Barton Court Grammar School

Papers and rounds

1. Paper 1

   English, Maths

   Kent Test paper 1

   English and maths paper lasting 1 hour in total, with a 5 minute practice exercise followed by a 25 minute test for each section.

2. Paper 2

   Verbal reasoning, Non-verbal reasoning

   Kent Test paper 2

   Reasoning paper lasting about 1 hour including the practice sections, with verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning sections of roughly the same length.

3. Paper 3

   Writing task

   Kent Test writing exercise

   Writing task with 40 minutes allowed, including 10 minutes of planning time. It is not marked automatically but may be used by a local headteacher panel.

What the test includes

Official admissions documents

Quick summary

• Overall effectiveness: The 2024 inspection found Barton Court had maintained the standards of its previous Good inspection. Inspectors described an inclusive, caring school with exemplary behaviour, strong enrichment and an ambitious curriculum, while noting that checks for understanding are not always thorough enough.
• Quality of education: Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum, with the English Baccalaureate at key stage 4 and academic plus vocational options in the sixth form. Teachers know their subjects well, but some do not always check misconceptions before moving learning on.
• Behaviour and attitudes: Behaviour was described as exemplary. Pupils are courteous, respectful and supportive, attendance is high, and staff work closely with families if attendance difficulties emerge. The school was described as happy, harmonious and welcoming of diversity.
• Personal development: The school offers strong character and careers provision. Pupils take part in Duke of Edinburgh, poetry, crochet and trips, learn about healthy relationships and online safety, hear from employers and apprenticeship speakers, and train as well-being mentors.
• Leadership and management: Staff receive ongoing training and value collaboration across the trust. Leaders and trustees were described as committed, with effective support and challenge, and staff said leaders help them manage workload while maintaining high expectations.
• Sixth form provision: Sixth form was graded Good. The report highlights a curriculum with both academic and vocational routes, strong subject teaching and students who act as role models by organising school events and supporting younger pupils.