| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| School type | Boys grammar school with sixth form |
| Location | West Hill, Dartford, Kent |
| Year 7 places | 180 |
| Entry route | Kent Test selective assessment plus local authority application |
| How offers are ranked | Score first, distance used only for tied scores |
| Location |
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Kent Test registration opens | Monday 2 June 2025 |
| Kent Test registration closes | Tuesday 1 July 2025 |
| Kent Test (Kent primary pupils) | Thursday 11 September 2025 |
| Assessment decision sent | Thursday 16 October 2025 |
| Secondary application deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| National offer day | 2 March 2026 |
| Pupil Premium form deadline | 31 October 2025 |
Join Hundreds of Families Who Secured Dartford Grammar School  Places with Find Your Tutor.
Use the Kent Test registration window in the key dates table above. Register early so you have time to sort logins and any special arrangements. Keep the confirmation email in a safe folder. Small admin slips can create big stress later.
The route uses the Kent assessment process covering maths, English and reasoning, plus a writing task under timed conditions. Preparation works best when it balances skills and technique. Build accuracy first, then add timing. Keep writing practice calm and routine.
Yes, naming the school on your local authority application is essential. Registering for the test alone is not enough. Put your true preference order in carefully. Keep a copy of your submitted application and any confirmation emails.
Yes, you can still apply, and the school has places available regardless of address after the priority area allocation. The realistic point is that offers depend on score and demand each year. Treat the shortlist as a range rather than one fixed outcome. Keep a second and third option that your child would also be happy with.
Eligible children are ranked by total test score within each oversubscription category. Distance is only used when scores are tied. This is why steady technique can matter more than doing huge volumes of practice. Focus on reducing avoidable errors.
A large share of places is allocated to boys whose main home address is in the Dartford electoral wards that pay council tax to Dartford Borough Council or in named local parishes listed in the admissions rules. After that, further places are offered to eligible boys regardless of where they live. Planning is easier when you treat the priority area as an advantage, not a guarantee. Keep expectations calm until offers are made.
Passing makes your child eligible, but ranking is still based on score. Some years need higher scores than families expect, especially for out of area applicants. The best approach is to aim for consistent accuracy across all sections. Avoid over focusing on one paper while neglecting another.
The writing task is completed under test conditions and can be relevant during the head teacher assessment stage. It is worth practising writing that is clear and correctly punctuated. The goal is not fancy vocabulary. The goal is readable sentences and a logical structure.
Yes, the admissions rules include reserved places for children eligible for Pupil Premium, and the school asks for evidence via a supplementary form. This can make a real difference for some families. The key is to follow the published instructions exactly. Keep proof organised and submit it on time.
Distance is measured as a straight line from the home address point to the school point using the local authority mapping method. Travel time does not matter for the measurement. Use your genuine main home address and keep documents consistent. If you move, tell your local authority promptly and keep evidence.
You can join the waiting list and consider an appeal if you have a clear case. Waiting lists are ranked using the same oversubscription criteria. Many families accept the offered school to keep September secure while they wait. This keeps life calmer for your child.
No, tutoring is not required for every child. Some children do well with a consistent home routine and careful feedback. The right support is the one that protects confidence and builds steady progress. Choose structure over intensity.
Short and consistent usually works better than long and exhausting. Two or three focused sessions in the week plus one longer weekend session is a common pattern. Build in rest weeks and lighter weeks near busy school periods. Protect sleep and normal life.
Some families apply across borders and may need different selection tests depending on the schools on the list. Check each school’s published requirements early. Sitting more than one test can be manageable with careful planning. Keep your child’s routine stable so the extra admin does not create pressure.
Familiarity reduces nerves more than pep talks. Use mock mornings and simple routines like the same breakfast, the same start time, and a calm reset after mistakes. Keep language neutral at home. Remind your child that one paper does not define them.
