Dartford Grammar School – 11+ Parent’s Guide
Essential Details
- Address: Dartford Grammar School, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HW
- Number of pupils: 1,300+ (boys aged 11-18, mixed Sixth Form)
- Admissions contact: admissions@dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk
- Number of places in Year 7: 180
- 11+ exam: Kent Test (11+ selection test)
- Catchment area: Yes (priority given to Kent residents)
Mark Your Calendar
See Dartford Grammar School’s website for latest information and key dates.
Exploring Dartford Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
Founded in 1576, Dartford Grammar School (DGS) is one of England’s oldest state grammar schools, renowned for combining historic tradition with academic excellence. In 2023, the school achieved 91% 9-7 grades at GCSE and 85% A*-B at A-level, with 32 Oxbridge offers – among the highest state school totals nationally.
The school offers an exceptional curriculum with specialist programs in engineering, computer science, and global studies. DGS’s unique “Archimedes Programme” provides accelerated learning pathways in STEM, supported by outstanding facilities including a £5m Innovation Centre with robotics labs and engineering workshops.
Beyond academics, DGS provides an unparalleled extracurricular program including national championship-winning chess and debating teams, award-winning Combined Cadet Force, and competitive sports academies. The school’s “DGS Diploma” complements academic studies with challenges in leadership, research, and community service.
Navigating the Application process at Dartford Grammar School
- Automatic Registration: Kent primary pupils are automatically registered for the 11+
- Out-of-County Applicants: Must register by June 30th of Year 5
- Test Preparation: Focus on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics
- Test Date: Kent Test taken in September of Year 6
- Application Deadline: Submit CAF to Kent County Council by October 31st
- Results: Standardised scores released in October
- National Offer Day: March 1st
Help your child succeed in 11+ Exam
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What to Expect on Dartford Grammar School
The Kent Test consists of:
- Two 50-minute multiple-choice papers taken on the same day
- Paper 1: Verbal reasoning (including English comprehension)
- Paper 2: Non-verbal reasoning and mathematics
- Creative writing task (used in appeals)
- Standardised scoring system (minimum qualifying score varies annually)
- Exam conditions at designated test centres across Kent
Tailored Preparation for Success
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Expert Tips for Secondary Transfer Test Preparation
- Technical Vocabulary: Focus on engineering and computing terminology
- Non-Verbal Mastery: Practice complex 3D spatial reasoning
- Mathematical Precision: Strengthen algorithmic problem solving
- Timed Drills: Complete sections with 10% less than allotted time
- Mock Exam Series: 10+ full practice tests under exam conditions
- Error Tracking: Maintain categorized logs of mistake patterns
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