Kent Test Information

Letter to parents of Year 5 pupils - May 2021

About the Kent Test

The Kent test involves two papers in multiple choice format, with a separate answer sheet.

The first test will be an English and Maths paper, 1 hour long split into two sections. The first section is English and the second section is Maths. Each section has a 5 minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test.

The English section will involve a comprehension exercise and additional questions to test literacy skills. For example, questions containing a sentence with a word missing or questions asking you to spot the mistake in a sentence.

The Maths test will contain questions covering topics taught up to the start of Year 6. A small number of questions might be a little more difficult.

Second test is a reasoning paper, which has three sections:

• Verbal reasoning (ability to think using words and symbols).
• Non-verbal reasoning (the ability to think about the relationship between shapes and patterns).
• Spatial reasoning (how well you can manipulate shapes and space in your head).
   

The Verbal reasoning section consists of a 10 minute practice test and 20 minutes test.

The Non-verbal and Spatial reasoning sections are divided into smaller timed subtests taking 4-5 minutes each.

There is then a Writing exercise of 40 minutes, which includes 10 minutes of planning time.  This will only be marked when looking at borderline cases, and Headteacher appeals.

 

Timeline

2023/24
January 2024 (Date tbc)	We will provide further information in regard to Secondary/Grammar selection and Kent Test registration
FEBRUARY 5TH AND 6TH 2024	Year 5 CATS Testing to be undertaken with results reported to parents in the proceeding weeks
MAY 2024 (DATE TBC)	Parent Consultations with Year 5 class teachers
between 1 June and midnight on 1 July 2024	Kent Test Registration Window - completed online by parents * kent.gov.uk/ola
September 2024 (DATE TBC)	Kent Test administered to pupils
October 2024	Results Date - sent to parents by KCC

 

* Alternatively, you can request a paper registration form by contacting the Secondary Admissions Team on 03000 41 21 21 or via e-mail at kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk or you can visit www.kent.gov.uk/secondaryadmissions to print off a blank form which you can complete and return to us by post, enclosing SAE if you would like your postal registration acknowledged.

FAMILIARISATION LEAFLET