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Judd School in Tonbridge could set up own 11-plus test

Children will sit the test tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday, or Saturday
Children will sit the test tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday, or Saturday

One of Kent's top grammar schools is considering setting its own 11-plus test in a move that education chiefs fear could place children under more pressure.

The Judd School, in Tonbridge, has announced it is consulting with parents about the idea, saying it is needed to help decide allocate places to the most able pupils.

The school, which has about 960 pupils, is already among a handful of super-selective grammars in the county.

On a statement on its website, the school says it is not satisfied plans by the county council to change the 11-plus sat by most children go far enough.

Chairman of governors Hubert Ashton said: "The new KCC entry test will be an improvement on the current one but will not address two of our key concerns - namely differentiating effectively at the top end and giving sufficient weighting to written English skills.

"We are therefore considering running our own Year 7 entrance test with effect from the September 2014 for the 2015 intake.

"It will be balanced with a creative writing element to it, comprehension and mathematics. We shall set and mark the test ourselves."

The news has triggered concerns that children will come under increasing pressure by having to take different tests depending on schools they wish to apply for places at.

Although no other selective school has publicly announced similar plans, it is thought many are waiting to judge the response to the Judd scheme to see if they should follow suit.

Cllr Roger Gough (Con), cabinet member for education, said: "The concern is that any time you give children an extra test, it complicates life for them and their families. It adds to the pressure and complicates the process, which is something we would regret."

The county council is set to announce the identity of the company who will provide the Kent test exam next month.

It follows a review aimed at trying to introduce a test that would be less susceptible to the widespread coaching culture prevalent in many parts of Kent.

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