Key dates & registration process for the Kent Test
About the test
The Kent Test assesses whether a grammar school is suitable for a child, focusing on critical thinking, English, and Maths. It consists of two papers, usually taken on the same day:
- Paper 1: English and Maths (approx. 1 hour)
- Paper 2: Reasoning (approx. 1 hour) verbal/non-verbal/spatial reasoning
- Both papers include a mix of multiple-choice questions
Key Dates
Registration Opens: 1 June 2026
Registration Closes: 1 July 2026
Test Date: 10th September 2026
Results: 15th October 2026 before the school application deadline
National Offer Day: 1 March 2027
Kent Test Registration Window: Usually opens 2 June and closes at midnight on 1 July.
Late registrations are typically not accepted however at St Faith’s Prep we have a close working relationship with the KCC Secondary Admissions team and will support our families, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the PESE process, to ensure registrations are complete before the assessment process.
Method: Register online to receive results by email on the designated date in October:
Register for the Kent Test – Kent County Council
Required Info: You will need to submit your child’s details through the online portal.
Outside Kent/SEN Children: For children residing outside Kent or with special educational needs (SEN), specialized guidance is available on the KCC website above or email the team:
School Preference: The Kent Test provides a “grammar-assessed” standardised score but does not guarantee a spot at a specific school. Registering for the test is not a school application. You must still complete the separate Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) to select school preferences by the October deadline.
Secondary school places – Kent County Council
To apply for a secondary school place in Kent, parents must complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF). The window for completing this form is typically between 1st September and 31st October. The form allows you to select four schools in order of preference. If you would like your child to be considered for a grammar school, your child must have been registered and completed the Kent Test or specific entry test for the grammar school of your choice (Dover Grammar School for Girls and Boys and the Folkestone grammar school host their own entry tests). Many parents delay their completion of this form until after results day (mid October).
Parents are usually offered one of their four choices of school based on the individual school’s entry criteria. Please see the criteria for schools via the link below or on the individual school’s website. Advice to parents is that if they wish to appeal the decision by KCC not to allocate parents first choice of school, they can appeal to any school named on their SCAF. Waiting lists are also created by schools which can offer places once allocation and acceptance has been completed.
Secondary 2027/28 – Kent County Council
At St Faith’s Prep, we have a wealth of experience and knowledge of our local secondary schools and we meet with parents to discuss school options. We advise parents to visit the full range of schools, which each offer different specialisms, learning styles, and support. We always display and distribute information regarding Open Events and hold a PESE (Procedure for Entry into Secondary Education) meeting offering information regarding the entry process, assessments, and an opportunity to meet with local secondary independent school admissions teams who share their scholarship and admissions processes.
Following schools’ allocation in March, many families are delighted that their child has been offered the secondary school place of their choice. If parents and children decide to appeal their allocation, our professional team at St Faith’s are on hand to support building an appeal application, attend appeal meetings, and advise on next steps.
If you’re interested to learn more about St Faith’s Prep, please register your interest via the button below. Our friendly team will then be in touch.