Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys 11 plus 2026

Choosing a grammar school in Canterbury can feel exciting and slightly overwhelming at the same time. Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys is one of the names many families near Canterbury Cathedral keep coming back to, especially for an academic environment with a clear selective route. This guide focuses on practical steps for the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys 11 plus process, helping you plan calmly and avoid last-minute stress.

The main thing to know early is that this is a Kent Test route, so you will be juggling two tracks at once: the Kent testing process and the local authority application that decides offers. It helps to write the steps down and treat each deadline as its own job, rather than trying to hold everything in your head. A simple way to start is to use a short checklist like how to choose a grammar school shortlist.

You will also see the phrase Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys admissions used a lot. Think of that as the full set of rules behind the test, including how places are prioritised when more children qualify than there are places.

Overview

Admissions process

Register for the Kent Test

In Kent, the first step is registering for the Kent Test, because you cannot be considered for grammar places without a selective assessment. Kent County Council sets out the steps clearly on the Register for the Kent Test page.

Sit the Kent Test, then keep routines normal

The Kent Test assesses English, maths, and reasoning, and includes a writing task and multiple choice papers. Atom Learning provides a parent-friendly overview on what is on the Kent Test. After the test, keep evenings normal, maintain sleep, and avoid turning every conversation into a performance review.

Submit your local authority application

Even when a school uses a test route, you still apply through your home local authority for Year 7. If you live outside Kent, apply through your own council and list Kent schools there.

Offers and next steps

Offers come through the coordinated system on national offer day. If you do not get the offer you hoped for, consider staying on the waiting list or whether an appeal is appropriate. Citizens Advice guidance on school appeals helps keep expectations realistic.

Key dates

For official exam dates, see the school admissions timeline page.

Catchment, distance, and offers

Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys is often oversubscribed. Priority includes looked-after children, then distance rules alongside specific priority categories. Check your permanent address details are consistent and supported with required documents. Oversubscription criteria and distance still shape realistic outcomes. Appeals are a safety net, not a plan A. See Department for Education guidance on admissions arrangements.

Assessment or interview

For Year 7 entry, the focus is the Kent Test route rather than an interview. Preparation is about learning habits, accuracy, and calm stamina under timed conditions. Practise multiple choice mechanics using the GL Assessment familiarisation materials.

Preparation

Preparation works best as training, not judgement. Respect the early autumn timing and build stamina gently. See year by year 11 plus preparation for a calm overview.

Year 4

• Reading stamina: Daily reading with stories and information, plus a short chat about the writer’s intent.
• Maths fluency: Short, tidy practice on number facts and written methods.
• Reasoning habits: Light puzzles with explanation of thinking aloud.
• Writing confidence: Short writing tasks aiming for clarity rather than fancy vocabulary.

Year 5

• Multiple choice technique: Practise accuracy under gentle timing, checking work.
• Mixed skills practice: Weekly routine combining comprehension, problem solving, reasoning.
• Writing task structure: Plan quickly, write clear paragraphs, simple punctuation.
• Review routine: Keep a notebook of repeated mistakes, fix two patterns at a time.

Year 6

• Test stamina: Build longer practice sessions with short breaks.
• Calm pacing: Skip and return habit for hard questions.
• Writing under time: Practise short tasks, planning first, writing clearly to the end.
• Realistic weeks: Protect sleep, sport, downtime; increase practice gently closer to test.

As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11 plus diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor FYT focused on Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. It benchmarks your child’s current level and provides a personalised preparation roadmap.