Tonbridge Grammar School
State Grammar School (Academy) · Est. 1905
Tonbridge Grammar School is unapologetically intellectual, globally minded, and deeply aspirational. It perfectly suits an articulate, self-motivated girl who doesn't just want to pass exams, but genuinely wants to understand the world. The IB philosophy means girls cannot drop subjects they dislike early on; they must be enthusiastic all-rounders.
Kent's only state grammar offering the IB Diploma exclusively — a genuinely global education at zero cost, producing remarkably well-rounded, fiercely intelligent young women with a direct pipeline to Oxbridge and Ivy League.
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Deakin Leas, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2JR
Tuition fees
£0
state-funded
Places available
180
Year 7
IB/A-Level A*/A
63.2
%
GCSE 9–7
77.6
%
Best For
Articulate, self-motivated girls who don't just want to pass exams but genuinely want to understand the world. TGS suits enthusiastic all-rounders who thrive on intellectual breadth — the IB means no dropping subjects early. If you want an elite, globally recognised education at zero cost in Kent, TGS is arguably the most forward-thinking grammar school in the county.
Watch Out For
The Kent Test is a single-shot, high-stakes exam with no interview safety net. Catchment areas (A, B, C) create complex priority hierarchies, and out-of-area families face significantly higher score thresholds for 'Trustee Places'. The IB Diploma is rigorous and demanding — girls who want to specialise early may find the breadth exhausting.
Entry Points
- Main entry at 11+ (180 places) via the Kent Test. Limited 16+ Sixth Form entry for external candidates meeting GCSE requirements. No 13+ entry.
The Complete Admissions Timeline
Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.
The critical window: Registration closes early July of Year 5 — no late applications accepted. The Kent Test in September Year 6 is a single-shot, high-stakes exam with no interview safety net. Results in mid-October drive the CAF deadline (31st October). National Offer Day is 1st March.
Registration opens
Registration officially opens for the Kent Test via the Kent County Council (KCC) portal. Register early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CRITICAL: Registration deadline
Registration deadline for the Kent Test. Late applications are strictly NOT accepted under any circumstances.
Kent Test examination day
All candidates sit the Kent Test at their primary school (if in Kent) or at a designated test centre. Same day, same papers for all candidates.
Kent Test results released
Results are released to parents prior to the CAF deadline. You will know if your daughter has achieved a grammar-qualifying score.
CRITICAL: CAF deadline
Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) deadline. You MUST explicitly name TGS on your form to be eligible for an offer.
National Secondary School Offer Day
All secondary school offers are released nationally. TGS will confirm place allocations based on Kent Test scores and catchment priority.
Key Dates — September Year 7 Entry
- 1
Registration opens
Early June (Year 5)
- 2
Registration deadline
Early July (Year 5)
- 3
Kent Test examination
September (Year 6)
- 4
Results released
Mid-October (Year 6)
- 5
CAF deadline
31st October (Year 6)
- 6
National Offer Day
1st March (Year 6)
Exam Intelligence
TGS admissions are entirely dictated by the Kent Test (PESE), administered by Kent County Council and formulated by GL Assessment. All candidates sit the test on the same day in September of Year 6. There is NO interview stage for 11+ entry — this is a single-stage, exam-only process.
Paper 1: English & Maths
Combined paper (~50 minutes) · Multiple choice
Running out of time; careless arithmetic errors; not reading questions fully; second-guessing correct answers.
Paper 2: Reasoning
Combined paper (~45 minutes) · Multiple choice
Over-thinking VR; panicking on unfamiliar NVR patterns; not practising spatial manipulation enough.
Writing Task (Appeals Only)
40 minutes · Handwritten creative or persuasive writing
Over-investing preparation time; illegible handwriting; generic formulaic writing if reviewed.
Topic Difficulty & Weight
Difficulty (%) and exam weight by topic area
Key takeaway: Combined MC paper testing reading comprehension, SPaG, and KS2+ Maths. Speed and accuracy paramount — no partial credit for working.
Topic Breakdown
Known Exam Traps — Paper 1: English & Maths
Flag difficult questions and return to them. Every question carries equal weight.
Double-check calculations on easier questions — they're free marks.
The pattern: Running out of time; careless arithmetic errors; not reading questions fully; second-guessing correct answers.
If you can only improve in one area, make it
Time management
What this means in practice:
Dedicate 60%+ of prep time to this area
Practice under timed conditions regularly
Review mistakes immediately after each session
Track progress weekly to spot patterns
All focus areas ranked by impact:
#1
Time management
Paper 1: English & Maths
#2
Pattern recognition
Paper 2: Reasoning
#3
Legibility (if appealing)
Writing Task (Appeals Only)
Results & League Table Position
TGS consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.
A-Level A* Rate
23.2%
National rank #57
A-Level A*/A Rate
63.2%
Use the narrative summary below.
GCSE Grade 9-7
77.6%
National rank #126.
A-Level A*-B Rate
91.5%
TGS consistently ranks in the top 60 state schools for A-Level/IB equivalent results and top 130 for GCSE performance nationally.
A-Level Results vs National Average
TGS vs England average (%)
What this means: 63.2% A*/A equivalent from the IB Diploma is exceptional for a state school — placing TGS among the top 60 nationally.
GCSE Grade Distribution
TGS vs National distribution (%)
What this means: 77.6% grades 9–7 at GCSE reflects the highly selective intake. The national average is just 23%.
University Destinations
Where TGS leavers go — % of cohort
Notable Academic Achievements
63.2% A*/A equivalent at IB Diploma (National Rank #57=)
TGS exclusively offers the IB Diploma in Sixth Form — a globally recognised qualification. 23.2% achieved the equivalent of A* grades.
77.6% grades 9–7 at GCSE (National Rank #126)
Strong GCSE foundation across all subjects. The IB Learner Profile is championed from Year 7 onwards.
Kent's Only State Grammar IB World School
TGS is the only state grammar school in Kent offering the IB Diploma exclusively. No A-Levels — a genuinely global education.
Strong Oxbridge and Ivy League Pipeline
Phenomenal university destinations including Oxbridge, Medicine, and top international universities. The IB is globally recognised.
League Table Position: TGS consistently ranks in the top 60 state schools for A-Level/IB equivalent results and top 130 for GCSE performance nationally.
Interview Process
There is NO interview for 11+ entry to Tonbridge Grammar School. Admissions are entirely determined by Kent Test performance. The only 'interview' mentioned in school documentation relates to Oxbridge support for Sixth Form students — not 11+ admissions.
Format
No interview — Kent Test score only
Duration
Role in Admissions
Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate
What Makes a Strong Impression
Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)
The pattern:
What Actually Wins Offers
- 1Focus entirely on Kent Test preparation — there is no interview to prepare for
- 2Balanced performance across all sections (English, Maths, Reasoning) is essential
- 3Practice under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy
- 4Ensure registration is completed well before the early July deadline
Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know
These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 93+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.
Governor's Places reward top scorers regardless of catchment
TGS reserves a specific number of 'Governor's Places' for the absolute highest-scoring girls across the designated areas, regardless of how close they live to the school. Exceptional scores can override catchment disadvantage.
The Kent Test pass mark fluctuates — but all sections matter
To be considered, a girl must achieve the minimum qualifying score across ALL sections of the Kent Test. You cannot bomb English and make it up with genius-level Maths. Balanced performance is essential.
Cut-off scores: 378 (Area) vs 400 (Trustee) for 2026 entry
For 2026 entry, the cut-off score on National Offer Day was 378 for 'Area' places and 400 for 'Trustee' (out-of-area) places. These are aggregate Kent Test scores. Out-of-area families need significantly higher scores.
Registration deadline is early July — no late applications
Registration for the Kent Test closes in early July of Year 5. Late applications are strictly not accepted. Set a reminder well in advance.
The writing task is appeals-only — focus on MC papers
The 40-minute handwritten writing task is NOT automatically marked. It is only reviewed by Headteacher appeal panels if a child narrowly misses the pass mark. Focus preparation on the multiple-choice papers.
Pupil Premium places reserved for social mobility
TGS reserves a set number of places specifically for girls eligible for Pupil Premium (free school meals) who successfully pass the Kent Test. Social mobility is genuinely prioritized.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
The errors we see most often from families preparing for Tonbridge Grammar School. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.
Assuming the writing task is marked in the main score
The 40-minute writing task is NOT automatically marked. It's only reviewed on appeal for borderline cases. Focus preparation on MC papers.
Registering late for the Kent Test
Registration closes in early July of Year 5. Late applications are strictly not accepted under any circumstances. Set reminders.
Ignoring catchment area designations
TGS operates complex geographical catchment (Area A, B, C) with distance priority. Understand your area for realistic expectations.
Bombing one section and hoping to compensate elsewhere
You must achieve the minimum qualifying score across ALL sections. You cannot bomb English and make it up with genius-level Maths.
Not naming TGS on the CAF
Even if your daughter qualifies, she will not receive an offer unless TGS is explicitly named on your Local Authority CAF.
Underestimating the Reasoning paper
VR, Spatial, and NVR require specific practice. These are learnable skills — don't assume raw intelligence is enough.
TGS vs Competitor Schools
How does Tonbridge Grammar School compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.
Important context: TGS competes with Kent's top grammar schools for the brightest girls. Its unique IB Diploma offering and Governor's Places for top scorers differentiate it from traditional A-Level grammars.
| Factor | FeaturedTonbridge Grammar School | Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls | Judd School | Skinners' School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | State Grammar (Girls/Co-ed 6th) | State Grammar (Girls) | State Grammar (Boys/Co-ed 6th) | State Grammar (Boys) |
| Co-educational | ||||
| VR in Exam | ||||
| Annual Fee | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| 11+ Difficulty | Very Hard | Very Hard | Very Hard | Very Hard |
| Interview Style | None | None | None | None |
Why Parents Choose TGS
- Kent's only state grammar IB World SchoolExclusively offers the IB Diploma — a globally recognised qualification that opens doors to international universities.
- Governor's Places reward exceptional scoresTop scorers can secure places regardless of catchment, making TGS accessible for brilliant out-of-area candidates.
- Zero fees for elite educationState-funded grammar delivering independent-school outcomes at no cost to families.
- Strong Oxbridge and international pipelinePhenomenal university destinations including Oxbridge, Medicine, and Ivy League universities.
Points to Consider
- Single-shot exam with no interview safety netThe Kent Test is your only chance. No interview to recover from a weak test performance.
- Complex catchment area systemArea A, B, C designations create priority hierarchies. Out-of-area families need higher scores for Trustee Places.
- IB requires breadth — no early specialisationGirls who want to drop subjects early may find the IB Diploma challenging. Enthusiastic all-rounders thrive.
Scholarships & Financial Support
As a state grammar school, TGS has no tuition fees. Financial support focuses on bursaries for trips, uniform, and extracurricular costs.
| Scholarship Type | Value | Available Places | Selection Method | Stackable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pupil Premium Priority | Reserved places | Limited | Girls eligible for Pupil Premium who pass the Kent Test receive priority consideration. | No |
| Financial Bursaries | Varies | Assessed | Support available for trips, uniform, and extracurricular costs. Contact school for details. | No |
* TGS is committed to social mobility. No student should be excluded from any aspect of the education at TGS due to family income.
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Intelligence Score
Updated April 2026 · 93 sources
Coverage
Measures how much of the admissions picture is directly evidenced rather than inferred from comparable schools or legacy material.
Freshness
This edition was last checked April 2026. Recency scores fall when public evidence ages or current-cycle detail is sparse.
Use it well
Treat lower-scoring areas as prompts to verify with admissions, not as automatic red flags. The score is about evidence quality, not school quality.
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Schools nearby
Royal Rise Primary School
Primary · Very close
Hillview School for Girls
Secondary · 423m away
Weald of Kent Grammar School
Secondary · 808m away
Tonbridge Grammar School
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Slade Primary School and Attached Unit for Children with Hearing Impairment
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Bishop Chavasse Primary School
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