Dartford Grammar School 11+ Guide
Dartford Grammar School is a boys' grammar school in Kent, founded in 1576 and known for the International Baccalaureate. Places are decided by the Kent Test. This guide explains who can apply, the local priority area, how places are given and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its rules.
About the school
- A selective boys' grammar school (a single academy), with a mixed sixth form that teaches the IB Diploma only.
- An IB World School since 1995. Mandarin or Japanese is taught from Year 7.
- 180 Year 7 places for September 2027.
Who can apply
- Boys who are assessed as suitable for grammar school through the Kent Test. The school does not set its own Year 7 test.
- Register for the Kent Test in June of Year 5, then name Dartford Grammar on your home council's application by the Kent deadline (2 November 2026 for Kent families; London boroughs use 31 October).
- Boys claiming a pupil premium place must send the school's supplementary form with proof.
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Kent Test registration: 1 June to 1 July 2026 (closed)
- Kent Test: 10 September 2026 (12 and 13 September for children at schools outside Kent)
- Results: 15 October 2026
- Kent application closing date: 2 November 2026
- National Offer Day: 1 March 2027
The entrance test
Dartford Grammar uses the Kent Test: English and Maths, Reasoning, and an unmarked writing task. See our Kent Test guide for the full details.
Is there a Stage II?
No. There is no second test or interview for Year 7.
How places are given
Boys with an education, health and care plan naming the school are admitted first. The other places are split into two groups, each ranked by Kent Test score:
Local priority area: 130 places
For boys living in the borough of Dartford, plus Ash-cum-Ridley, Crockenhill, Eynsford, Farningham, Fawkham, Hartley, Hextable, Horton Kirby and South Darenth, Swanley and West Kingsdown. In order:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after boys
- Up to 13 pupil premium boys scoring at least 20 points above the qualifying score
- Boys scoring at least 40 points above the qualifying score, in score order
Open places: 50 places
For boys from any address (including local boys not placed above). In order:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after boys
- Up to 5 pupil premium boys scoring at least 20 points above the qualifying score
- All other boys, in score order
Ties are broken by distance (straight line). Unfilled local places move to the open group. A waiting list is kept, re-ranked by the rules.
How to help your son prepare
- A high Kent Test score matters, not just a pass. Aim well above the qualifying score.
- Cover the Key Stage 2 English and Maths in Year 5, and practise verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- Practise short timed sections on an answer sheet, using Kent's free familiarisation booklet.
- Keep reading every day. It helps English and verbal reasoning.
Common questions from parents
We live outside the local area. Can my son get a place?
Yes. 50 places are open to any address and go by Kent Test score.
Is passing the Kent Test enough for a local place?
Not always. Local boys need a total at least 40 points above the qualifying score for a local place by score. Others compete for the open places.
Official information
- Dartford Grammar School: Year 7 admissions
- Admission criteria 2027-28 (Kent County Council, PDF)
- Kent County Council: the Kent Test
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Rules and dates can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Dartford Grammar School Year 7 admissions page; admission criteria 2027-28 (Kent County Council); checked 25 September 2026.