is highly unusual within the UK education system. It is a state-funded, co-educational grammar school that also offers boarding. Many families are surprised to learn that state boarding schools exist at all; in fact, Cranbrook is one of only seven such schools in the country.
In practice, this means that families pay fees only for boarding. The school offers around 250 boarding places, alongside approximately 650 free day places. Boarding fees are exempt from VAT, which helps to keep costs lower. In addition, the boarding provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025.
Set in the scenic Weald of Kent, Cranbrook enjoys an excellent academic reputation. It provides a beautiful environment for study, with 75 acres of green space for the exclusive use of the school. It is also well located, being just half an hour from both the coast and London. These factors combine to make Cranbrook an exceptionally attractive option for ambitious pupils and their families who meet the admissions criteria.
Boarding is available from Year 9 to Year 13 for pupils from across the UK and overseas, although international applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, outlined below. The school also offers an increasing number of day places for entry at Year 7 (11+).
All applicants to Cranbrook, whether boarding or day pupils, must hold a UK or Irish passport or have the Right of Abode in the UK. Boarding applicants may live either in the UK or overseas. Day applicants may also apply from within or outside the UK, but priority is given to those living in the Priority Area. This includes residents of seven local parishes and properties located within an 8.5-kilometre radius of the school.
Admission Requirements for 11+ Entry
Cranbrook School offers 90 places for Year 7 entry. Like all grammar schools in Kent, they provide for children in about the top 25% of the ability range, so expect admission to be competitive. Year 7 testing is for day only and assessment is by the (the Kent PESE Test).
Year 7 Entry
For 11+ entry, the Kent Test papers are multiple-choice and the first test includes both an English and Maths section, and takes 1 hour. Each section includes a five minute practice exercise followed by a 25 minute test. The English part involves a comprehension test, plus additional questions designed to examine literacy skills.
The second test includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning elements. This takes 1 hour, including practice sections again. The non-verbal reasoning segment is split into shorter sections, individually timed.
There is also an independent writing part – 40 minutes includes 10 minutes planning - that may or may not be used by school staff, as a part of the Headteacher input stage of the process.
Free familiarisation materials are available through GL Testing .
Admission Requirements for 13+ Entry
Year 9 candidates, for both day and boarding places, need to sit the . Those applying for boarding school places should consider attending an (or take a ) before submitting an application. Applications open on 1st September and close at the end of October. The exam itself takes place at Cranbrook in mid-November – please check the school website for specific details.
Year 9 Entry
The Cranbrook 13+ exam consists of three papers, the first two of which are 45 minutes in length, one in Maths and one in English. The Maths papers will be non-calculator with questions taken from the school’s own . Students will be expected to show all of their working.
The English paper consists of two extended writing tasks, one in ‘descriptive fiction’ and one in ‘persuasive non-fiction’. For both, applicants will be given the first paragraph of a sample of the two types of writing, and be asked to continue the writing in the same vein. Tasks will be assessed for content but also SPAG basics, so spelling , punctuation and grammar.
Students will also sit a 30 minute non-verbal reasoning paper which mostly includes reasoning with abstract figures and shapes. Some will also involve codes. Sample assessment materials are available .
Admission Requirements for 16+ (Sixth Form) Entry
Those applying for Sixth Form places, both day and boarding, should be aware that the number of places available varies each year, and are subject to attaining the minimum entry standard – please see below.
Candidates need a minimum of 35 points across their best six subjects at GCSE, with points awarded on a 1-9 scale. They must also gain minimum Grade 5 in Maths and English Language or English Literature. Candidates should also meet the specific subject requirements for every they wish to study at Cranbrook, as in the most recent Sixth Form Prospectus.
Preparation Tips for Cranbrook School Admissions Test
As you would expect - considering the academic success of the school, the fact that tuition is free, and that boarding facilities are rated as excellent - competition for places at any of Cranbrook’s three entry points is fiercely fought. As well as staying on top of any subject material for Year 7 and Year 9 entry, and the KS2 and KS3 curriculum respectively, students should be familiar with the specific format of testing and be accustomed to working in timed conditions.
°®ÒºÊÓƵ Tutors have over ten year’s experience preparing students for both 11+ and 13+ and employ specialist grammar school entrance tutors who can offer guidance through the entire application process. Please call the °®ÒºÊÓƵ office to chat with one of our experienced client managers.