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

​Tonbridge Grammar School is a prestigious selective grammar school for girls situated in Deakin Leas, Tonbridge. Established in 1905, it provides exceptional education to around 1,200 students, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Recognised as one of the best grammar schools in UK, tonbridge school currently holds an Ofsted Rating of "Outstanding". This article outlines the specific academic standards required for the 11+ Exam and 2026 admissions success.

Distinguished as an IB World School, Tonbridge school uniquely delivers the Middle Years Programme from Year 7. It combines this global outlook with status as an Apple Distinguished School and the World Class Schools Quality Mark, fostering exceptional digital and academic proficiency.

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

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar / Academy (State)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Girls (Co-educational Sixth Form)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1220+
• GCSE Results (2025): 77% achieved Grade 9-7
• A-Level / IB Results (2025): 35% achieved 39+ IB Points (Equivalent to A*-A)

Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 180
• 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: Aim for 90%

​Attending the Tonbridge Grammar School open day is a vital step for prospective families. To assist your planning, I have compiled the definitive calendar of Tonbridge Grammar School 11 plus exam dates, ensuring you track every vital 11+ Exam date and administrative deadline. These milestones are essential for navigating the Kent PESE process effectively.

​Admissions to Tonbridge Grammar School are coordinated by the Kent County Council (KCC) as part of the Procedure for Entry to Secondary Education (PESE). Parents considering grammar schools in Kent must strictly follow the official 11 plus exam process for the 2026 intake.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Parents must register their daughter specifically for the Kent Test to be eligible for admission.
• This 11 plus exam registration must be completed online via the Kent County Council website.
• Registration for the test typically opens on 3 June 2025 and closes strictly on 1 July 2025.
• Students will sit the 11+ Exam in September 2025.

The Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF)

• Applying to the school requires submitting the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) to your home Local Authority.
• You must name tonbridge school as a preferred choice on this application.
• The national deadline for submitting the SCAF is 31 October 2025.
• As stated in the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy, a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is only required for Pupil Premium applicants.
• Sibling Policy: The school offers priority to admission for girls who have a sibling attending the school at the time of entry.

Tonbridge Grammar School operates a designated School catchment area system, prioritising local families. As stated in the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy, residency is a key factor for allocation.

Priority Area A (The Local Area)

The school reserves 135 places specifically for girls resident in the following postal districts:

• TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11
• TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16
• DA4, ME18, ME19 and BR6

Allocation and Distance Criteria

Candidates outside these districts fall into Area B, where the qualifying score in the 11 plus test is historically higher. Distance is measured in a direct "as the crow flies" line from the child’s permanent residence to the school. Parents researching the Tonbridge school Catchment Area should note that remaining places are allocated to high scorers from Area B. This creates a competitive 11+ exam catchment environment for out-of-area applicants.

As stated in the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy, girls entering the school in September 2026 must sit the kent test 2025. This assessment determines eligibility for all secondary schools in kent that are selective. 

The Tonbridge Grammar School 11 Plus Test (via the Kent Test) consists of two main multiple-choice papers and a writing exercise. The results are age-standardised to ensure fairness across the cohort. Parents eagerly awaiting kent test results 2026 entry should note that the aggregate score is calculated using the English, Maths, and Reasoning papers.

The Kent Test (PESE) Format

Parents often ask what is in the 11 Plus exam specifically for this region. The GL assessment 11+ format used here relies heavily on accuracy and speed. While the writing task is not included in the final aggregate score, it may be assessed by the Headteacher in borderline cases to determine if a pupil is of grammar school ability. 

Unlike the nearby private Tonbridge school, which has its own admissions criteria, TGS strictly follows the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

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Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The GL assessment papers use separate answer sheets. Your child must mark their answers with a clear, heavy horizontal line; faint marks or crosses may not be read by the optical scanner, potentially leading to lost marks.

Parent’s Top 4 Queries

Does TGS have its own exam?

No, Tonbridge Grammar School uses the Kent Test (PESE) scores for admission and does not set a separate entrance exam.

What score is required?

While a "pass" allows application, TGS places are generally awarded to the highest scorers, often requiring scores significantly above the county threshold.

What exam board does Tonbridge Grammar School follow?

GL Assessment (Kent Grammar Schools)

How long is the 11+ Exam for Tonbridge Grammar School?

The evaluation lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

To be eligible for tonbridge school, applicants must pass the Kent Test. The qualifying score is determined annually by Kent County Council based on the cohort's 11 plus exam results.

Historical Kent Test Thresholds

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

Achieving the pass mark enables you to apply under the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy. However, high scores in the eleven plus exam are vital for securing a seat.

Tonbridge Grammar School is the "Gold Standard" for girls in West Kent. However, with over 2,000 applicants for limited seats, reliance on a single option is risky. Even high-ability students can have an off day during the Kent Test.

I have advised Kent parents for nearly two decades. I consistently recommend a "3+2 strategy": apply to three state grammar schools and two independent schools. This ensures your daughter has a secure pathway to academic excellence, regardless of one specific exam result.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Families targeting Tonbridge Grammar typically look toward Tunbridge Wells for state alternatives and Sevenoaks for private options. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Tonbridge Grammar School

• Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School (TWGGS): This is the most direct rival in the state sector. It offers a traditional grammar environment and is located just a short train ride away. Admission here is heavily distance-based, making it a safer bet for locals.
• Weald of Kent Grammar School: With a campus in Tonbridge and an annexe in Sevenoaks, this school provides excellent accessibility. It is often the second choice on the Common Application Form (CAF) for local families.
• Sevenoaks School: For parents considering the private sector, Sevenoaks is the closest academic match in terms of prestige and rigour. It is co-educational and champions the IB curriculum, much like TGS.
• Walthamstow Hall: Located in Sevenoaks, this independent girls' school focuses on individual potential. It offers a slightly less pressured environment while maintaining strong academic outcomes.

According to the National School Census, the competition for places at Tonbridge school is consistently high.

With a Published Admission Number of 180, statistics show five applications for every available seat.

As outlined in the Tonbridge Grammar School Admissions Policy, targeted preparation is essential for success.

Source: National School Census.

Tonbridge Grammar School continues to be oversubscribed, with a 78% rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into Tonbridge Grammar School?

Parents frequently ask me, “Is Tonbridge Grammar School hard to get into?”

While admission to Tonbridge school is competitive, I assure you it is a winnable challenge.

Success in the eleven plus exam requires a solid, targeted strategy focused on the official tests.

Read the next section to understand the Stage One Test format.

​Analysis of 11+ maths papers reveals a distinct topic weighting for the Tonbridge Grammar entrance exam. Our review suggests that Numbers and Geometry account for over half of the expected questions (58%). This insight helps parents focus their revision on the most critical areas.

11 Plus Maths Topics

To master these 11 plus maths topics, we suggest using our topic-wise questions. Used by 20,000+ students, our resources include a complete past paper planner and worksheets. This structured approach ensures no key concept is overlooked during preparation.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on our analysis of past 11+ English papers, Reading Comprehension (45%) and Vocabulary (35%) are the most critical topics. A strong command of language is essential for success in this competitive exam. Grammar and punctuation also play a significant supporting role.

English Topic

Which are the Best (11 plus) 11+ Practice Papers for Tonbridge Grammar School?

Our targeted 11 plus practice papers are based on the actual question styles of best grammar schools in Kent. These resources help students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern well in advance. Consistent practice builds the confidence needed for the Kent test 2025.

We highly recommend the specific Kent Test practice packs for Tonbridge Grammar School. This pack consists of multiple-choice questions with detailed step-wise solutions to help your child score top marks.

Using 11+ past papers is crucial for understanding the difficulty level of the exam. Parents can easily access 11 plus exam online test resources to track progress. We also provide 11+ comprehension papers to refine analytical reading skills.

​Tonbridge Grammar School is fiercely competitive, so preparing effectively is vital for securing a place. Writing a Tonbridge Grammar School 11 plus mock exam allows your daughter to experience the real test environment.

These simulations help identify knowledge gaps while testing speed and accuracy under strict timing. As Tonbridge school uses the Kent Test format, we recommend GL Assessment papers to mirror the challenge.

Parents can access our 11 plus mock test online free to assess their child’s current potential. Furthermore, scheduling a local 11 plus mock test Kent session builds necessary confidence for the big day.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 03^rd September 2025 to 17^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^nd April 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 20^th April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 01^st June 2026 to 17^th July 2026

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