Parent's Guide
Medway Grammar Schools
Everything parents need to know about Medway's six grammar schools, the selection process, and how to give your child the best preparation.
How Grammar School Selection Works in Medway
Medway has six selective grammar schools that admit students based on performance in the Medway Test, taken at the start of Year 6. The test is administered by Medway Council and assesses children in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning (both Verbal and Non-Verbal).
Children who reach the required standard are deemed "suitable for grammar school education." Parents then list their preferred schools through the normal secondary school application process. Places are allocated based on the admissions criteria of each school, which typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school.
For a detailed breakdown of the test format, scoring, and registration process, visit our comprehensive Medway Test guide.
Medway's Six Grammar Schools
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
A selective girls' grammar school in Chatham with a strong academic record. The school offers a broad curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Chatham Grammar is also the venue where Strive Tuition holds its sessions.
Rainham Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 7EH
Visit school websiteFort Pitt Grammar School
An outstanding-rated selective girls' grammar school in central Chatham. Fort Pitt is known for its excellent academic results and supportive learning environment.
Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ
Visit school websiteHolcombe Grammar School
A selective boys' grammar school in Chatham offering strong academic provision alongside sporting and creative opportunities.
Chatham Hill Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 7AQ
Visit school websiteRainham Mark Grammar School
The only co-educational grammar school in Medway, situated in Rainham. Rainham Mark offers a comprehensive grammar school education for both boys and girls.
Deanwood Drive, Rainham, Kent ME8 0BJ
Visit school websiteRochester Grammar School
A selective girls' grammar school in Rochester with a strong reputation for academic excellence and pastoral care.
Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3BY
Visit school websiteThe Rochester Math School
One of the oldest schools in England, The Rochester Math School is a selective boys' grammar school offering a rigorous academic curriculum alongside a rich heritage.
Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3BY
Visit school website* Ofsted ratings shown are from the most recent inspection of each school, verified February 2026.
Key Dates for Grammar School Entry
The timeline below outlines the key stages of the grammar school selection process. Exact dates are published by Medway Council each year.
Registration opens
Parents can register their child to sit the Medway Test through the Medway Council website.
Registration deadline
The deadline to register your child for the Medway Test. Late applications are not usually accepted.
Medway Test date
The test is usually held in September of Year 6. Children sit papers in English, Maths, and Reasoning.
Results released
Results are sent to parents, indicating whether their child has reached the grammar school standard.
Secondary school applications
Parents submit their secondary school preferences through the national coordinated admissions process.
National Offer Day
Families receive their child's allocated school place on 1st March.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medway Grammar Schools
How many grammar school places are there in Medway?
Across all six grammar schools, there are approximately 800 places available each year for Year 7 entry. The exact number varies slightly from year to year.
Can children from outside Medway apply?
Yes, children from outside Medway can sit the Medway Test and apply for grammar school places. However, Medway residents are given priority in the admissions process. Children in neighbouring areas such as Maidstone, Swale, and North Kent often apply.
What is the Medway Test pass mark?
The Medway Test does not have a fixed pass mark. Instead, children are ranked by their scores, and grammar schools offer places to the highest-scoring applicants. In practice, children typically need to score in the top 25-30% to be considered for a grammar school place.
What subjects are tested in the Medway Test?
The Medway Test assesses English (reading comprehension and grammar), Mathematics (problem-solving and numerical reasoning), and Reasoning (both verbal and non-verbal). The test is designed to assess academic potential rather than just knowledge.
When should my child start preparing for the Medway Test?
Most families begin focused preparation during Year 4 or early Year 5, about 12-18 months before the test. Starting earlier allows time to build solid foundations without creating undue pressure. At Strive, our programme runs throughout the Year 5 academic year.
Is the Medway Test the same as the Kent Test?
No. While both are 11+ selection tests, they are administered by different local authorities and have different formats. The Medway Test is specific to Medway's six grammar schools, while the Kent Test is for Kent grammar schools. Some children sit both tests if they are considering schools in both areas.
How to Prepare Your Child
The best preparation combines strong foundations in Maths and English with focused practice in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. At Strive Tuition, our structured programme covers all four areas in small groups led by qualified teachers at Chatham Grammar School.