Kent Test format and timings: what is in each paper
The Kent Test is two papers of about an hour each, plus a 40-minute writing task. English and maths get 25 minutes each, after 5 minutes of practice. The scored papers are multiple choice on a separate answer sheet, marked by computer.
Try it: free Kent English practice
Free Kent Test sample papers
- Official familiarisation bookletKCC's own sample questions and answer sheet
- Printable Kent mock with answersMock 1 is free, with an answer sheet and key
- English and maths practiceMarked straight away, every answer explained
- Reasoning practiceVerbal and non-verbal, with the rule behind each answer
Format and timings
| Paper | Section | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| English and maths | English practice, then English: a comprehension and literacy questions | 5 + 25 |
| English and maths | Maths practice, then maths | 5 + 25 |
| Reasoning | Verbal reasoning, then non-verbal reasoning in short sections, each timed on its own | About 60 in all, with practice |
| Writing | Planning, then writing | 10 + 30 |
The English and maths paper takes 1 hour. The reasoning paper takes about 1 hour, split roughly evenly between verbal and non-verbal. The writing is not marked, but a headteacher panel may read it.
The answer sheet
- Every scored question is multiple choice.
- Answers go on a separate sheet, marked by computer.
- Practise moving from the question to the right row on the sheet before the day.
KCC gives the minutes, not the number of questions. Its familiarisation paper shows the question styles and the sheet.
When the 2026 test was sat
| Who | Date |
|---|---|
| Pupils at Kent primary schools | 10 September 2026 |
| Pupils at other schools | 12 or 13 September 2026 |
| Results | 15 October 2026 |
How to practise
- Read the question before the options. Underline what it asks.
- Explain why one tempting option is wrong.
- On paper, match each question number to its answer row.
- For writing, plan briefly, write a full piece and check it.
One question discussed properly beats a page rushed.
Read what the sentence supports
Worked example An inference with evidence
Mara put her sunhat back in the drawer, took her waterproof coat and paused at the sound of rain against the window. What best explains her change of clothing? A She lost her hat. B She expects wet weather. C She dislikes sunlight. D She is going swimming. E She has finished her journey.
- Find the clues: waterproof coat and rain at the window.
- Choose the explanation supported by both clues.
Answer: B. The details point to wet weather.
The trap: D mentions water but invents a swimming trip.