Children and families have today been learning whether or not they have passed the Medway Test and earned a place at grammar school.

This year 3,387 children took the test including 1,802 Medway pupils, with 1,585 youngsters from outside the Towns also taking the exam.

The minimum score to be assessed as suitable for admission to a Medway grammar school was 483, down from 490 last year.

That score is determined by 23% of the total Medway cohort – this year group consisted of 3,520 pupils.

A total of 1,913 children were assessed as eligible for a grammar school place but only 812 of those are Medway children. Up to an additional 2% of the Medway group may get through on appeal.

It was a similar picture last year .

Although the number of out-of-area pupils has increased, it is understood this has not translated into pressure on Medway grammar school places.

Parents unhappy with the result can ask to have their child’s academic schoolwork reviewed by a panel of experts. This year, the review will take place on November 19 and 20.

Cllr Martin Potter, portfolio holder covering education, attainment and improvement at Medway Council, said: “I would like to commend all of the children who took the Medway Test this year.

"We have all been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Medway’s children have shown great resilience in these challenging times.

"I would also like to thank school staff, parents and our admissions team for their hard work to ensure our young people could sit the Medway Test safely.

"We are proud that Medway has a great range of schools to help our young people achieve their full potential.

"Moving from primary school to secondary school is a big step and I would like to wish every child the very best for the future as they continue their education.”

The deadline for secondary school applications is Monday, November 30 and children and their families are encouraged to use all six preferences.

For more information about admissions visit medway.gov.uk/admissions

The Medway Test is separate from the Kent Test as it only gives admission to grammar schools in Medway.

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