Apply to Oakwood Park Grammar School, in plain English.
Oakwood Park is a boys' grammar school (Years 7–11) in Maidstone with a mixed sixth form. Entry requires the Kent 11+ (PESE). The school calls Pupil Premium "Student Premium" — same thing, different name. A Medical criterion sits above Student Premium in the priority order, which is unusual among Kent grammars.
The three things to know first.
If you read nothing else on this page, read these. They're the bits that catch parents out.
Girls cannot apply for Year 7 — but can apply for the sixth form.
Oakwood Park Grammar School admits boys only into Year 7–11. Girls are admitted into the sixth form at 16+. If you have a daughter hoping for Year 7, this school is not currently an option for her — but it becomes one at sixth form age if she meets the academic entry requirements.
Medical (criterion c) comes before Student Premium (criterion d).
Oakwood Park's oversubscription criteria place the Health and Special Access criterion third — above Student Premium. This is the same unusual ordering seen at Invicta Grammar. Children with a demonstrable medical need specifically connected to this school rank above Student Premium-eligible children. Both rank above distance.
"Student Premium" is their term for Pupil Premium — same eligibility, SIF required by 31 Oct.
The school uses the term "Student Premium" in its admissions policy, but this is the same as Pupil Premium at other schools: children eligible for free school meals at any point in the last 6 years (excluding Universal Infant FSM). To claim this priority, return the Supplementary Information Form to admissions@opgs.org by 31 October 2026.
Five steps — starting with the Kent 11+.
From registering for the test to your son starting Year 7. Steps 3 and 4 both have 31 October deadlines.
If too many boys pass the 11+, these 5 criteria decide.
Children with an EHCP naming Oakwood Park are admitted before these criteria apply. All other eligible boys are sorted into the highest criterion that applies to them. Tap any criterion to see the exact wording.
In plain English: Boys currently or previously in council care (including those adopted from state care outside England) who passed the Kent Test receive the highest priority, regardless of where they live.
What the document says: Children in Local Authority Care, Previously in Local Authority Care or Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children who have met the selection requirements.
In plain English: Boys who have a brother or sister currently attending Oakwood Park (who will still be there in September 2027) and who live at the same address. Natural, adopted, step- and foster siblings all qualify.
What the document says: A brother or sister attending the school when the child starts. Children who live as brother or sister in the same house, including natural brothers or sisters, adopted siblings, step brothers or sisters and foster brothers or sisters.
In plain English: Children whose medical condition, mental or physical impairment, or social needs create a demonstrable and significant need to attend Oakwood Park specifically. Evidence must come from a suitably qualified professional and must demonstrate a specific connection between the child's needs and this school. A parent's own health or social needs can qualify if they create a need for the child to attend this school. This criterion ranks above Student Premium.
What the document says: Priority given to children whose mental or physical impairment means they have a demonstrable and significant need to attend Oakwood Park Grammar School. Equally this priority applies to children whose parents'/guardians' physical or mental health or social needs mean they have a demonstrable and significant need to attend. Written evidence required from a suitably qualified practitioner demonstrating a special connection between these needs and Oakwood Park Grammar School.
In plain English: Boys eligible for free school meals now, or at any point in the last 6 years, qualify under this criterion — called "Student Premium" at this school but identical to Pupil Premium elsewhere. Universal Infant Free School Meals (automatic for all KS1 pupils) does not count. You must email the Supplementary Information Form to admissions@opgs.org by 31 October 2026. Without the SIF, your son drops to criterion e (distance). Note: this criterion is ranked below the Medical criterion.
What the document says: Children in receipt of Student Premium — eligible where they have been registered for free school meals at any point in the last six years, excluding Universal Infant Free School Meals. A Supplementary Information Form must be returned to the school by 31 October.
In plain English: Boys who don't qualify under criteria a–d are ranked by how close they live to the school. The distance is measured in a straight line (as the crow flies), not by road.
What the document says: Distance between the child's permanent home address and Oakwood Park Grammar School measured in a straight line using the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) address point.
Straight line, not driving time.
Distance is the 5th and final criterion — it decides places when criteria a–d leave two or more boys equal. Kent measures the distance between your home and a fixed point on the school site as a single straight line. Routes, bus times and travel difficulty are not considered.
Addresses come from the National Land and Property GazetteerNLPGThe official UK address database. Distance is measured as a straight line between two address points: your home and a fixed point at the school.. For new-build homes not yet in that database, planning coordinates are used instead.
See the approximate catchment on the GrammarBound mapTwo criterion-e boys: the closer one ranks higher.
Both boys passed the 11+, neither qualifies under criteria a–d. Both fall into criterion e (distance). Boy A's straight-line distance is shorter — so he ranks higher. If two addresses tie exactly, a random draw decides.
Joining Year 12 — open to boys and girls.
Oakwood Park has a mixed sixth form open to both boys and girls. Up to 30 external places are available in Year 12, with a total cohort of 180.
The grade floor.
External applicants need a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grades 9–5, of which at least 4 are at grade 6 or above. A minimum of grade 5 in English Language and Maths is also required. Subject-specific requirements apply on top — most subjects need grade 6, with sciences, French and Spanish requiring grade 7, Maths A level requiring grade 7, and Further Maths requiring grade 8.
Apply via Kent Choices following the November open evening.
Apply through the Kent Choices online system (or directly to the school) following the sixth form open evening in early November. Applications should be submitted by mid-December. Internal students are confirmed on GCSE results day; external students should confirm in person on results day or by the following Friday.
See opgs.org for the sixth form prospectus and subject entry requirements.
You have two routes, and you can use both.
Waiting list
Ask Kent County Council to add your son to the Oakwood Park waiting list after National Offer Day. The list is re-ranked each time a child joins, using the same five criteria. Late additions can jump above you if they hold a higher criterion.
Appeal
Lodge an appeal with the school within 20 school days of your refusal letter. Write to the Clerk to the Governors via the school. Running an appeal does not affect your waiting-list position.