For thousands of families across the Medway Towns, from the historic streets of Rochester to the busy hubs of Gillingham and Rainham, the wait is almost over. Wednesday, 14 October 2026, marks the official Medway Test results day.
It is a date that has likely been circled on your kitchen calendar for months. Whether your child has spent the last year in intensive 11+ Preparation or has been building their confidence through our Primary Years support, the arrival of that email or letter is a significant milestone in their educational journey.
At Tuition Academy Medway we understand that this day brings a mix of excitement and nervous energy. As a local provider with years of experience navigating the Medway secondary admissions process, we are here to guide you through exactly what happens when the results arrive, how to interpret the scores, and, most importantly, what your next steps should be regardless of the outcome.
1. What Time Will the Results Arrive?
The method by which you receive your child’s results depends entirely on how you originally registered for the Medway Test.
- Online Registrations: If you registered via the Medway Council website, you will receive an email. While the Council begins sending these out during the day, they typically arrive after 10:00 am, though some years they have been released later in the afternoon (often after 4:00 pm). Please remember to check your “Junk” or “Spam” folders, as these automated emails can sometimes be diverted.
- Paper Registrations: If you registered using a paper form, your results will be sent via first-class post on 14 October. You should expect your letter to arrive on Thursday, 15 October, or Friday, 16 October.
2. Understanding the Medway Test Score
When you open the results, you won’t just see a “Pass” or “Fail.” You will see three standardised scores (one for each paper: English, Maths, and Reasoning) and a total weighted score.
What is a “Standardised Score”?
Standardisation is a statistical process that ensures the test is fair. It adjusts raw marks to take into account the difficulty of the paper and, crucially, the age of the child at the time of the test. This ensures that a child born in August is not disadvantaged compared to a child born in September.
The Aggregate Pass Mark
To be assessed as “suitable for grammar school” in Medway a child must achieve a total score that meets or exceeds the minimum threshold (the “pass mark”). This mark is not fixed; it is decided each year based on the performance of the cohort.
In Medway the scores are weighted as follows:
- Extended Writing (English): x 0.67
- Mathematics: x 2
- Verbal Reasoning: x 1.33
The total of these weighted scores determines whether your child has met the required standard for a Medway grammar school.
3. What “Suitable for Grammar” Really Means
If your child’s score is at or above the threshold, they will be assessed as “Suitable for Grammar.” Congratulations! This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work during their 11+ Preparation.
However, it is vital to understand that being assessed as suitable for grammar does not guarantee a place at a specific school. Grammar schools in Medway such as Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Rochester Grammar School, or Rainham Mark Grammar School, are often oversubscribed. If more “suitable” children apply than there are places available, the schools will use their specific oversubscription criteria (such as distance from the school or having a sibling already enrolled) to allocate places.
4. What if My Child is Assessed as “Non-Selective”?
If your child does not meet the minimum score, they will be assessed as “Non-Selective.” We know this can feel like a setback, but it is important to remain calm and supportive. A test result on a single day in October does not define your child’s potential or their future academic success.
Medway has an excellent range of all-ability (non-selective) schools that offer superb facilities and high academic standards. Many students who attend these schools go on to achieve top grades at GCSE and A-Level, often outperforming their peers in grammar settings.
Is there a Review or Appeal?
In Medway the Headteacher Review (referral) process actually takes place before you receive the results. If your child’s primary headteacher felt the test performance didn’t reflect their true ability, they may have already submitted a referral. The result you receive on 14 October already includes the outcome of any such review.
There is no further academic review of the test scores. However, you do have the Right of Appeal. This process happens after National Offer Day (1 March 2027). If you apply for a grammar school on your SCAF and are turned down because your child did not pass the test, you can then lodge an appeal with an independent panel.
5. The Next Big Deadline: The SCAF (31 October)
Receiving the results is only half the battle. Your next task is to complete the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF).
- The Deadline: 5:00 pm on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
- Preferences: You can list up to six schools in order of preference.
Our Expert Advice:
- Always list schools in your genuine order of preference. Schools do not see where you have ranked them.
- Include a “Safety” School. Even if your child passed with a high score, ensure you include at least one local non-selective school where you are highly likely to be offered a place based on their admissions criteria.
- If you intend to appeal: If your child did not pass the Medway Test but you still wish to appeal for a grammar place later, you must name that grammar school on your SCAF. You cannot appeal for a school that was not on your original application.
6. Life After the 11 Plus: The Journey Continues
Once the SCAF is submitted, many parents find themselves asking: “What now?”
While the 11 Plus is a major focus, Year 6 is a vital year for consolidating knowledge before the transition to secondary school. This is where SAT’S preparation becomes the next focus. At Tuition Academy Medway, we continue to support our students throughout the remainder of Key Stage 2, ensuring they have the strong foundations in English and Maths needed to thrive in Year 7.
As your child grows, we remain by their side. Whether they are heading to a grammar school in Chatham or an academy in Strood, our expert teachers, all fully qualified, provide the structured support needed for GCSE success and, eventually, A-Level excellence.
How Tuition Academy Medway Can Help
Whether you are celebrating a pass or navigating the complexities of the appeal process, we are here for you.
- Primary Years (KS1-KS2): Building the core skills that make the Medway Test less daunting.
- 11+ Preparation: Structured classes that cover the specific requirements of the Medway exam.
- SAT’S Support: Helping students achieve their potential in their end-of-primary assessments.
- GCSE & A-Level: Long-term academic support to ensure students achieve the top grades needed for university and beyond.
Our small, ability-based classes and National Curriculum-aligned schemes of work ensure that every child receives the attention they deserve.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Results day can be emotional. If the result isn’t what you hoped for, remember that there are many paths to success. If the result is a success, take a moment to celebrate the effort your child has put in.
If you have questions about your child’s results or want to discuss how we can support their next steps in Year 6 and beyond, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Contact Tuition Academy Medway Today to discuss your child’s academic future.
