Grammar Schools in Gravesend: Schools, Admissions and 11+

Parents researching grammar schools in Gravesend have two local selective secondary schools to consider: Gravesend Grammar School for boys and Mayfield Grammar School for girls. Families may also want to explore grammar schools in nearby Dartford, including Dartford Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School for Girls.

Admission usually involves selective assessment, but passing an 11+ test does not automatically guarantee a place. Each school has its own admissions criteria, priority areas and oversubscription rules, so it is important to understand the requirements before applying.

Which Grammar Schools Are in Gravesend?

Gravesend has two established grammar schools. Both are selective state schools, but they have different admissions arrangements.

Gravesend Grammar School

Gravesend Grammar School is a selective state school for boys aged 11–18, located on Church Walk, Gravesend. Entry into Year 7 is based on selective assessment and the school’s published admissions criteria.

The school uses the Kent 11+ assessment process, known as the Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education (PESE). Applicants must achieve the required selective standard and meet the school’s oversubscription criteria.

For families considering this school, important factors include the school’s published admission arrangements, the priority given to children living in Gravesham and the criteria used when there are more eligible applicants than places.

Find the latest requirements in the official Gravesend Grammar School admissions information.

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend

Mayfield Grammar School is a selective state school for girls, located on Pelham Road in Gravesend. It primarily admits pupils into Year 7 at age 11, with additional entry routes available in certain circumstances.

Mayfield has its own admissions procedure and offers an additional assessment opportunity for eligible applicants who have also taken the Kent Test. Parents should check the school’s current entry requirements carefully, as its arrangements differ from those of Gravesend Grammar School.

Useful information includes registration requirements, assessment dates, oversubscription criteria and any additional forms that must be submitted directly to the school.

Visit the official Mayfield Grammar School admissions page for the latest policies and entry information.

Grammar Schools Near Gravesend in Dartford

Families living in Gravesend may also consider selective schools in Dartford. These schools are outside Gravesend itself, so parents should consider travel arrangements and each school’s admissions criteria when comparing options.

Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School is a selective state school for boys, located on West Hill in Dartford. It admits pupils into Year 7 through Kent’s PESE assessment process.

For September 2027 entry, the school has published an admission number of 180 boys. Applicants must meet the required selective standard, but eligible candidates are then considered under the school’s oversubscription criteria. Priority-area rules and distance can affect the likelihood of receiving an offer.

Read the Dartford Grammar School admissions criteria for 2027–28 before deciding whether to include the school on your application.

Dartford Grammar School for Girls

Dartford Grammar School for Girls is a selective state school for girls aged 11–18. It is based on Shepherds Lane in Dartford and uses the Kent PESE assessment process for Year 7 entry.

For September 2027, the school has published 180 Year 7 places. Reaching the required standard makes a pupil eligible for consideration, but offers are allocated according to the school’s admissions criteria and available places.

Parents should check the school’s priority arrangements and oversubscription rules rather than assuming that a qualifying score guarantees admission.

For full details, read the official Dartford Grammar School for Girls admissions criteria for 2027–28.

How Does the 11+ Work for Grammar Schools in Gravesend?

The 11+ is a selective assessment used to determine whether a child meets the academic standard required for grammar school entry. However, the exact process depends on the school.

For Gravesend Grammar School and the Dartford grammar schools, applicants follow the relevant Kent PESE assessment arrangements. The process assesses areas including English, mathematics and reasoning. The result determines whether a child meets the selective standard, while individual schools’ admission rules determine how places are allocated.

Mayfield Grammar School also has its own published admissions procedure and additional assessment arrangements. Parents should confirm which assessments their child needs to take and whether separate registration is required.

What should children prepare for?

Preparation should build the skills assessed in the relevant entrance tests rather than focus solely on completing practice papers.

Useful areas to practise include:

• English: comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and reading accuracy.
• Mathematics: arithmetic, problem-solving, fractions, percentages and other age-appropriate topics.
• Verbal reasoning: recognising word relationships, patterns and logical connections.
• Non-verbal and spatial reasoning: interpreting shapes, sequences, diagrams and visual patterns.
• Exam technique: working accurately under time pressure and checking answers where possible.

Parents can use 11+ practice questions to help identify strengths and areas that need more attention. A structured preparation plan can then focus on weaker topics while allowing time for timed practice and review.