The percentage of children who passed the Kent Test rose this year compared to 2022.

Although fewer pupils sat the exam last month - down almost 400 - a higher proportion passed it.

Figures released today by Kent County Council (KCC) reveal 45.2% of children from the county passed the previously named 11+ - up from last year’s 44.6%.

This year, a total 17,037 children sat the exam, with 11,170 of those living in the county; the rest took the test from other local authority areas.

Out of those from Kent, 5,050 qualified to apply for grammar schools.

There are 5,801 grammar school places available across the county and KCC chiefs says Kent children will, in most cases, will be given priority over pupils from other authorities.

Each year, about 450 places are taken up by out-of-county children.

Results will be sent out today to pupils and parents.

Rory Love, KCC’s cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: “This is an important day for all pupils who sat the Kent Test this year.

“Kent has a wide range of successful secondary schools – both selective and non-selective - and I would urge families whose children did not achieve the Kent Test results they were hoping for to consider all options available to them before applying for a secondary school place.

“I would also recommend that, when applying, they make use of all four options to maximise the chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools.

“Selecting fewer options will not increase their chances of gaining a place at the schools chosen.”

Families who registered online will be sent an email from KCC after 4pm today (October 18) detailing the outcome of their child’s assessment.

Those who registered online can also log on after 5pm today and view their child’s result and scores though with the volume of emails being sent, some delays may occur.

Letters will be sent by post to families who did not give an email address when they applied.

Secondary school applications for Kent residents are open now and close on Tuesday, October 31.

Passing the test does not guarantee a child a place at a Kent grammar school. It means they can be considered for any Kent grammar school their parents name on the Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) on National Offer Day (March 1).