How to get into Dartford Grammar School

Boys get into Dartford Grammar School through the Kent Test. For September 2028 entry the test is expected in early September 2027.

Get your child ready for Dartford Grammar School's entrance 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.

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Dates for September 2028 entry

The dates for September 2028 entry aren't published yet. Last year the test was in early September 2027. Every Kent Test date.

Source: Kent County Council. Checked 7 November 2026.

What to do next, for September 2028 entry

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.
Practise little and often
Daily practice on what the Kent Test covers, so the papers feel familiar by test day. Try a free class.
Sit the test
The date is not published yet. Last year it was in September.
Get the result
Results come before the council application deadline.
Apply through your council
Name Dartford Grammar School on your council's secondary school application by 31 October 2027. Passing the test alone doesn't give a place.
Offers
Councils send offers on National Offer Day, 1 March 2028.

What Dartford Grammar School looks for

Only boys who reach the grammar standard in the Kent Test are considered. Eligible boys are then ranked by their total Kent Test score.
180 boys join Year 7.
130 places go first to boys living in named Dartford wards and parishes. The other 50 are open to boys from any address.
When scores are tied, the boy living nearest the school, in a straight line, gets the place.

Source: Dartford Grammar School admission arrangements 2026 to 2027 (Kent County Council). Checked 7 November 2026.

These are the rules for September 2026 entry. The school had not published its September 2027 rules when we last checked.

What the test covers

English and maths, about an hour. Reasoning, about an hour including practice. A writing task of 40 minutes, including 10 minutes to plan. The full detail of each paper.

Questions parents ask

Which test does Dartford Grammar School use?

Dartford Grammar School uses the Kent Test. Only boys who reach the grammar standard in the Kent Test are considered. Eligible boys are then ranked by their total Kent Test score.

How many places are there?

180 boys join Year 7. These are the numbers for September 2026 entry.

What happens when scores are tied?

When scores are tied, the boy living nearest the school, in a straight line, gets the place.