If your child's Kent Test scores fall just short, a panel of local headteachers can still decide they are suited to grammar school. Kent calls this the Headteacher Assessment Panel, usually shortened to HTA.
This guide explains who starts it, when it happens and how it differs from an appeal. It is based on Kent County Council's own 2027 admissions booklet, checked on 27 September 2026.
- Who starts it: your child's primary school headteacher, not the parent.
- When: after marking and before results, so before Thursday 15 October 2026 for 2027 entry.
- What the panel sees: test scores, recent schoolwork, the unmarked writing task and the school's comments.
- Outcome: the decision only changes if the panel is confident your child will be well placed in a grammar school.
- Not an appeal: appeals are for school places and come after National Offer Day on 1 March 2027.
What the HTA is
The HTA is a panel of local primary and secondary school headteachers. It reviews children whose school disagrees with the decision the test scores alone would give.
If the panel agrees, your child is "assessed suitable for grammar school". That is the same outcome as reaching the score threshold, so any Kent grammar school you name will consider your application.
Being assessed suitable does not guarantee a place. Grammar schools are often full, and each one ranks applicants by its own admissions rules.
The score threshold
For 2026 entry, children needed a total of 332 or more, with no single score lower than 108. Each paper score runs from 69 to 141, so the highest total is 423.
The figure changes from year to year: it was 332 with no score below 106 for 2025 entry. Kent publishes the 2027 entry threshold in October 2026, so check it on results day.
Step by step for 2027 entry
- By 1 July 2026: register Registration for the Kent Test closed at midnight on 1 July 2026.
- 10 September 2026: the test Children in Kent primary schools sit it at school. Children at schools outside Kent, or educated at home, go to a test centre on 12 or 13 September.
- Before results: marking and review Your child's primary school is sent their scores and decision. If the headteacher disagrees, they can refer the child to the HTA panel.
- 15 October 2026: decisions sent Kent emails decisions after 4pm, or posts a letter if you gave no email address. Any HTA outcome is already included.
- 2 November 2026: apply for schools Name your preferred schools on the Kent application form (the SCAF) by the national closing date.
- 1 March 2027: offers If you named a grammar school but were not offered a place, you can appeal. Kent asks for appeals by 13 April 2027.
HTA vs appeal
| Head Teacher Assessment | Admission appeal | |
|---|---|---|
| Who starts it | The primary school headteacher | The parent |
| When | Before decisions go out on 15 October 2026 | After National Offer Day on 1 March 2027 |
| What it decides | Whether your child is assessed suitable for grammar school | Whether your child gets a place at a named school |
| Who decides | A panel of local primary and secondary headteachers | An independent appeal panel |
| Evidence | Scores, recent work, the writing task and school comments | Your written case, plus the school's case |
| Deadlines | Set by Kent for schools, not parents | At least 20 school days to lodge; heard within 40 school days of the deadline. Kent asks for 13 April 2027. |
There is no appeal against the October decision itself. Kent says neither the primary school nor the admissions team can change it after it is sent.
What you can do as a parent
- Talk to the school early: Ask your child's teacher before results day whether they would support a referral if the scores are close.
- Keep the school up to date: If your child's recent work, reading or maths has improved, make sure the school has seen it.
- Take questions to the school first: After results, Kent advises asking your child's primary school to explain the decision.
- Still name a grammar school if you want one: If your child is not assessed suitable, you can name it and then appeal after 1 March 2027.
- Accept the place you are offered: Accepting another school does not harm an appeal and keeps a place safe.
Independent and out-of-county schools
Children at schools outside Kent sit the test at a Kent test centre. Kent's 2027 booklet only describes referrals by the child's primary school headteacher.
In a 2019 reply to a public request, Kent said its panels serve linked independent schools and take referrals from outside Kent. Rules may have changed since, so check with your child's school and kent.admissions@kent.gov.uk before results day.
Sources
Checked on 27 September 2026. Kent's website blocks some automated checks, so the booklet was read from a copy hosted by a Kent primary school.
- Kent County Council: Admission to secondary school in Kent 2027 (booklet)
- Kent County Council: Kent Test leaflet for September 2027 entry
- Kent Test threshold statement for 2026 entry (via Sir Roger Manwood's School)
- Kent County Council: Kent Test
- Kent County Council: Secondary Admissions Scheme 2026 to 2027
- Kent County Council reply on Head Teacher Assessment panels, 2019
- Department for Education: School Admission Appeals Code 2022
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask for a Head Teacher Assessment myself?+
No, not directly. Kent says the primary school headteacher refers the case, so the best step is to talk to your child's school before results day.
When does the Head Teacher Assessment happen?+
It happens after the tests are marked and before decisions go to parents. For 2027 entry, Kent sends decisions on Thursday 15 October 2026.
What evidence does the panel look at?+
Kent lists the test scores, recent schoolwork, the unmarked writing task and comments from the child's current school. The panel looks at the full range of work, whichever score is below the threshold.
Can I appeal against the Kent Test decision?+
No. Kent says there is no appeal against the October assessment decision, but you can appeal for a grammar school place after National Offer Day on 1 March 2027.
What was the Kent Test pass mark?+
For 2026 entry the threshold was a total of 332 or more, with no single score below 108. Kent publishes the threshold for 2027 entry in October 2026.
My child is at an independent or out-of-county school. Can they be referred?+
Kent has said its panels serve linked independent schools and take referrals from outside Kent. The details are not in the 2027 booklet, so check with your child's school and Kent admissions before results day.
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