasoning tests a student’s ability to solve problems using words and letters. Our review of 11+ verbal reasoning papers shows a frequent occurrence of Code Breaking and Word Meaning questions.

Elevate your child's performance with our 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. This pack includes extensive questions on codes and word meanings, essential for the Kent Test.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The 11+ non verbal reasoning section assesses the ability to understand and analyse visual information. Topics like Matrices and Analogies are critical focus areas for Sir Roger Manwood's School applicants.

Prepare for success with our 11+ NVR Practice Papers. These 11+ practice papers provide the targeted visual puzzles required to secure a high score.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Sir Roger Manwood's School?

We advise using resources that mirror the specific format of the Kent Test. The following packs are tailored to the requirements of the school's examination board.

Sir Roger Manwood's School is highly competitive, making focused preparation crucial for securing a place. Sitting a Sir Roger Manwood's School 11 plus mock exam helps students master the test layout. These sessions identify weak areas and improve speed under strict exam conditions.

Since this school uses the Kent Test, we recommend the following GL Assessment resources to mirror the exam:

Parents can access our free 11 plus mock test to check their child's current level. A realistic 11 plus mock test Kent ensures your child is ready for this grammar school challenge.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 04^th September 2026 to 20^th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: 02^nd November 2026 to 18​^th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: 04^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: 07^th June 2027 to 20^th July 2027

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Sir Roger Manwood's 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 Sir Roger Manwood's School.

• Kent Test Familiarisation Materials
• UK Govt. - Get Information on Sir Roger Manwood's School Page
• Sir Roger Manwood's School Ofsted Report
• Gov.UK Find your Local Council Page
• Sir Roger Manwood's School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data