Kent Test and Medway Test registration still expected to open on June 1 say councils
Published: 11:05, 13 May 2020
Updated: 11:17, 13 May 2020
Those behind this year's Kent and Medway Tests say they continue to plan to open registration in June for those sitting this year's examination.
Both Kent County Council and Medway Council say at present there are no proposed changes to the way this year's assessment for grammar schools will be carried out and teams continue to work to existing timetables set out before the coronavirus outbreak.
Children currently in year 5, who wish to be considered for a grammar school place, are scheduled to sit either the Kent Test or Medway Test this coming September when they return for their final year of primary school.
But with children currently learning from home and schools only open for key workers, and government plans to bring back only reception, year 1 and 6, there is growing pressure on education chiefs to look at the selection tests and whether they can be carried out so soon after the school holidays and during such profound change to children's learning.
She said: "It is not right that at a time of heightened anxiety for all children, another pressure is placed on them."
Both Kent County Council and Medway Council says the process for administering this year's tests is being discussed with the Department for Education. But both authorities say they intend to open online registration via their websites for parents on June 1 as planned. The registration period, unless any changes are proposed, is open for one month and closes at the start of July.
Kent-based education expert Peter Read said rumours circulating that the tests could be delayed until the end of the year made it impossible for families to know whether they should be preparing or not.
He said: "Families don't know if they should plan for September or leave it until later in the year."
To learn more about the Kent Test and the process for registration please click here. Or for Medway click here.