11+ Exam Medway
- Suratna Solutions
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Planning to secure a grammar school place in Medway for your child? The 11plus exam Medway process differs dramatically from neighbouring Kent and Bexley, and understanding these differences could mean the difference between success and disappointment.
Here’s everything you need to know to help your child ace the 11+ exam Medway.
Table of Contents
What Makes the 11+ Exam Medway Unique?
The 11+ exam Medway, officially known as the Medway Test, is the single entrance examination for all six grammar schools within the Medway Council area. This means your child takes one test whether applying to:
Chatham Grammar
Fort Pitt Grammar School
Holcombe Grammar School
Rainham Mark Grammar School
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School
The Rochester Grammar School
Administered by GL Assessment, the Medway Test consists of three papers:
English – 30 minutes
Mathematics – 50 minutes
Reasoning – 45 minutes (split into timed sections)
Unlike other 11+ exams across England, Medway’s test weights English and Maths twice as heavily as Reasoning — so these two subjects are absolutely critical.
Key dates:
Registration: May to mid-June
Test period: Mid-September (Year 6 pupils)Children in Medway primary schools sit the exam at their own school, while those from outside Medway attend designated weekend test centres. Missing the registration deadline means your child cannot sit the test — there are no exceptions.
Understanding the Medway Pass Mark System
This is where strategy becomes essential.
Each paper’s raw score is age-standardised and then weighted as follows:(English × 2) + (Mathematics × 2) + (Reasoning × 1) = Total Weighted Score
The maximum total score is 700.
The pass mark varies each year to identify roughly the top 23–25% of pupils.Recent qualifying scores:
2026 – 481
2025 – 482
2024 – 492
2020 – 490
2018 – 495
According to Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests, pupils scoring 80%+ in high-quality practice tests consistently perform well in the real exam.
Tip: Passing the Medway Test does not automatically secure a grammar school place. Oversubscription rules apply; so aim well above the minimum threshold for your preferred school.
How to Prepare Strategically for the 11+ Exam Medway
The Medway English paper assesses:
Reading comprehension
Grammar and punctuation
Spelling and vocabulary
The Maths paper covers:
Arithmetic and fractions
Decimals and percentages
Geometry and multi-step problem solving
Both are designed to challenge even strong Key Stage 2 pupils.
The Reasoning paper has two parts:
Spatial / Non-Verbal Reasoning – 20 minutes, four timed sections
Verbal Reasoning – 25 minutes, one timed section
These assess logic, pattern recognition, and language-based problem-solving.
Expert support matters. Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests provides targeted 11+ tutoring and full-length mock tests aligned to Medway Test standards. Their tutors understand the weighted scoring and ensure balanced preparation, giving extra focus to Maths and Non-verbal reasoning.
Top preparation tips:
Practise filling in Optical Mark Reader (OMR) answer sheets accurately.
Build time-management skills: know when to skip a tricky question and return later.
Complete several full mock exams under timed conditions before September.
Common Mistakes That Cost Places
Even diligent families can slip up. Avoid these common errors:
Assuming other GL exams are the same
Kent or Bexley 11+ papers differ in structure and weightings, generic GL preparation won’t fully prepare your child for Medway.
Ignoring the familiarisation booklet
Medway Council publishes an official familiarisation booklet with sample pages and answer sheet layouts. Many children see this for the first time on test day — a big disadvantage.
Missing the registration window
Medway has strict cut-offs. There are no late entries or remote sittings. Registration from May–June is compulsory for the September test.
Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests Medway-specific mock exams simulate the exact test format, timings, and feedback system, helping identify weak areas early and boosting confidence before the real thing.
Next Steps: Plan Your Child’s 11+ Journey
Wondering which Medway grammar school best fits your child’s strengths? Curious about the appeals process or how to balance preparation without overwhelming Year 6 pupils?
Start early, prepare strategically, and make the most of professional resources designed for the Medway Test.
Combine daily reading, regular mock tests, and expert guidance to give your child the best possible chance of grammar school success.
