When to start 11+ tutoring for Kent Test: a Folkestone parent's guide

The Kent Test timeline for Folkestone families

The Kent Test, also known as the 11+, is taken in September of Year 6. For the 2025 entry, the test dates will be announced by the Kent County Council in early spring, but they usually fall in the first two weeks of September. In Folkestone, children sit the test at their primary school or a designated centre.

To give your child the best chance, most successful candidates start preparation between the beginning of Year 5 and the summer before Year 6. Starting in Year 4 is not unusual, especially if your child needs to build core skills in maths, English, or verbal reasoning. But starting too early can lead to burnout. The sweet spot for most Folkestone families is the February half-term of Year 5, giving a full term plus the summer before the test.

Year 4: Is it too early to think about the Kent Test?

For some children, Year 4 is the right time to begin. If your child is struggling with basic numeracy or reading comprehension, early tutoring can close that gap without pressure. Folkestone tutors often recommend a light touch in Year 4: one session per week focusing on core subjects, not test technique.

Many local parents in Sandgate and Cheriton start looking for a tutor in the summer after Year 4. This avoids the rush that happens when everyone starts searching in September of Year 5. By September 2024, we expect demand for Kent Test tutors in Folkestone to be high again, so early enquiry helps you secure a slot with a tutor who knows the local grammar schools: Folkestone School for Girls and Harvey Grammar School for boys.

Year 5: The main preparation window

Year 5 is when most Folkestone parents begin formal Kent Test tutoring. The typical plan is two sessions per week from September to July, then a summer booster course. A good tutor will cover all four test areas: English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

Tutoring costs in Folkestone range from £30 to £50 per hour for a qualified teacher, with many offering group sessions at £20 to £30 per hour. Plan for six to nine months of weekly tuition. That works out at around £1,200 to £2,500 total, depending on the tutor and group size. Some tutors in Hythe and Dover also travel to Folkestone homes, but online tutoring is increasingly popular and costs slightly less.

The biggest question we get from Folkestone parents is: 'Will my child be ready in time?' A good tutor will give you a realistic assessment after the first few sessions. If your child is behind the expected level, they may recommend starting earlier or adding extra sessions during school holidays.

Summer before Year 6: The final stretch

The summer holidays before the September test are crucial. Most Folkestone tutors run intensive revision courses in August, often in small groups at local venues or online. These courses typically run for two to three weeks, covering timed practice papers and exam technique.

After the summer, you should not introduce new material. The goal is consolidation and confidence. Many tutors recommend taking the week before the test off from tutoring to let your child rest. Some Folkestone parents hire a tutor for a final mock exam session that week, but that is optional.

The Kent Test results arrive in October. If your child scores highly enough, you will be invited to apply for a grammar school place. The deadline is usually late October, with offers in March the following year. If your child does not pass, you can appeal, but preparation beforehand is always better.

Local considerations for Folkestone parents

Folkestone has two grammar schools: Folkestone School for Girls and Harvey Grammar School. Both are very popular, and places are limited. The pass mark for the Kent Test is set each year, but typically around 420 out of 423 is required for a secure pass.

Some families in Folkestone also consider the Dover Grammar School for Girls or Dover Grammar School for Boys, which are a short drive away. Others look at schools in Canterbury or Ashford. Your tutor should know the entry criteria for each school and prepare your child accordingly.

The best time to start looking for a tutor is now, regardless of your child's age. We connect Folkestone families with vetted tutors who specialise in the Kent Test. Request a free quote to see available tutors in your area and get started on the right timeline for your child.

Request a free quote

If you are unsure when to start or which tutor fits your child, fill in a quick form. We will match you with up to three vetted Kent Test tutors in Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate, Cheriton, or Dover. No obligation, and you can ask them about availability, pricing, and how they plan the timeline for your child.