Read the components and the overall assessment
Kent reports three standardised scores: English, maths and reasoning, plus a total or aggregate. The council explains that standardisation compares performance and accounts for age differences.
The result’s assessment outcome matters as well as the numbers. A family should not attempt to overturn the official wording using a raw percentage from a practice paper or a threshold from an earlier year.
The latest published threshold is historical
As checked on 28 September 2026, Kent’s results page gives the 2025 test threshold as an aggregate of at least 332, with no individual score below 108. It says the threshold for the 2026 test will be published in October 2026.
The 2025 test relates to September 2026 entry. It is not a confirmed pass mark for the children who sat in September 2026 for September 2027 entry. Results for that current test are due on 15 October 2026.
Always label both the test year and entry year when comparing information. This prevents an old “Kent pass mark” from being mistaken for the current one.
Why a grammar assessment does not guarantee a place
Individual Kent grammar schools use their published admissions arrangements to allocate places. Some use scores within priority groups; others give greater importance to catchment, distance or other criteria once the academic standard is met.
Identify your child’s category for each school, then check the rule used within it. A headline total does not tell you where an out-of-area application stands. Read distance after an 11+ pass if location is the concern.
What to do with the result
Save the full result email and confirm the child’s details. Read the policies for the schools you would accept, check the journey, and put individual schools on your home council’s CAF in genuine preference order.
If the assessment is not suitable for grammar school, Kent says a grammar preference can still be made but will be refused at allocation, with a subsequent right of appeal. Do not assume a disappointing result creates an immediate parent-requested re-mark or a guaranteed review. Use the published local instructions and keep realistic non-selective preferences on the application.
The Kent score guide provides further route context.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Still wondering?
What is the Kent Test pass mark for the 2026 test?
As checked on 28 September 2026, Kent says the 2026 threshold will be available in October. Do not reuse the 2025 threshold as a confirmed requirement for 2027 entry.
Can the total be high enough but a component too low?
Yes, where the published criteria require both an aggregate and a minimum in every component. Read all the conditions and the official assessment outcome.
Is the Kent writing exercise part of the total?
Kent says the writing exercise is not marked as part of the test total. It may be used by a local headteacher panel during the assessment process.
Official sources
Checked 28 Sept 2026