What is the 11 plus Kent test writing task?

As tutors of the Bexley and Kent 11 plus exams, we typically serve parents whose children are sitting the Bexley and Kent exams (and often a Bromley exam too). It can be hard to keep track of the differences between two - not to mention three! - sets of exams, and one of the biggest differences between the Bexley and Kent exams (aside from the fact that the former is set by CEM and the latter by GL) is that the Kent test features a written task.

So, while both the Bexley CEM and the Kent GL test all four components of the 11 Plus (English, Maths Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning) in multiple-choice format papers, the Kent exam also requires children to sit a written task.

The written task lasts forty minutes with ten minutes' planning time. Children will be given a selection of titles, from which they will choose one to write about. This written task is mandatory and all children will sit it; however, the task will not be marked and will not contribute towards your child's overall score.

What is the purpose of the written task? The written task is only taken into consideration if a child's 11 plus score has been appealed. As Kent County Council writes, "[The written task] may be used by a local headteacher panel as part of the headteacher assessment stage of the process."

So, even though the test is not marked, it could be critical in borderline cases that have been appealed. In which case, your child can benefit from having a flair for creative writing. Happily, 11 Plus Prep School offers one-to-one tuition in English, which includes a special focus on creative writing skills for children planning to sit the Kent test.