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11+ exam figures uncovered in paper's FOI test

The Kentish Gazette in Canterbury has used the Freedom of Information Act to find out the 11-plus exam pass rates for schools in its circulation area.

The results were presented in a table published by the paper – which is part of the Kent Messenger Group – in the latest edition.

Kent is one of the few parts of the UK which retains a selective secondary education system.

Gazette editor Bob Bounds wanted to find out how many pupils from each school in its area had entered and passed the Kent Test.

The paper called the first few schools on its list, only to told by all of them – bar one – that they would not release the results.

That prompted a formal request to Kent County Council, the local education authority, under the FOI Act.

The information revealed that fewer pupils are sitting the test as parents attempt to ensure that their children get places at their first choice non-selective schools, rather than gambling on the outcome of the test.