Future School Entrance Examinations
We are immensely proud of all our children: proud of their hard work from the very beginning, proud of their excellent 11+ results, and proud too of those who choose to sit independent school entrance tests, often achieving scholarships and awards. Every child’s journey is valued and celebrated, whatever path they take. At the heart of our approach is the belief that there are no ceilings at our school—we never prevent a child from sitting any examination, if that is the right choice for them. Instead, we encourage every pupil to aim high, work hard, and achieve their personal best.
The Kent Test
Kent is fortunate to have several outstanding grammar schools and many of our children take the Kent Selection tests, commonly known as the 11+. They are sat by Year 6 pupils in the September of their final year at The Mead and consist of an English and Maths paper, a Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning paper and a written exercise.
The success of our pupils in passing the Kent Test, as well as the entrance exams to local independent schools is down to small class sizes, high-quality learning from passionate teachers across the curriculum from the earliest years and consistent tracking of progress. This personalised approach allows us to step in promptly and give extra support where necessary, while the growth-mindset ethos that is at the heart of The Mead, along with a culture of reward and praise, promotes self-confidence, ambition and risk-taking.
Independent Schools
There are many excellent independent schools in Kent and Sussex too, each with its own admissions process. Most require pupils to sit entrance examinations, which typically also include assessments in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. While some schools set their own tests on specific dates, many now use the ISEB Common Pre-Test, offering a standardised measure of aptitude and potential. We are proud to be an accredited test centre for the ISEB Pre-Test, allowing our pupils to complete the assessment in a familiar and supportive environment. In addition, we prepare children thoroughly for the varied requirements of different schools and a multitude of scholarships, ensuring the process is balanced, age-appropriate, and fully aligned with our ethos of supporting every child to achieve their very best.
Our Highlighted Successes for 2025
100% of Year 6 Pupils who applied for an independent School destination choice for Year 7 who were awarded their first choice of independent school.
100% of successful applications for scholarships and exhibitions for Independent School.
60% of pupils who sat the 11+, gaining a Grammar school assessment and the offer of a Grammar School Place.
Mead pupils regularly go on to:
