Holcombe Grammar School
Find out all you need to know about the Holcombe Grammar School application process and how to prepare your child for success in their 11 Plus exam.
Overview
Test Month
September
Results
October
Allocations
March
Exam Board
GL
Address
Holcombe Grammar School, Letchworth Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6JB
About Holcombe Grammar School
Holcombe Grammar School is a selective grammar school with academy status for boys aged 11-18. It has a co-educational sixth form. From September 2024, it will be admitting boys and girls into Year 7.
What subjects are covered on the test?
The 11 Plus exam for Holcombe Grammar School takes the form of the Medway Test, which is completed over three papers. There is a 40 minute extended writing paper, a 60 minute multiple choice maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning paper, and a 60 minute multiple choice Verbal Reasoning Paper.
With the exception of the writing paper, the 11 Plus exam is provided by the GL exam board and will cover:
Mathematics
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
English
Application process
The deadline to register for the exam is usually in June. To apply, you need to list Holcombe Grammar School as a preference school when applying for secondary school places and submitting a Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) through Medway Council. The 11 Plus exam for Holcombe Grammar School takes place in September, with results being made available in October and allocations taking place in the following March. You can find more information on the application process through the Medway Council website.
Tuition tailored to your chosen school
We design a curriculum to meet your chosen school requirements and coach your child in the techniques and skills to give them the best chance of success in their 11 Plus exams.
Exam technique & coaching
Practise exam speed
Hone skills & accuracy
Unlimited practice material
Regular progress meetings and reports for you and your child
Tuition from £175 / month
Start your 11 Plus and Entrance Exam journey today.
Cancel anytime
No joining fee
In centre or online
Memberships to suit you
Cancel anytime
No joining fee
In centre or online
Memberships to suit you
Cancel anytime
No joining fee
In centre or online
Memberships to suit you
FAQs
How can I ensure my child gets into the best school possible?
We know that preparing for the exam can be a major focus in your child’s education and we are here to support you throughout that journey. We do not believe in simply ‘teaching to a test’, which is why we offer individualised courses and specialist courses that complement your child’s education in the run up to and beyond the exam.
Working in small groups and independently our members grow in confidence and develop exam techniques to prepare them for the day of the exam and beyond.
Our unique approach not only uses the most up-to-date resources, our engaging and motivational tutors will guide and support your child every step of the way, whilst providing clear and honest feedback about your child’s progress.
Is my child guaranteed to pass?
11 Plus exams are highly competitive and selective exams so we cannot guarantee that your child will pass.
What we can ensure is that your child is given the opportunity to do their very best with the knowledge, confidence and understanding of the exam they are going to sit.
We work really hard to bring enjoyment to their experience and send your child away with a fearless approach to learning.
From what age can my child start 11 Plus tuition?
Children can join our 11 Plus programmes at any time. Our foundation course starts for children in Year 3 focusing on building concrete maths and English skills.
For children in Year 4 our course introduces exam content and problem solving skills that they will face in entrance exams.
Once children are in Year 5 we develop advanced knowledge, speed and accuracy to achieve exam success.
Can my child prepare for more than one school entrance exam?
Yes. Our lessons are tailored to meet the requirements of the local schools in your area. Our managers will advise you on the best programme of work to follow so that your child covers all the material necessary for their chosen schools.
How often should my child have extra tuition?
At Explore we take a blended approach that involves a weekly individual session, essential to focus on your child’s core maths and English skills and vital to exam success, as well as one scheduled class-taught session each week that focuses on exam-specific techniques and content.
As part of our offering we recommend regular home practice, to embed learning of new skills covered in class. We utilise bespoke online and paper-based materials to provide your child with clear activities to practise at home.
Do you offer mock exams?
Mock exams form a crucial part of your child's preparation for 11 Plus and take place in our centres towards the end of the course.
How much homework do you set?
Home work is set according to your child's individual needs.
We combine digital and paper-based resources to give your child unlimited practice materials that you can access wherever and whenever you need them.
Why should I choose Explore Learning?
We understand that you want to give your child the best opportunities in life and we are here to support you throughout their journey into secondary education. We believe every child should have fair access to exam preparation, we don’t pre-test children, and welcome children of all abilities and will give them the best possible preparation to demonstrate their potential.Our comprehensive 11 Plus and Entrance Exam courses give children the opportunity to become confident in a range of verbal and non-verbal reasoning methods. In addition, we ensure children are developing the core maths and English skills needed to tackle any exam with confidence. We also prepare children for entrance exams into independent schools, tailoring our courses to suit the focus of schools in the local area.
