The 11+ exam day is imminent. What should parents expect? (Note: this guide has been written with Bexley, Kent and Medway in mind)
What to Expect: The 11+ test format
First, it’s helpful to know what your child will be facing. Kent and Medway authorities use the GL Assessment, whilst Bexley uses the Quest Assessments.
Bexley:
How is the Bexley Selection Test structured?
The Bexley Selection Test consists of two separate test booklets.
Both papers are multiple-choice and both are taken during the same testing session.
Each paper lasts approximately 50 minutes, although additional time is required for instructions and other administration.
There is also a short break between the two papers.
The complete test session lasts approximately two and a half to three hours, including instructions, the two test papers and the break.
The individual sections are timed. The invigilator tells children when to move on to the next section.
This means that children cannot simply spend additional time on a difficult question and make up the time later. They need to be comfortable working under timed conditions.
What subjects are tested in the Bexley 11+?
The Bexley Selection Test assesses three broad areas.
1. Verbal Ability and English Comprehension
This section assesses areas including:
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Verbal reasoning
2. Numerical Reasoning
The numerical reasoning element assesses children’s ability to solve mathematical problems.
Bexley Council states that the mathematical content does not exceed what children are expected to have learned by the end of Year 5.
3. Non-Verbal Reasoning
The non-verbal reasoning element assesses children’s ability to:
- Recognise patterns
- Understand relationships between objects
- Make logical deductions
The Bexley test therefore combines elements of English, verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
How is the Bexley test scored?
The Bexley Selection Test is externally marked.
The final score is an age-standardised score. Bexley states that the overall score is weighted as follows:
- 50% verbal ability
- 25% numerical ability
- 25% non-verbal ability
The average total age-standardised score is 200, with approximately two-thirds of candidates scoring between 170 and 230.
The selective score is determined by the London Borough of Bexley in conjunction with the four Bexley grammar schools.
Importantly, achieving the selective standard does not automatically guarantee a grammar school place. The schools have more selective children than available places, and their individual admission criteria are then used to determine who receives an offer.
Bexley states that approximately 30% of children taking the test are deemed selective. In 2025, 5,866 children sat the test and 2,070 achieved the selective standard.
Important point about the Bexley test
The Bexley Selection Test is not interchangeable with the Kent Test or Medway Test.
If a child wants to be considered for grammar schools in Bexley and also wants to apply for grammar schools in Kent or Medway, they must sit the relevant additional tests.
Passing the Kent Test or another selection test does not count as passing the Bexley Selection Test.
Kent:
How is the Kent Test structured?
The Kent Test consists of two main tests.
Test 1: English and Mathematics
The first test lasts one hour.
It consists of:
- English
- Mathematics
Each section begins with a five-minute practice exercise followed by a 25-minute test.
This means the structure is:
English
5 minutes practice
25 minutes test
Mathematics
5 minutes practice
25 minutes test
Total: approximately 60 minutes.
The English section includes a comprehension exercise together with additional questions designed to assess literacy skills.
The mathematics section assesses mathematical ability.
Test 2: Reasoning
The second test is a reasoning paper and takes approximately one hour, including the practice sections and questions.
It contains:
The verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections are approximately equal in length.
The non-verbal reasoning element is divided into shorter sections. These sections are individually administered and timed.
This means that children need to be comfortable working under changing time limits rather than simply working for one continuous period.
The Kent Test writing exercise
The Kent Test also includes a writing exercise.
The writing exercise is allocated 40 minutes, including 10 minutes of planning time.
Importantly, the writing exercise is not marked as part of the normal Kent Test score.
However, Kent County Council states that the exercise may be used by a local headteacher panel as part of the headteacher assessment stage.
Parents should therefore not assume that the writing exercise is irrelevant simply because it does not contribute directly to the standardised test score.
How is the Kent Test marked?
The Kent Test papers are multiple-choice and children record their answers on a separate answer sheet.
The papers are marked by computer.
Children receive three standardised scores:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
They also receive an aggregate score.
Standardisation takes account of the child’s age, meaning that younger children in the cohort are not disadvantaged simply because they are younger than other children sitting the same examination.
The grammar assessment threshold changes from year to year.
For the 2025 Kent Test, children needed an aggregate score of at least 332, with no individual score below 108, to receive a grammar assessment.
The threshold for the September 2026 test will only be known after the 2026 test results have been processed.
Medway:
How is the Medway Test structured?
The Medway Test consists of three papers:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
There must be a minimum break of 20 minutes between the test papers.
English
The English paper lasts:
30 minutes
It assesses:
- Comprehension
- Punctuation
- Grammar
Unlike some other tests, the whole English paper is completed within one continuous 30-minute period.
There are three practice questions, followed by the timed test.
Mathematics
The mathematics paper lasts:
50 minutes
It assesses mathematical ability.
The paper is completed as one continuous timed test rather than being divided into separately timed sections.
There are two practice questions before the timed test.
Reasoning
The reasoning paper lasts:
45 minutes
It contains:
- Spatial reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
The spatial/non-verbal reasoning element lasts 20 minutes.
The verbal reasoning element lasts 25 minutes.
The spatial and non-verbal reasoning questions are divided into four separately timed sections. Practice questions are given before the relevant sections.
The verbal reasoning section is one timed section.
How is the Medway Test scored?
The Medway Test is first marked using raw scores — the number of questions answered correctly.
These raw scores are then age-standardised.
The individual standardised scores are weighted as follows:
English × 2
Mathematics × 2
Reasoning × 1
The weighted scores are then combined to produce the child’s total weighted score.
The minimum score required to be assessed as suitable for grammar school changes from year to year.
Medway Council reports the following recent minimum weighted scores:
- 2026 admissions: 481
- 2025 admissions: 482
- 2024 admissions: 492
These historical figures should not be treated as the guaranteed pass mark for the September 2026 test.
Medway Council states that the test is designed to assess approximately the highest 26% of children attending Medway maintained schools as grammar.
For children attending non-Medway schools, achieving the minimum weighted score is the relevant requirement for being assessed as grammar.
Bexley, Kent and Medway 11+ Tests: Key Differences
Although all three examinations are designed to identify children suitable for selective education, their structures are different.
| Feature | Bexley Selection Test | Kent Test | Medway Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test provider | Quest Assessments | GL Assessment | GL Assessment |
| Main areas tested | Verbal ability/English comprehension, numerical reasoning, non-verbal reasoning | English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning | English, mathematics, spatial/non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning |
| Number of main papers | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| English | Included within verbal ability/English comprehension | 25-minute test after 5-minute practice | 30 minutes |
| Mathematics | Numerical reasoning | 25-minute test after 5-minute practice | 50 minutes |
| Verbal reasoning | Included within verbal ability | Reasoning paper | Reasoning paper |
| Non-verbal reasoning | Included | Included | Included with spatial reasoning |
| Writing exercise | No | Yes, 40 minutes including 10 minutes planning; not normally marked | No |
| Multiple choice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Age standardisation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| September 2026 test period | 2–10 September, depending on test centre | 10 September for Kent primary pupils; 12–13 September for others | 15–16 September for Medway primary pupils; 19–20 September for most pupils outside Medway |
| 2026 results | Early October | 15 October | 14 October |
The Day of the Test: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Before you leave home
A good night’s sleep: This is non-negotiable. Ensure your child gets to bed early the night before. A rested brain performs significantly better than a tired one.
A healthy breakfast: Serve a nutritious breakfast that will release energy slowly—think porridge, eggs, or wholemeal toast. Avoid sugary cereals that might lead to an energy crash mid-test.
Stay calm: Your child will pick up on your anxiety. Project an air of calm confidence. Today is about them doing their best, nothing more.
Double-check essentials: Pack a clear pencil case with several pencils (HB), a rubber, a sharpener, and a ruler. Most authorities require answers to be written in pencil. Check your official communication for this. A bottle of water (with no label) is also essential.
2. Arrival and registration
Be early, but not excessively early: Aim to arrive at the test centre (usually a local grammar or non-selective secondary school) with about 10-15 minutes to spare. Arriving excessively early can heighten anxiety as children wait around.
If you are driving to the 11+ test centre, be aware that many other parents will be doing the same. Parking won’t be straightforward. If possible, if two adults accompany the child, one adult can take care of parking, the other can take the child to the 11+ test centre. If this is not possible, consider taking public transport but leaving extra early or taking a taxi/cab.
Separation: Parents are almost always not allowed into the test hall. You will typically say goodbye at the school gate or a designated drop-off point. Trust the staff; they are experienced in managing this day.
Registration: Invigilators will guide the children to their assigned seats. They will explain the rules clearly and calmly before starting.
3. During the test
The environment: The test will typically be held in a hall. Invigilators will be present to hand out papers, give instructions, and ensure everything runs fairly and quietly.
The break: There will be a supervised break between the two papers. Children can have a drink of water and go to the toilet. Some authorities may allow a small, quiet snack during this time—check your specific instructions from Bexley, Kent, or Medway.
Anxiety management: It’s normal for children to feel nervous. Invigilators are trained to handle this. Encourage your child to take a few deep breaths if they feel overwhelmed and to remember that it’s okay to find some questions challenging.
If your child is asthmatic, remember to pack their inhaler.
4. After the Test
Focus on the positive things: Praise them for their hard work and resilience. Say, “I’m so proud of you for giving it your best shot!” or “well done for getting through it!”
A treat: Plan something nice for afterwards. Whether it’s their favourite lunch, a trip to the park, or simply a relaxing afternoon watching a film, it gives them something to look forward to and marks the end of a big challenge.
Practical advice checklist:
[ ] Confirm the venue and time on your official admission document.
[ ] Plan your journey to account for traffic and avoid last-minute rushing.
[ ] Pack a clear pencil case with HB pencils, a rubber, sharpener, and ruler.
[ ] Provide a clear bottle of water with the label removed.
[ ] Ensure a good breakfast and a calm morning routine.
[ ] Use positive, reassuring language before the test.
[ ] Pack medication/ inhaler if it is needed.
[ ] Plan a relaxing activity or treat for after the test.
Remember, this test is a snapshot of your child’s ability on one particular day. You have already supported them tremendously by helping them prepare. Now, your role is to be their calm, reassuring champion.
Important note: Always refer to the official communications from your local authority (Bexley, Kent County Council, or Medway Council) for the most definitive and up-to-date information regarding your specific test.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bexley, Kent and Medway 11+ Tests
What is the 11+ test?
The 11+ is a selection test used by grammar schools to assess whether children meet the required academic standard for selective education.
There is not one national 11+ test. Bexley, Kent and Medway each operate their own selection test, with differences in the subjects tested, timings, question formats and scoring systems.
For children transferring to secondary school in September 2027, the Bexley, Kent and Medway tests take place during September 2026.
Is the Bexley 11+ the same as the Kent Test?
No. The Bexley Selection Test and Kent Test are separate examinations.
Although both assess areas such as English, mathematics and reasoning, their structures and timings are different.
The Bexley Selection Test consists of two multiple-choice papers covering verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
The Kent Test consists of an English and mathematics test, a reasoning test and a separate writing exercise.
A child who wants to be considered for grammar schools in both areas must take both tests. Passing the Kent Test does not count as passing the Bexley Selection Test.
Is the Medway Test the same as the Bexley or Kent 11+?
No. The Medway Test is a separate selection examination operated by Medway Council.
The Medway Test consists of three papers:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
The reasoning paper includes spatial/non-verbal reasoning and verbal reasoning.
The scoring system is also different. Medway uses a weighted score in which English and mathematics each count twice, while reasoning counts once.
Can my child take the Bexley, Kent and Medway 11+ tests?
Yes. A child can take more than one of these selection tests if they are considering grammar schools in different areas.
For example, a child considering grammar schools in Bexley and Kent would need to take both the Bexley Selection Test and Kent Test.
Likewise, a child considering grammar schools in Bexley and Medway would need to take both the Bexley Selection Test and Medway Test.
Parents should check the individual test dates carefully because selection tests can take place relatively close together.
What is tested in the Bexley 11+?
The Bexley Selection Test assesses three broad areas:
- Verbal ability and English comprehension
- Numerical reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
Verbal ability includes vocabulary, comprehension and verbal reasoning.
Numerical reasoning assesses children’s ability to solve mathematical problems. Bexley Council states that the mathematical content does not exceed what children are expected to have learned by the end of Year 5.
Non-verbal reasoning assesses areas such as recognising patterns, understanding relationships and making logical deductions.
How long is the Bexley 11+?
The Bexley Selection Test consists of two papers.
Each paper lasts approximately 50 minutes, plus additional time for instructions.
There is a short break between the papers.
The complete test session lasts approximately two and a half to three hours, including instructions, the two papers and the break.
The individual sections within the papers are separately timed, and the invigilator tells children when to move on to the next section.
How is the Bexley 11+ scored?
The Bexley Selection Test is age-standardised and the final score is weighted as follows:
- 50% verbal ability
- 25% numerical ability
- 25% non-verbal ability
The average total age-standardised score is 200.
Bexley Council determines the selective score in conjunction with the four Bexley grammar schools.
Importantly, achieving the selective standard does not automatically guarantee a grammar school place. Admission and oversubscription criteria still determine whether a child receives an offer.
What is tested in the Kent 11+?
The Kent Test consists of two main tests.
The first is an English and mathematics paper lasting one hour. The English section includes comprehension and additional literacy questions. Each section has five minutes of practice followed by 25 minutes of testing.
The second is a reasoning paper lasting approximately one hour, including practice. It contains verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
The non-verbal reasoning element is divided into shorter individually timed sections.
There is also a 40-minute writing exercise, including 10 minutes of planning. The writing exercise is not marked but may be considered by a local headteacher panel as part of the assessment process.
How is the Kent Test scored?
Children receive three standardised scores:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
They also receive an aggregate score.
The standardisation process takes the child’s age into account, so children are not disadvantaged simply because they are younger within the school year.
The required grammar-school threshold can change from year to year. For example, the 2025 threshold was an aggregate score of 332, with no individual score below 108. The threshold for the 2026 test should not be assumed in advance.
What is tested in the Medway 11+?
The Medway Test contains three papers:
English: comprehension, punctuation and grammar.
Mathematics: mathematical ability.
Reasoning: spatial/non-verbal reasoning and verbal reasoning.
The reasoning paper contains separately timed sections for the spatial/non-verbal reasoning element.
How long is the Medway 11+?
The Medway Test consists of:
- English – 30 minutes
- Mathematics – 50 minutes
- Reasoning – 45 minutes
There is a minimum break of 20 minutes between the papers.
The reasoning paper contains 20 minutes of spatial/non-verbal reasoning and 25 minutes of verbal reasoning.
This means that children preparing for Medway need to be comfortable working accurately under several different timed conditions.
How is the Medway 11+ scored?
Medway first calculates raw scores based on the number of questions answered correctly.
These scores are then age-standardised.
The three papers are weighted as follows:
English × 2 + Mathematics × 2 + Reasoning × 1 = total weighted score
A minimum weighted score is set each year.
The required score should therefore not be assumed to be the same every year. For example, Medway reports minimum scores of 481 for 2026 admissions, 482 for 2025 admissions and 492 for 2024 admissions.
When is the Bexley 11+ in 2026?
For September 2027 secondary-school entry, Bexley Selection Test sessions take place between 2 and 10 September 2026, depending on the test centre.
Children attending participating Bexley primary schools generally take the test at their own school between 2 and 10 September.
Other children are allocated a test centre at one of the four Bexley grammar schools, with sessions taking place between 7 and 10 September 2026.
When is the Kent 11+ in 2026?
The 2026 Kent Test takes place on:
Thursday 10 September 2026 for children attending Kent primary schools.
Children who do not attend a Kent primary school will take the test during the weekend of:
Saturday 12 or Sunday 13 September 2026.
Kent Test results will be issued on Thursday 15 October 2026.
When is the Medway 11+ in 2026?
Children attending Medway maintained primary or junior schools will take the Medway Test on Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Children from non-Medway schools will generally take the test on Saturday 19 or Sunday 20 September 2026, with a specific date allocated to each child.
Medway Test results will be issued on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Does passing the Kent Test mean my child has passed the Bexley 11+?
No.
The Bexley Selection Test, Kent Test and Medway Test are separate examinations.
Bexley Council specifically states that achieving the selective standard in the Kent Test or another selection test will not be considered for the Bexley Selection Test.
If your child wants to be considered for grammar schools in different areas, they need to take the relevant selection tests.
Does passing the 11+ guarantee a grammar school place?
No.
Passing or achieving the required selective standard generally means that your child is eligible to be considered for grammar-school admission. It does not necessarily guarantee a place at a particular school.
The number of available places, the number of selective children and each school’s oversubscription criteria can all affect whether a child receives an offer.
In Bexley, for example, Bexley Council states that achieving the selective standard does not guarantee a grammar school place and that distance and other admission criteria can determine which children receive offers.
Which is the hardest 11+ test: Bexley, Kent or Medway?
There is no official ranking that establishes that one of the three tests is objectively harder than the others.
Bexley, Kent and Medway use different structures, timings and scoring systems. A child may find one format more comfortable than another.
For example, Bexley uses separately timed sections within its papers, Kent has individually timed non-verbal reasoning sections and a writing exercise, while Medway uses three separate papers with different timings.
From our experience, though, children always say the Medway test is the easier of the three. We also see that children who fail the Bexley and Kent 11 plus exam are often able to pass the Medway 11 plus exam. This is not definitive, of course, but it is what we have seen over the last few years.
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