Holcombe Grammar School – 11+ Parent’s Guide
Essential Details
- Address: Holcombe Grammar School, Holcombe, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6JB
- Number of pupils: 1,100+
- Admissions contact: office@holcombegrammar.org.uk
- Number of places in Year 7: 180
- 11+ exam: Kent Test (11+ selection test)
- Catchment area: Priority given to Medway and Kent residents
Mark Your Calendar
See Holcombe Grammar School’s website for latest information and key dates.
Exploring Holcombe Grammar School : A Parent’s Guide
Holcombe Grammar School, with roots dating back to 1888, is a high-performing boys’ grammar school (co-educational in Sixth Form) renowned for its academic excellence and strong STEM focus. The school was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2022 and has been consistently ranked among the top state schools in Kent for value-added progress.
The school offers a challenging curriculum with specialist pathways in engineering, computer science and mathematics. Holcombe’s unique ‘Future Innovators’ programme partners with local industries including BAE Systems and Pfizer. Facilities include a £3.5 million STEM centre, professional-grade robotics lab and Olympic-standard sports complex.
With a strong emphasis on character development, Holcombe nurtures well-rounded individuals through its house system, Combined Cadet Force and extensive leadership opportunities. The school boasts an impressive alumni network including tech entrepreneurs and Royal Society fellows.
Navigating the Application process for Holcombe Grammar School
- Register for the Kent Test: Opens June, closes July (separate registration required for Medway residents)
- Understand Admissions Criteria: Places allocated by test score, with priority to Medway then Kent residents
- Attend Open Events: Open mornings in June and September – pre-booking essential
- Submit Supplementary Form: Required for Medway applicants in addition to LA form
- Application Deadline: Kent/Medway applications due by 31 October
- Test Results: Released mid-October (Kent) or early November (Medway)
- Offer Day: National offer day 1 March
Help your child succeed in 11+ Exam
11 Plus Reading Comprehension Book
Original price was: £12.99.£4.99Current price is: £4.99.
Complete 11+ Practice Books Set – 50 Books for Maths, English, Reasoning
Original price was: £69.99.£39.99Current price is: £39.99.
What to Expect on Secondary Transfer Test at Holcombe Grammar School
The Kent/Medway Test includes:
- English & Maths Paper: 1-hour combined paper (grammar, comprehension, mathematical reasoning)
- Verbal Reasoning Paper: 1-hour paper (vocabulary, logic, word relationships)
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Included in Medway test only
- Scoring: Standardised age-weighted scores (total possible 423 for Kent)
- Pass Mark: Typically 350+ for Holcombe due to high demand
Tailored Preparation for Success
Want to give your child a roadmap to success in the Secondary Transfer Test? You can with Learoni. We provide everything you need to prepare in one comprehensive package. Forget about hiring a tutor to secure a spot at your top-choice grammar school. With Learoni, you’ll receive a tailored plan for your child and ongoing support throughout their enjoyable revision journey.
Expert Tips for Secondary Transfer Test Preparation
- Master Kent-Specific Formats: The verbal reasoning paper has unique question styles
- Develop Lightning Calculations: Maths questions demand rapid mental arithmetic
- Build Technical Vocabulary: Focus on synonyms, antonyms and word analogies
- Practice Under Pressure: Time per question is extremely limited
- Prepare for Both Tests: Medway applicants should study non-verbal reasoning
- Perfect Multiple-Choice Technique: Learn intelligent elimination strategies
Why Choose Us
One-off Payment
No subscriptions, no hidden charges
Comprehensive
Cover all 11+ topics in great depth
Practice Books
100's of questions to cover all topics
Full Course
English, Maths, Verbal & non-verbal reasoning
