Kent College Dubai – UK Independent School Applications
Families at Kent College Dubai often start thinking ahead about UK independent school applications, whether that’s for Year 7 (11+ entry), senior school entry, or a future move back to the UK. While Kent College Dubai offers a strong British curriculum foundation, the UK admissions process can still feel confusing — especially when timelines, entrance exams and interview requirements vary from school to school.
In this guide, we’ll explain how UK independent school applications typically work for Kent College Dubai students, including what entrance exams your child may need to prepare for (such as the 11 Plus, school-specific assessments, or interview tasks), what top UK schools look for, and how to plan the right preparation schedule so your child can apply with confidence.
Why Kent College Dubai families often apply to UK schools
Kent College Dubai is a well-respected British curriculum school and many families begin planning early for UK independent school applications — either because they intend to relocate back to the UK, they are aiming for a top UK boarding school, or they want to keep selective UK options open for the future.
In most cases, families choose to apply to the UK for one of three reasons:
Relocation planning: securing a place before (or shortly after) a move back to the UK
Boarding school entry: applying to UK boarding schools for Year 7 or Year 9 entry
Selective school ambition: targeting academically competitive schools where strong exam performance and interview confidence can make a major difference
Even with an excellent foundation at Kent College Dubai, it’s important to know that UK independent school admissions are often not based purely on school reports. Many schools require entrance exams, strong English writing skills, and confident interview technique — especially for competitive schools and scholarship pathways.
If you’re applying from the UAE, you may also find it helpful to read our guide to International Entry to UK Schools for UAE Students.
How UK independent school applications work for UAE families
One of the biggest differences between UAE schooling and UK admissions is that independent schools often follow a multi-step application process. Although every school is slightly different, the most common steps include:
Initial enquiry / admissions call (sometimes with a school visit or online consultation)
Registration (often with a fee and required documents)
Entrance assessments (these may be online, in the UAE, or taken in the UK)
Interview and writing tasks (especially for selective UK schools)
Offer decision (and occasionally waiting lists or conditional offers)
For Kent College Dubai students, the most important thing is timing. Some UK schools start their admissions process well in advance, and popular entry points like 11+ (Year 7) and 13+ (Year 9) can involve earlier preparation than parents expect — particularly if your child is applying to highly competitive independent schools.
If you’re planning a move for your family, our guide to Relocating from the UAE to the UK for 11+ and Independent School Entry explains what to expect and how to plan ahead.
Kent College Dubai families are often in a strong position academically — but the key is knowing which UK admissions route you’re targeting and preparing for the right assessments early enough.
What about UK boarding school applications from the UAE?
Many Kent College Dubai families also consider UK boarding school entry, either as a long-term pathway or as part of a relocation plan. The key thing to know is that boarding schools often have school-specific admissions processes, and the “11 Plus” may not look exactly the same as grammar school testing. Some schools set their own papers, while others focus heavily on interviews, writing tasks, and academic potential.
Because of this, it’s important to prepare for a wider set of skills than exam technique alone — particularly high-quality English writing, strong comprehension, confident speaking, and the ability to perform under timed conditions. If boarding school is your target, it’s worth getting familiar with the process early and planning a preparation timeline that fits both UK deadlines and your child’s school year in the UAE.
For more guidance, see our full guide on How to Apply to British Boarding Schools.
Is Kent College Dubai a good starting point for UK 11 Plus preparation?
Kent College Dubai offers a strong, traditional British education that prepares students well for the core academic foundations of the UK system.
Strengths include:
A solid English and Maths curriculum
Warm, supportive teaching environment
A strong sense of discipline, character, and pastoral care
Extracurricular opportunities similar to UK private schools
Academic alignment with Kent College Canterbury in the UK
However, even with this good foundation, the UK 11 Plus requires advanced skills that go beyond the standard UAE curriculum.
The biggest gaps for Kent College students are typically:
High-level English comprehension
Detailed literary analysis
Fast-paced problem-solving for Maths
UK-style creative writing
Verbal & non-verbal reasoning (not taught in school)
Interview strategy and confidence
This means students aiming for competitive UK schools need specialised 11 Plus preparation alongside their normal schoolwork.
Do Kent College Dubai students need the UK 11 Plus for independent or grammar school entry?
Yes. Any child applying for a selective UK school (whether grammar or independent) must take an entrance exam.
Families at Kent College Dubai usually target one of two routes:
1. Grammar School 11+ Exams (State Selective Schools)
These include:
Kent Grammar Schools (super-selective & standard)
Colchester Royal Grammar
QE Boys
Kendrick
Slough/Reading Consortium
Sutton Grammar Schools
Tiffin Boys/Girls
Trafford Grammar Schools
The Kent Grammar Schools are a particularly common target because of the school’s heritage and family connections.
Grammar school exams typically include:
English
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
In Kent specifically: comprehension, writing & reasoning
2. Independent School Entrance Exams
For day and boarding schools such as:
Kent College Canterbury (linked school)
Harrow
Tonbridge
Sevenoaks
Wellington
St Paul’s Girls/Boys
Wycombe Abbey
Eton
Rugby
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
These typically test:
English comprehension
Creative writing
Mathematics
Reasoning
Interviews
Group tasks
Applying from overseas is very common—but requires thorough preparation.
What entrance exams do Kent College Dubai students face when applying to UK schools?
The 11 Plus (11+) is taken in Year 6 and tests a mix of curriculum mastery, reasoning ability and exam technique.
Kent College Dubai follows the British curriculum, but the 11 Plus goes beyond classroom expectations, especially in:
English (Comprehension & Analysis)
Students must:
Analyse advanced texts
Understand figurative language
Explain author choices
Justify answers with evidence
Handle long-form written responses
Creative Writing
A major differentiator in independent school offers. Skills required include:
Sophisticated vocabulary
Atmospheric descriptive writing
Clear structuring and pacing
Dialogue, tone and voice
Writing fluently under timed conditions
Maths (Reasoning & Application)
More challenging than standard curriculum worksheets:
Multi-step word problems
Fractions, ratio & percentages
Algebra basics
Speed-based arithmetic
Geometry and measures
Logic problems
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (VR/NVR)
These are essential for grammar school entry and rarely taught at school.
Verbal Reasoning includes:
Word codes
Synonyms/antonyms
Logic-based vocabulary tasks
Word analogies
Letter patterns
Non-Verbal Reasoning includes:
Shape sequences
Rotations and reflections
2D/3D spatial puzzles
Pattern completion
Figure matrices
These sections reward fast thinking and repeated exposure.
Interviews & Group Assessments
Some independent schools require:
Discussion tasks
Problem-solving
Reading-based conversation
Personal questions
Academic thinking
Kent College students tend to speak confidently, but still need structured interview practice.
What level do Kent College Dubai students need for UK entrance exam success?
To be competitive with UK-based applicants, students should aim for:
English
Above-average comprehension
Confident analysis
Rich vocabulary
Strong grammar
Ability to write 1+ pages in 25 minutes
Maths
Secure Year 6 curriculum mastery
Exposure to Year 7 standards
Fluent mental arithmetic
Logical reasoning speed
VR/NVR
Essential for grammar schools.
Exam Technique
Time management
Fast working
Accurate guessing strategies
Understanding mark scheme requirements
Top UK schools expect students to work 1 year ahead of standard UAE curriculum expectations.
What questions appear in UK entrance exams for Kent College Dubai families? (11+ and independent school assessments)
1. English Comprehension
Questions cover:
Author technique
Character analysis
Vocabulary in context
Evidence-based answers
Inference and deduction
2. Creative Writing
Typical tasks include:
Descriptive writing
Continuing a story
Writing from an image
Persuasive letter
Narrative openings
Quality and creativity matter more than length.
3. Maths Problem-Solving
Expect:
Multi-step questions
Ratio & fractions
Algebra intro
Geometry
Speed arithmetic
Complex word problems
4. Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Tests:
Logic
Pattern recognition
Word relationships
Spatial rotation
Matrix puzzles
This is new for many Kent College students—so early preparation is essential.
How should Kent College Dubai students prepare for UK independent school applications (11+ exams + interviews)?
1. Begin early (ideally 12–24 months ahead)
UK families often prepare from Year 3.
2. Start with a diagnostic assessment
Identifies key strengths and weaknesses.
3. Build advanced English foundations
Focus on:
Comprehension technique
Complex texts
Vocabulary growth
Writing structure & style
4. Strengthen Maths reasoning
Go beyond worksheets to:
Multi-step problems
Algebra foundations
Ratio & proportion
Worded reasoning
5. Introduce VR/NVR regularly
Practice at least weekly.
6. Develop exam technique
Timing
Working efficiently
Accuracy under pressure
7. Prepare for interviews
Especially for top independent schools.
8. Complete timed 11 Plus mock exams
Essential for building stamina and real-world exam confidence.
When should Kent College Dubai families start preparing for UK independent school entry?
Suggested timeline:
Year 4 – Light foundation & early exposure
Year 5 – Main 11 Plus programme
Year 6 – Intensive exam practice & interview coaching
For families moving to the UK or applying to UK schools from overseas, starting 12–18 months early gives the best outcomes.
FAQs for Kent College Dubai parents applying to UK independent schools
Is the 11 Plus harder from abroad?
Only without UK-specific resources. With structured guidance and the right exam practice, Kent College Dubai students can absolutely match (and exceed) UK-based applicants.
Is the UK 11 Plus the same for every school?
No. Grammar school tests vary by region, and independent schools often have their own entrance exams. Some schools also include writing tasks, problem-solving, or verbal reasoning components.
What’s the difference between applying to UK grammar schools and independent schools?
Grammar schools are state-funded and highly competitive, usually requiring strong exam performance. Independent schools are fee-paying and often assess children more broadly through entrance exams, interviews, and school reports.
Do Kent College Dubai students get accepted into top UK schools?
Yes, many students from strong British curriculum schools in Dubai go on to secure places at selective UK grammar and independent schools each year, provided they prepare effectively for entrance exams and interviews.
What subjects should Kent College Dubai students focus on most?
For UK entry, the biggest difference is usually English, especially comprehension, writing quality, vocabulary, and timed exam technique. Maths and reasoning also matter, but English performance is often what separates good applicants from great ones.
When should we start preparing for UK school entry?
As a general rule, earlier is better, especially for selective independent or grammar schools. Many families begin structured preparation 6–12 months before assessments, depending on the target schools and your child’s starting level.
Can UK school assessments be taken from the UAE?
Sometimes. Many UK schools offer online assessments, overseas testing options, or testing during a UK visit. Each school’s admissions office will confirm what’s possible.
Is online 11 Plus preparation effective?
Yes, for international families, online preparation is often the most effective approach because it gives students access to UK exam specialists, structured resources, and timed exam practice without needing to be in the UK.
Does my child need UK curriculum mastery?
Yes, especially in English and Maths, which must meet or exceed UK Year 6 expectations. For competitive schools, students may also need stronger-than-average vocabulary, comprehension accuracy, and writing quality.
Are interviews required for UK schools?
Yes, nearly all independent schools (and some selective schools) include an interview. Students may also face writing tasks, group discussions, or “thinking questions” designed to assess confidence and maturity.
Helping Kent College Dubai students succeed in UK independent school applications
Applying to UK schools from the UAE can feel overwhelming — especially when admissions timelines, entrance exams, and interview requirements vary between grammar schools, independent day schools and boarding schools. The good news is that Kent College Dubai students often have an excellent academic foundation, and with the right support, they can approach UK applications with confidence and clarity.
At The Exam Coach, we help Kent College Dubai families prepare for UK independent school applications, including entrance exam preparation, English comprehension and writing, verbal reasoning skills, and interview confidence. Whether your child is targeting 11+ entry (Year 7), preparing for a school-specific assessment, or aiming for boarding school entry from the UAE, we can help you build the right plan — and make sure your child is ready when it matters most.
With structured preparation and expert guidance, students can confidently compete with UK-based applicants and secure places at top grammar and independent schools.
If you’re looking for support with:
11 Plus English
Creative Writing
Maths Problem-Solving
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Interview Preparation
Full Mock Exams & Revision Courses
The Exam Coach team specialises in helping international students succeed.
How The Exam Coach Supports UAE Students
At The Exam Coach, we are 11 Plus exam experts, specialising in bridging the gap between excellent UAE schooling and UK school entrance exam readiness. Our weekly online classes are crafted specifically for UAE families and led by experienced UK tutors.
To help students master these subjects, we offer the following services:
What we offer:
💻 Online workshops covering English comprehension, creative writing, vocabulary, and reasoning
🇬🇧 Experienced UK tutors who teach specifically for the 11 Plus curriculum
🧠 Verbal Reasoning and English vocabulary sessions tailored to UK exam styles
⏰ Live interactive lessons delivered at times convenient for UAE students
🧍♀️ Stand-alone lessons (no long-term lock-ins) so parents can join for exactly what’s needed
We help students gradually build reasoning habits, improve writing technique, and gain confidence in timed exam settings. If you're serious about preparing your child for the 11+, our weekly online tuition for UAE students is designed to align with what top UK schools expect.
📚 Weekly Workshops 📚
In our 11 Plus weekly workshops, your tutor will share some background information about themselves and our workshops with new students. This is followed by 40 minutes of teaching time. Weekly workshops usually run at least a week, usually on weekday evenings. The dates and times of these workshops change each week to ensure everyone can benefit from them.
The content within each workshop varies between 11+ creative writing, comprehension, verbal reasoning or English vocabulary. These classes are a great way to experience our tuition and let your child learn something new before booking one of our courses. Weekly tuition allows us to regularly top up your child’s knowledge during the year prior to their exams.
Each weekly tuition workshop is standalone, meaning your child does not need to have attended any previous sessions to join one. Class notes are sent out 24 hours after each workshop to help students recap what they have learnt.
Types of taster workshop:
Tricky Vocabulary Workout
Verbal Reasoning Synonyms/Antonyms
Comprehension
Creative Writing
Details:
45 minutes.
Introduction to The Exam Coach.
Competitive class testing.
Self-assessed testing.
Walkthrough answers.
Class notes.
When they take place:
At least once a week (date and time announced on Mondays via our email newsletter).
How to register:
📝 11 Plus Practice Papers 📝
We have plenty of practice papers available for various 11+ exam boards to help your child prepare. We provide papers for CEM, GL, ISEB, Kent, Sutton, and Independent School exams.
🎙️ Our Vocabulary Podcast 🎙️
Our 11+ Daily Vocab Show podcast is available on our website and all major streaming platforms. In each episode, we teach children a new word, expanding their vocabulary one word at a time.
Every podcast episode focuses on one tricky piece of vocabulary, ensuring that your child’s vocabulary is built up slowly and that they fully understand each word they learn.
All podcast episodes can be found using the links below:
Listen to the first episode, featuring the word ‘siege’, by clicking the image below.
