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The Kent Test for September 2028 entry

Children starting Year 6 in September 2027 sit the next Kent Test, for September 2028 entry. Going by last year, registration opens in early June 2027 and the test is in early September 2027.

Know where your child stands before the Kent Test

Daily practice on the skills the Kent Test checks. Their answers show what to work on next, along with any Bond papers you log.

Try a free class

What to do next, for September 2028 entry

  1. Register for the test

    The dates aren't published yet. Last year registration opened in June. Missing it means your child can't sit the test.

  2. Practise little and often

    Daily practice on what the Kent Test covers, so the papers feel familiar by test day. Try a free class.

  3. Sit the test

    The date is not published yet. Last year it was in September.

  4. Get the result

    Results come before the council application deadline.

  5. Apply through your council

    Name the grammar schools you want on your council's secondary school application by 31 October 2027. Passing the test alone doesn't give a place.

  6. Offers

    Councils send offers on National Offer Day, 1 March 2028.

Key dates for September 2028 entry

Kent County Council hasn't published these dates yet. Until it does, here's when each step happened last year. We add the exact dates when they're out.

  1. Today, 12 November
  2. Registration opensEarly June 2027
  3. Registration closesEarly July 2027
  4. Test day, children at a Kent primary schoolEarly September 2027
  5. Test weekend, children at other primary schoolsMid September 2027
  6. Results dayMid October 2027
Last year's dates, for September 2027 entry
  1. Registration openedMonday, 1 June 2026
  2. Registration closedWednesday, 1 July 2026
  3. Test day, children at a Kent primary schoolThursday, 10 September 2026
  4. Test weekend, children at other primary schoolsSaturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
  5. Results came outThursday, 15 October 2026

Source: Kent County Council. Checked 7 November 2026.

What is in the test

Paper 1
English and maths, about an hour. Each half starts with a 5 minute practice exercise, then a 25 minute test. The English half includes a comprehension and questions on literacy skills.
Paper 2
Reasoning, about an hour including practice. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning in sections of roughly equal length. The non-verbal part is split into short sections, each timed separately.
Writing task
A writing task of 40 minutes, including 10 minutes to plan. It is not marked. A panel of local head teachers may read it if a child is referred for a head teacher assessment.

Every question is multiple choice. Children mark their answers on a separate answer sheet, which a computer marks.

Source: Kent County Council. Checked 7 November 2026.

Who can apply

1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016

Source: Kent County Council. Checked 7 November 2026.

Schools that use the Kent Test

When to start preparing for the Kent Test, year by year

Questions parents ask

What is the writing task?

A writing task of 40 minutes, including 10 minutes to plan. It is not marked. A panel of local head teachers may read it if a child is referred for a head teacher assessment.

Which children sit the test for September 2028 entry?

Children born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 sit it.

Explore more

Schools that use the Kent Test

More on the Kent Test

Other 11+ areas

Schools with their own test

Know where your child stands before the Kent Test

Daily practice on the skills the Kent Test checks. Their answers show what to work on next, along with any Bond papers you log.

Try a free class