Kent headteacher assessment and reviews
Kent has no review after results. The second look comes first: before you hear, your child's primary school can ask a panel of headteachers to look again.
How it works, in order
All of this happens before Thursday 15 October 2026, so the letter you get already includes it.
What the panel looks at
The evidence
- Your child's test scores.
- Recent work from school.
- The writing task done on test day. It is not marked, but the panel can read it.
- Comments from your child's current school.
How it decides
- It looks at a full range of work, whichever score was below the line.
- It changes a decision only if it is confident your child will be well placed in a grammar school.
Is there a Kent Test review?
No. Once the letter is sent, the decision stands.
Who can help
Take questions to your child's primary school first. Neither the school nor KCC can change the decision, but both can explain what it means and how it was reached.
- Did you refer my child to the headteacher panel?
- What work did you send?
- If we appeal after offers, would you write in support?
- Which reports or test results would show my child's level best?
What you can still do
- Apply by Monday 2 November 2026. You can still name a grammar school, alongside schools you would be happy with.
- Monday 1 March 2027: offers. The grammar school will refuse the place. Accept the place you are offered.
- Appeal by Tuesday 13 April 2027. An independent panel decides whether there is a reason to admit your child.
Kent and Bucks work differently
If you have read about Bucks Selection Reviews, here is how the two compare.
| Kent headteacher assessment | Bucks Selection Review | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before results | After results, from 9 October 2026 |
| Who asks | The primary school headteacher | You, the parent |
| Evidence | Scores, recent work, the writing task and school comments | Reports, teachers' letters, the head's summary sheet and evidence of exceptional reasons. No schoolwork |
| Deadline | None for parents | 30 October 2026 |
| Outcome | In your results letter | 12 February 2027 |
If the letter was not the one you hoped for
Official guidance
Headteacher assessment: questions parents ask
Can I ask for a Kent Test review or remark?
No. KCC says neither the primary school nor its admissions team can change the decision you are sent, and there is no appeal against it. The second look, the headteacher assessment, happens before results.
Can parents ask for a headteacher assessment?
No. Only your child's primary school headteacher can refer a decision to the panel, and it happens before you get the result.
How do I know if my child was referred?
Ask the primary school. It is sent your child's scores and decision before you are, so it can tell you whether it referred your child and what work it sent.
Does a grammar assessment through the headteacher panel count the same?
Yes, it is a grammar school assessment, so any Kent grammar school you name can consider your child. Schools that rank applicants by score still use the test scores.
My child was not assessed suitable. Can we still apply to a grammar school?
Yes. Name it on your application by Monday 2 November 2026. It will be refused on Monday 1 March 2027, and you can then appeal to an independent panel. Lodge the appeal by Tuesday 13 April 2027.