1. Kent Selection Test Parents Information Session 9 th June 2016

2. Website address http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and- children/schools/school-places/kent-test

4. Registration All applications to Grammar School MUST sit the Kent Test. Registration open between 1 st June and 1 st July Download registration form. If unsure, still register!. Speak to Miss Clifford (SENCo) if your child has a disability or special needs, notification to KCC must be made by 11 th July

5. The Assessment Tests One day THURSDAY 8 th September. Very close to the beginning of the school term, so make sure they are ready for it!

6. PAPER ONE English / Maths 5 minute practice plus 25 minutes for each part. Comprehension exercise part of the English test. Includes Literacy Skills (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)

7. PAPER TWO REASONING Multiple Choice One hour long Verbal reasoning Non verbal reasoning in shorter timed sections Automated marking machine.

8. Writing Paper Writing Paper used by Head Teacher appeal panel. Choice of Genres 10 minute planning, 40 minute writing

9. Preparation booklet http://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/14513/Kent-Test-familiarisation- booklet.pdf

10. Marking Scheme The pass mark is different every year Will be set once the test has been marked and will depend on the range of scores. Mark is standardised to allow for age. 100 = average. Range is between 69 and 138-141 420 is the maximum standardised score 2015; pass mark 320+ with no individual score below 106. 2015 Range available on the website; http://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/excel_doc/0009/18000/Report-of-Kent-Test-scores.xls

11. Will a good mark mean my child automatically gets a place at the Grammar School? No! Grammar Schools can be over subscribed and will follow their admissions criteria which will be detailed in their entry details.

12. Can I appeal against the outcome of the assessment? No! Head Teacher appeal may have taken place. Based on evidence of selected work in year 5 and ALL work in year 6. Parents can still name a grammar school on their Common Application Form. The school will have to turn down their application, and they will be offered a different school on national offer day. (March) You will be able to appeal for a named place details will be in the offer letter. You will be advised to accept the place offered whilst you are awaiting the outcome of the appeal.

13. Important Dates Registration for the Kent test opened on 1 st July 2016. It will close 1 st July. (www.kent.gov.uk) Kent children who have been registered to do so, will take tests on 10th September 2016. You will be posted a letter telling you whether or not your child has been assessed suitable for grammar school on 13th October 2016. The letter should arrive on 14th October. If you registered online, you will also be sent an e mail after 5pm on 13th October 2016. Scores will be available from the school from 9am 14 th October 2016

14. Is this right for my child? Good indicators are: CATs (look for scores of 115+) End of Year 5 level Disposition of child

15. How can I prepare my child? School must not coach for the Kent Test. Maintain reading and writing and Maths levels through the school holiday period. Look at verbal and non verbal exercises, preferably the shorter ones, rather than 11+ papers. RELAX!!!!!

16. What alternatives are there? Lots! Check out the local schools by visiting on Open Days. Information board available outside year 6.

17. Useful links This link will take you to the KCC page which has all the information and documents available to parents to support the application to secondary school. http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and- children/schools/school-places/kent-test http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and- children/schools/school-places/kent-test