Quest Assessments (Atom Learning Ltd) will take over when Kent County Council's current contract with GL Assessment comes to an end. The change will not affect children who have recently received their Kent Test results.
Parents and carers can be reassured that there are no changes to the admissions or Kent Test process as a result of the new provider.
The Kent Test will continue to identify children in the top 25% ability range who may be suitable for grammar school education in Kent. The structure, timing and purpose of the test will remain the same, and the new provider will be working to the same specification as the previous provider.
Access to familiarisation materials will also remain unchanged, and these will be made available to parents, pupils and schools in the usual way ahead of the test.
Kent County Council will work closely with Quest Assessments during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover ahead of the first Kent Test delivered under the new arrangements.
“We look forward to working closely with Quest Assessments to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to keep parents, schools and pupils informed as further information becomes available.”
Cllr Beverley Fordham, KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:
"We are pleased to welcome Quest Assessments as the new provider of the Kent Test from 2027.
"We want to reassure parents that the move to a new provider will be carefully managed and that Kent County Council will continue to oversee the requirements and operation of the test.
"The Kent Test plays an important role in Kent's secondary school admissions process, and we are committed to maintaining the high standards, fairness and consistency that parents, pupils and schools expect.
"We look forward to working closely with Quest Assessments to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to keep parents, schools and pupils informed as further information becomes available."
Any significant changes to the Kent Test in the future would require a formal public consultation at least one year before the test takes place.
Further information about the Kent Test for children applying for secondary school places in September 2028 will be published at www.kent.gov.uk/kenttest when details are confirmed. Parents, schools and pupils will be kept updated as plans progress.
FAQs:
Why is the Kent Test provider changing?
The contract with the current provider, GL Assessment, is coming to an end and cannot be extended further. As is standard practice, Kent County Council carried out a competitive procurement process to appoint a provider for future Kent Tests.
Following that process, Quest Assessments was selected as the successful provider.
What does this mean for my child?
For most families, there will be very little difference.
The Kent Test will continue to serve the same purpose, take place at the same point in the admissions process and identify children who may be suitable for grammar school education in Kent.
Is the Kent Test changing?
There are currently no plans to make significant changes to the Kent Test.
The purpose, structure and timing of the test will stay the same, and the new provider will work to the same specification as the previous provider.
As with any assessment provider, there may be some differences in the design and presentation of questions, but families should not expect major changes.
Will the Kent Test date change?
Testing will continue to be early September. The specific date will be confirmed in our 2028 Determined Scheme.
Will the admissions process change?
No. The appointment of a new test provider does not change Kent's secondary school admissions process.
Will children who have already taken the Kent Test be affected?
No. This change does not affect children who have already sat the Kent Test or recently received their results.
The new arrangements will apply to children taking the Kent Test from 2027 for admission to secondary school in September 2028.
Will grammar school eligibility change?
No. The Kent Test will continue to identify children in the top 25% ability range who may be suitable for grammar school education in Kent.
Will familiarisation materials still be available?
Yes. Familiarisation materials will continue to be provided for parents, pupils and schools ahead of the test, helping children understand what to expect. These will be available in due course.
What about children who need extra support or access arrangements?
Support for children who require access arrangements or reasonable adjustments remains an important part of the Kent Test process.
The appointment of a new provider does not change KCC's commitment to ensuring that children can access the test fairly. Further information and guidance will continue to be provided before future test registrations.
Does this change Head Teacher Assessment arrangements?
No. Other parts of the Kent Test and admissions system, including Head Teacher Assessments, are unaffected by the appointment of a new provider unless stated otherwise.
Will there be any major changes to the Kent Test in the future?
There are no plans for significant changes to the Kent Test.
If that were to change in future, any significant changes would require a formal public consultation at least one year before the test takes place.
