Medway Test vs Kent Test: 5 Crucial Differences Every Parent Should Know
If you live in the Medway area, you are in a unique position. Because Medway borders the Kent County Council area, many parents choose to have their children sit both the Medway Test and the Kent Test.
While both exams aim to identify children suitable for a grammar school education, they are structured very differently. If you prepare for one assuming it’s the same as the other, your child might be in for a surprise on exam day. Here is our breakdown of the Medway Test vs Kent Test comparison.
1. The Subject Mix
The most immediate difference is in what is actually tested.
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The Medway Test: Consists of three papers: English, Maths, and Reasoning. The Reasoning paper is a “hybrid,” containing both Verbal and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning.
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The Kent Test: Also has three sections but organises them differently. One paper is English and Maths, the second is purely Reasoning (Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Spatial), and the third is a creative writing task.
2. The Role of Creative Writing
This is a major point of confusion for parents.
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In Medway: As of 2024, the “Extended Writing” task is no longer the main English component. The English paper is now a multiple-choice format covering comprehension and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar).
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In Kent: There is a separate creative writing exercise. However, it is not marked initially. It is only read by a headteacher panel if your child’s scores are borderline and they go to an “Headteacher Review.”
3. How the Scores are Calculated
The “Pass Mark” is determined using completely different logic in each area.
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Medway (The 25% Rule): Medway uses a weighted total. English and Maths are worth double the marks of Reasoning. The “pass” is set at the 25th percentile of the local cohort.
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Kent (The Threshold Rule): Kent requires a minimum total score (e.g., 332) AND a minimum score in each individual subject. If a child gets a perfect score in Maths but falls one point below the threshold in English, they are assessed as “Non-Grammar” in Kent.
4. The Exam Provider
While both tests are currently provided by GL Assessment, the “flavour” of the questions can vary. Medway’s papers are bespoke—written specifically for Medway Council—meaning they don’t always follow the standard GL practice papers you find in shops. Kent uses a more standardised version of the GL battery.
5. Timings and Format
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Medway: The English paper is 30 minutes, Maths is 50 minutes, and the Reasoning paper is 45 minutes.
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Kent: The papers are generally longer. The English and Maths paper is 60 minutes (including a 5-minute practice), and the Reasoning paper is also an hour.
Which Test Should My Child Focus On?
If you are local to Medway the Medway Test should be your priority. However, because the subjects overlap significantly, a child who is well-prepared for Medway is already 90% of the way there for the Kent Test. The main challenge is adjusting to the different timings and the “Threshold” scoring in Kent.
How Tuition Academy Medway Can Help
At Tuition Academy Medway, we specialise in “dual-prep.” We understand the nuances of both the Medway and Kent formats. We ensure our students:
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Practise both formats: We use mock exams that replicate the specific weighting of Medway and the strict thresholds of Kent.
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Master Reasoning: Since the Reasoning papers differ in length and content, we teach the full spectrum of Verbal and Non-Verbal skills.
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Build Writing Stamina: Even though Medway is multiple-choice, we still focus on high-level writing to ensure our students are ready for the Kent Test requirements.
Give Your Child the Best of Both Worlds
Sitting two sets of exams can be stressful, but with the right guidance, it’s a fantastic way to double your child’s chances of securing a grammar school place.
Are you unsure if your child is ready for the “Threshold” of the Kent Test or the “Weighting” of the Medway Test? Book a consultation with Tuition Academy Medway today for expert advice and a personalised learning plan.
