The number of children seeking a grammar school place in Kent has increased significantly this year.

Figures released this morning by Kent County Council (KCC) reveal 17,049 children sat the test in September, compared with 16,012 in 2021 - an increase of 1,037.

Children who sat the examination, formerly known as the 11-plus, get their results today.

Of the 17,049, 11,532 were children who live in the county and the remainder from other local authority areas.

Of those from Kent schools, 5,147 children passed the test compared with 4,975 last year.

There are 5,566 grammar school places available across the county and KCC says Kent children will, in most cases, enjoy priority for those places available over pupils from other authorities.

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

Education chiefs say the nature of the school admissions process means that most children will ultimately secure places in their own local authority area.

Families who registered online will be sent an email from KCC after 4pm with the outcome of their child’s assessment.

Those who registered online can also log on after 5pm and view their child’s result and scores.

Letters will be sent to families who did not supply an email address.

Today marks only the first stage in the process of applying for a grammar school.

"I would urge families whose child did not get the results they were hoping for not to worry and to look carefully at all options available to them..."

Passing the test does not guarantee a child a place. 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.

Places will be offered in line with each school’s admissions criteria, which can be found here.

Some children who did not pass the exam but were expected to may have been referred by their school to an independent headteacher panel for an assessment of their work.

Cllr Shellina Prendergast, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “This is a significant day for all pupils who sat the Kent Test this year.

"Kent has a rich and diverse mix of high quality selective and non-selective schools so I would urge families whose child did not get the results they were hoping for not to worry and to look carefully at all options available to them before applying for a secondary school place.”

The Medway Test results were sent out on October 4 and school applications have to be made by October 31.