Kent Test timeline
Confused about the timings and dates of the Kent Test? Not sure what you should be doing?
Use our timeline tool below to help you plan your route to Kent Test success. NB - we ask for your child's date of birth only to refine what events are shown. This is not stored anywhere. If you would rather, just press the second option on the form and you can view all events for the Kent Test.
Please note that this form assumes your child is the standard age for the year, i.e. they aren't in a different school than they normally would be for their age.
What to do and when
Showing all timeline events for all ages. Use the form above to edit what is shown here.
| School year | What to do |
|---|---|
| Nursery/ pre-school (1 to 2) | Some parents are entitled to some free childcare at this stage. Use the website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Make sure you’re reading to your child every day. Jigsaws are good for early pattern recognition. If your child is at some nurseries they will give you age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Other resources: Use books and jigsaw puzzles to help your child https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-2-year-olds/ |
| Nursery/ pre-school (2 to 3) | All parents of three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare. Use this website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Keep reading every day to your child and start counting up to ten. If your child is at nursery they will give you age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Suggested resources: Books and simple board games. https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/article-your-pre-school-child |
| Nursery/ pre-school (3 to 4) | All parents of three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare. Most working parents are entitled to 30 hours a week of free childcare. Use the website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Apply for primary school in Kent using this website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/primary-school-places The deadline is the January before you want your child to start reception (for a September 2026 start, you would need to apply by January 2026). https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/126774/Guide-to-applying-to-Primary-in-Kent.pdf If your child is at nursery or pre-school they will give you age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Your child could start reading independently. Remember every child is different and meets their personalised goals at different times. You should continue to read every day to your child. https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/g/great-books-guide-for-children-2023-4-5/ |
| Reception (4 to 5) | No applications at this stage. Your child’s school should provide you with regular reports. Keep in touch with the class teacher to find out how they are progressing in:
Your child should be reading independently, but remember every child is different and works at a different pace towards their individualised goals. |
| Year 1 (5 to 6) | No further applications at this stage. Your child’s school should provide you with regular reports. Keep in touch with the class teacher to find out how they are progressing in:
Owl 7+ Papers will give you a good idea of your child’s ability in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. |
| Year 2 (6 to 7) | No further applications at this stage, unless you are considering a move to another school at Year 3 (from infant to junior school). https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/126774/Guide-to-applying-to-Primary-in-Kent.pdf Start researching secondary schools. Which one is closest to your house? Where would you like your child to go? Have a look at the school’s Ofsted report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ Owl Tutors 8+ Papers will give you a good idea of your child’s ability in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. |
| Year 3 (7 to 8) | Keep researching secondary schools. Which one is closest to your house? Where would you like your child to go? Have a look at the school’s Ofsted report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ CGP and Bond do 11+ books which are appropriate for this age. (Look for age 8-9) A specialist primary tutor can help support with the KS2 curriculum during Year 3. |
| Year 4 (8 to 9) | Consider starting specialist Kent Test tuition. You could start with one hour every two weeks. Keep researching secondary schools. Which one is closest to your house? Where would you like your child to go? CGP and Bond do 11+ books which are appropriate for this age (look for age 9-10). |
| Year 5 (9 to 10) | You must register for the Kent Test online between June and July of Year 5: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test Increase tuition to once a week. Ask your tutor to focus on specifics subjects now – and start looking at exam technique towards the end of the year. Attend Open Days – these are designed for Year 5 pupils and their families. Consider a mock test in the Summer Term of Year 5. Keep reading every day. CGP and Bond books can support tutoring. You can also use a web-based application such as Atom Learning. |
| Year 6 (10 to 11) | The test will be in the first or second week of September. Find exact dates here: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test Final push! You should be focusing on exam technique, what to expect and timings. Ensure your child knows what to expect on the day by running through timings with their tutor. Keep reading every day. Take your tutor’s advice and good luck! |
Holly - Check availability
11 Plus, 13 Plus, Other School Entrance, University Admissions, English & Maths
Holly studied at Durham University where she gained a degree in English Literature and Music, and then moved to London where she gained...
Online tuition
English (2009)
School entrance experience
Kent Grammar Schools blog posts
Tips and advice from our expert Kent Grammar Schools tutors.
