Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a leading selective grammar school for boys situated in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Founded in 1956, the school educates over 1,500 pupils aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Frequently cited among the best grammar schools in the UK, TWGSB maintains high standards across its Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks campuses. The school holds a current ofsted rating of "Good," ensuring a nurturing environment for student growth.

The curriculum at TWGSB fosters 'Respect, Excellence, and Determination' across a unique dual-campus model in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. Students thrive through bespoke enrichment like the Bar Mock Trial and elite sporting pathways.

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

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar (Academy Converter)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
• Gender Type: Boys (Co-educational Sixth Form)
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 11–18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1500+
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys GCSE Results (2025): 31% achieved Grade 9–7
• Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys A-Level Results (2025): 65% achieved A*–B

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Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 300 (210 at Tunbridge Wells, 90 at Sevenoaks)
• 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: Aggregate Score 332+ (Standard Kent Test Threshold)

Preparing for the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys open day requires careful organization. I have compiled the definitive schedule of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11 plus exam dates, alongside the broader Kent 11+ exam date 2025 timeline, to help you navigate the admissions process effectively. These dates are arranged chronologically to assist your planning.

Admissions to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) are co-ordinated by the Kent County Council. To secure a place at one of these prestigious grammar schools in Kent, students must demonstrate suitability through the 11+ Exam (Kent Test).

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• The first step in the 11 plus exam process is registering your son for the Kent Test.
• You must complete the 11 plus exam registration online via the Kent County Council website.
• Registration typically opens on Monday 2^nd June 2025 and closes strictly at midnight on Tuesday 1^st July 2025.
• Unlike many other selective schools, there is no Supplementary Information Form (SIF) required for TWGSB.
• After testing, you must name the school on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
• Submit the SCAF to your home Local Authority by Friday 31^st October 2025.
• Please refer to the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy for specific oversubscription criteria.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys prioritizes local students based on specific geographic criteria. As stated in the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy, residency is a key factor for entry.

Priority Zones

The school prioritizes boys living within a three-mile distance of the school. Following this, applicants residing in specific parishes within the School catchment area are considered.

The TWGSB Catchment Area includes these parishes:

• Bidborough, Capel, Chiddingstone, Crowborough, Five Ashes, Frant, Goudhurst, Groombridge, Hadlow, Hawkhurst, Hever.
• Hildenborough, Horsmonden, Lamberhurst, Langton Green, Leigh, Mayfield, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Penshurst, Rotherfield.
• Rusthall, Sandhurst, Sevenoaks Weald, Southborough, Speldhurst, Stonegate, Ticehurst, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Wadhurst.

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Distance and Testing

Remaining places are allocated by distance for those who pass the 11 plus test. Distance is measured in a direct "as the crow flies" line from the child’s permanent residence.

This distinct geographic priority system defines the 11+ exam catchment for TWGSB.

As stated in the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy, the school utilizes the Kent Test for September 2026 entry. This assessment is designed to select students suitable for a grammar school education.

Exam Structure: The Kent Test

The Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Test consists of two multiple-choice papers and one written exercise. Parents often ask what is in the 11 Plus exam; the table below details the specific breakdown used for the kent test 2025.

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Important Note for Parents - OMR Sheet Guidance

The Kent 11 plus test uses separate answer sheets for the first two papers. As per GL assessment guidelines, students must mark their answers with a horizontal line in the correct box. Optical Mark Readers may reject sheets with crosses, circles, or faint markings.

Parent’s Top 4 Queries

Does TWGSB set its own exam? 

No, admission is based entirely on the results of the Kent Test (PESE), managed by Kent County Council.

Is the writing task marked? 

The writing exercise is not numerically scored initially but is vital for borderline cases and Headteacher Reviews.

What exam board does TWGSB follow?

GL Assessment (Kent Grammar Schools)

How long is the 11+ Exam for TWGSB?

The total testing time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

​Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) assesses applicants using the Kent Test. To qualify for a grammar school place, students must achieve the standardized score determined annually by Kent County Council.

Historical Kent Test Thresholds

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

Achieving the pass mark in the eleven plus exam does not guarantee entry if the school is oversubscribed. Ample practice ensures students achieve 11 plus exam results comfortably above the threshold.

​Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (often referred to as TWGSB) is a leading choice for families in West Kent seeking a robust academic environment. However, with the Kent Test determining eligibility for a finite number of places, relying solely on one school is risky. 

As an Education Consultant with over 18 years of experience, I have seen even the brightest boys slip up on the day. A solid application strategy typically involves a portfolio of 3 Grammar options and 2 Independent schools to ensure your son secures a place where he can thrive.

Most families targeting Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys also consider the "Super Selectives" in the region and high-performing private schools. Below is a comparative analysis of the top alternatives based on parental sentiment and academic data.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

*Results based on recent 2024 data estimates.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to TWGSB

• The Judd School & The Skinners' School: These are the "Super Selectives" of West Kent. Parents often list these as their first choice "reach" schools on the CAF, with Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys as a strong, slightly more accessible partner option. They share the GL Assessment (Kent Test) format, meaning no extra exam preparation is needed.

• Tonbridge School: For families considering the independent sector, Tonbridge offers world-class facilities and academic rigour that rivals the top grammars. It is an excellent backup for high-achieving boys, provided the registration deadlines (often years in advance) are met.

• Maidstone Grammar School (MGS): Located a short commute away, MGS is a frequent choice for families living on the borders of Tunbridge Wells. It offers a similar ethos to TWGSB and serves as a reliable grammar school option if catchment areas tighten in West Kent.

• Sevenoaks School: As a premier co-educational IB school, Sevenoaks is the alternative for parents who want a more GLobal curriculum compared to the A-Level focus at TWGSB. It is highly competitive but offers a distinct educational pathway.

According to the National School Census, competition at TWGSB is consistently intense. Over the last three years, there have been up to four applications for every sinGLe available place. This high volume confirms that a focused preparation strategy is essential for your son. 

Source: National School Census.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys remains highly popular, evidenced by the 54% oversubscription rate in 2025.

How hard is it to get into Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys?

Parents frequently ask me, "Is Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?" While the statistics look daunting, success is achievable with a targeted plan.

As stated in the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy, accurate preparation is vital. I have seen many boys secure entry to TWGSB by mastering the eleven plus exam content. Keep reading to understand the Stage One Test format and secure your son’s place.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11+ exam past papers reveals a distinct topic weighting. This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for over half of the expected questions (58%) in the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Test.

Try our topic-wise questions to master these areas. Our 11+ maths papers help students familiarise themselves with the exam pattern well before time.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on the exam analysis, Reading Comprehension (45%) and Vocabulary (35%) are critical areas for the Kent 11 plus test. These topics require strong inference skills and a broad lexicon.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of Verbal Reasoning 11 plus practice papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys shows that Maths, Making Words, and Missing Words are primary focus areas. Collectively, these account for approximately 75% of the total marks.

Elevate your score with our 11 plus verbal reasoning resources, featuring targeted topic-wise questions.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Non - Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of 11 plus non verbal reasoning past papers for the Kent test shows that Odd One Out and Analogies are critical focus areas. Every section is equally important for securing a high score in the reasoning paper.

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Which are the Best (11 plus) 11+ Practice Papers for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys?

Our targeted 11+ practice papers and 11+ past papers are based on the actual exam questions of top schools. We recommend the following kent test practice papers for optimal preparation.

A Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys 11 plus mock exam is essential given the high competition. Sitting an 11 plus mock test helps students master the specific exam format. These sessions are vital for improving speed and accuracy under strict time constraints.

As TWGSB follows the Kent Test (GL Assessment), we suggest the following resources:

Parents can check our free 11 plus mock test to assess current performance. Booking an 11 plus mock test Kent session ensures your son is fully prepared.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 03^rd September 2025 to 18^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 27^th October 2025 to 19^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 06^th January 2026 to 12^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 Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Official Website.