The Procedure for Entry into Secondary Education (PESE) can be a difficult time for parents and children alike, but we are here to support our families through the process which starts in the summer of Year 5 and hope that you find the information on these pages useful. However, if you have any questions then please do come and speak to us.

 

Key Dates for Secondary Transition (September 2024)

Thursday 1st June 2023 | Online registration for the Kent Test opens

Monday 3rd July 2023 | Closing date for Kent Test applications

Friday 1st September 2023 | School applications open

Thursday 7th September 2023 | Kent Test

Wednesday 18th October 2023 | Assessment decision sent to parents

Tuesday 31st October 2023 | Closing date for secondary school applications

Friday 1st March 2024 | National Offer Day

Friday 15th March 2024 | Places must be accepted/refused

Thursday 28th March 2024 | Deadline for appeals to be submitted

 

Applying for a Secondary School

Choosing the right school for your child

When applying for a secondary school for your child, you can choose up to four schools and it is important to consider which schools are best suited for your child. We are lucky enough in Canterbury that we have a great many good schools around and they all have different strengths.

The local secondary schools that the majority of Bridge children go on to are:

  • Archbishops | Link
  • Barton Court Grammar School | Link
  • Barton Manor School | Link
  • Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys | Link
  • Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls | Link
  • Spires Academy | Link
  • St Anselm's Catholic School | Link
  • Canterbury Academy | Link

Grammar Schools

If you are thinking about applying for a grammar school then your child will only be considered if they have been assessed as suitable. The Canterbury grammar schools listed above use the Kent Test as their assessment however there are other relatively local grammar schools that set their own assessments. These are:

  • Dover Grammar School for Boys | Link
  • Dover Grammar School for Girls | Link
  • Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone | Link
  • Folkestone Grammar School for Girls | Link

If you wish for your child to be considered for one of these schools you will need to contact them directly.

Faith Schools

As a faith school, St Anslem's Catholic School also asked for additional information as they have faith-based criteria as part of their admissions process. These supplementary information forms (SIF) can be found on the St Anselm's school website and Rev. Estella holds two drop-in sessions for parents needing support with this.

These sessions are scheduled for October 2023.

Transition into Secondary School

The Kent Test (also known as the 11+)

Your child does not need to take the Kent Test unless you (and your child) are interested in naming a grammar school as a preference. The school holds parental consultations with parents to discuss suitability prior to registration.

There are three tests: Maths, English and Reasoning. Examples of the types of questions can be found in the familiarisation booklet on the Kent website. Additional familiarisation materials can also be downloaded from the GL Assessment website here.

There will also be a writing task where children have an extended writing task.

The school will support children through the process but cannot coach any children for the test. More information about the the Kent Test can be found in the Parent Information Presentation (below).

The date of the Kent Test for September 2025 Secondary Transfer is Thursday 12th September 2024. Registration for the Kent Test is in the summer of Year 5 and you can register here.

On Kent Test Results day, you will receive an email or a letter saying that: your child has been assessed as suitable for a grammar school placement (G) or a high school placement (H). The school is only allowed to discuss results the following day.

If your child was not tested or was not assessed as suitable for a Kent grammar school, you can still apply for a Kent grammar school but your application will be turned down. You will then have the right to appeal to explain why you think grammar school is a suitable option for your child and this ‘Parental Appeal’ normally takes place in May.

What Can I Do to Help?

  • Be realistic - different schools suit different children.
  • Visit the secondary schools with your child. Secondary schools advertise their open days/mornings/afternoons on their websites.
  • Involve your child in the decision making process.
  • Try to avoid placing pressure on your child - too many feel that they have 'failed' if they do not meet the threshold.
  • Remember that we are here to help.

PESE Documents

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