Kent has a new test-setter from September 2027. What’s confirmed, what isn’t, and what’s worth doing this year.
If your child is in Year 5, the Kent Test they sit next September will come from a new test-setter. Kent County Council has chosen Quest Assessments to deliver the Kent 11+, taking over from GL Assessment. You might be wondering whether the work you’ve already started still counts. It does. Here’s what’s confirmed, what isn’t, and what’s worth doing this year.
On 30 September, Kent County Council decided to award its Kent Test contract to Atom Learning Limited, which trades as Quest Assessments. The award notice was published on Find a Tender, the government’s procurement website, on 1 October. At the time of writing, KCC’s own Kent Test pages don’t mention the change, so the contract notices are the primary source.
What the Kent Test is designed to find. KCC’s 2023 contract and its 2026 tender describe the aim in the same words: to identify children “in the top 25% of the ability range”. The provider is changing. The purpose isn’t.
The tender KCC published in June gives a few clues about the new test. It asks the provider for:
The tender also notes that about 67% of Kent children in the year group opt in, and it provides for around 19,000 candidates a year.
KCC hasn’t published the format of the new test. Until it does, nobody can tell you for certain:
Two tests Quest already sets give a sense of its style. Treat them as a guide, not a preview, because Kent may choose a different structure.
| Test | Papers | What’s covered | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weald Grammar Assessment (Weald of Kent Grammar School) | Two 60-minute papers, sat in one session | Paper 1: English and verbal reasoning. Paper 2: maths and non-verbal reasoning | Multiple choice, usually five options (A to E), on a separate answer sheet |
| Bexley Selection Test | Two papers of about 50 minutes each, sat in one session | Verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning, non-verbal reasoning | Multiple choice; working out done in the test booklet |
| Current Kent Test (for comparison) | English and maths test (1 hour), reasoning test (about 1 hour), writing exercise (40 minutes) | English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, plus writing | Multiple choice on a separate answer sheet, marked by computer; the writing isn’t marked |
All three test the same core subjects: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. What changes from one to another is how the subjects are packaged: the number of papers, the timings, and which sections are combined. Weald of Kent offers its assessment as an alternative route to a place there, alongside the Kent Test. Quest and the school publish free familiarisation booklets for it.
A change of test-setter rewards children who understand the material, and catches out children who have only practised one publisher’s question types. So the right response isn’t to start again. It’s to make sure the foundations are solid.
Got a child in Year 5 and not sure what to focus on this year? A free 15-minute call is a calm place to talk it through.
Book a Free 15-Minute CallSpecial arrangements for the Kent Test have to be requested by your child’s primary school, not by you. In 2026 the deadline was the same as registration, 1 July, and decisions can’t be appealed. Talk to the school’s SENCO in the spring term of Year 5, before registration opens. Once the new format is published, check that the arrangements being requested still fit it.
This contract covers the Kent Test only. The Medway Test is run separately by Medway Council, and Bexley and Bromley have their own tests. Bexley’s is already set by Quest.
Our 11+ preparation is taught in small groups, in person, across Kent and East Sussex. Sessions are led by a qualified teacher, not a tutor working from a workbook, and cover verbal and non-verbal reasoning, English and maths, with exam technique and timed practice built in. When KCC publishes the new format, we’ll build it into our sessions.
Where a child has ADHD, autism or another additional need, the teaching adapts to them. If your child needs to close gaps in English or maths first, one-to-one subject tutoring is available too.
“She supported my son throughout his 11+ preparation, and, as a result of her guidance and expertise, he was successful. From the initial assessment, Lauren quickly identified gaps in his learning and developed a clear, structured plan to address them…”
“Lauren has been wonderful. Lennon has gained confidence and knowledge throughout his tutor sessions, and actually looks forward to going……which for a 10 year old boy is certainly saying something! Would highly recommend her services!”
The papers may look different. The reading, maths and reasoning underneath them won’t.
Who will set the Kent Test from 2027?
Quest Assessments, which is part of Atom Learning. Kent County Council decided on 30 September 2026 to award it the contract, which is due to start on 2 November 2026. The first Kent Test under the new contract will be in September 2027. The previous contract was held by GL Assessment.
Does the change affect children who sat the Kent Test in September 2026?
No. Their results are released on Thursday 15 October 2026, and the new contract doesn’t start until November.
What will the new Kent Test look like?
Kent County Council hasn’t published the format yet. Quest’s other tests, the Bexley Selection Test and the Weald Grammar Assessment, use multiple-choice papers covering English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, but Kent may choose a different structure.
Should my Year 5 child change how they prepare?
Not much. Keep building reading, vocabulary, maths and reasoning skills, practise with a separate answer sheet and with timed questions, and use KCC’s official familiarisation materials once they’re published.
Is the Medway Test changing?
This contract only covers the Kent Test. The Medway Test is run separately by Medway Council.
When is Kent Test registration for September 2028 entry?
Kent County Council hasn’t published the dates yet. In 2026, registration ran from 1 June to 1 July, with no late registrations, and requests for special arrangements had to be made by the child’s primary school by the same date.
Admissions arrangements are set by Kent County Council and individual schools and can change. This article reflects information published as at 14 October 2026. Always check kent.gov.uk for the latest.
“The papers may look different. The reading, maths and reasoning underneath them won’t.”