Kent Test Preparation
Building knowledge, developing skills and preparing children for the Kent Test.
Preparing for the Kent Test involves much more than simply practising test papers. Children need secure foundations in English and maths, a good understanding of vocabulary, confidence with problem-solving and the ability to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar questions.
At Sunnydene Tutoring, we provide structured preparation for children in Year 4 and Year 5, with sessions designed to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for the Kent Test.
Our approach combines carefully planned teaching, individual attention within small groups, practical activities and a range of resources to support learning both during and between sessions.
Whether your child is beginning to build their foundations in Year 4 or undertaking more focused Kent Test preparation in Year 5, our aim is to help them develop their abilities steadily and approach the test feeling well prepared.
Year 4: Building strong foundations
Preparation focuses on developing the underlying skills children will need for the Kent Test. This includes maths, English, vocabulary, arithmetic, problem-solving, logical thinking and reasoning.
The emphasis is on developing confidence and ability without introducing formal Kent Test practice too early.
Maximum group size: 6
Year 5 – Focused Kent Test preparation
Sessions build on existing knowledge and develop familiarity with each of the assessed areas of the Kent Test, the likely question types and the skills required for successfully tackling the Kent Test.
Children work on maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning activities, alongside vital work to develop test strategies and representatively timed practice tasks.
Weekly term-time sessions are supported by additional holiday sessions, practice materials for work at home between sessions, holiday activity packs, a summer holiday mock test and ongoing support for parents.
Maximum group size: 8
Year 4 sessions provide opportunities to strengthen existing knowledge, develop new skills and explore different ways of approaching problems.
What will children work on?
In maths, children work on key curriculum areas, with particular attention to arithmetic, times tables, mental maths, problem-solving and applying their knowledge in new ways. Practical resources and activities are used alongside written work to help children develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts.
English sessions focus on developing vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and writing skills. Children are encouraged to explore language, understand instructions carefully and develop their ability to explain and communicate their ideas.
We also introduce a variety of reasoning and logical thinking activities, including sequences, patterns, puzzles and spatial challenges. These provide opportunities for children to think creatively, recognise relationships, make connections and develop strategies for tackling unfamiliar problems.
Games, practical activities and hands-on resources form an important part of our sessions. They help children develop confidence, independence and resilience, whilst making learning enjoyable.
Year 5 sessions build on the foundations developed at school and, where applicable, the skills strengthened during Year 4 preparation. The focus is on developing the knowledge, understanding and techniques needed to tackle the many different types of questions children may encounter in the Kent Test.
During Year 5 sessions at Sunnydene, children work across English, maths and reasoning, developing their ability to apply what they know, recognise patterns, interpret information and approach unfamiliar questions logically. We cover a broad range of question styles and techniques, helping children become increasingly confident and independent in their approach.
What will children work on?
English: Developing vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation,
grammar and an understanding of how language is used. Children also develop
their ability to interpret texts, understand more complex instructions and work
with unfamiliar vocabulary.
Maths: Strengthening mathematical knowledge and improving accuracy and speed across a wide range of topics. Particular attention is given to arithmetic, mental maths, worded problems, multi-step calculations and applying mathematical understanding to unfamiliar questions.
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: Developing skills in recognising patterns, identifying relationships, working with codes, interpreting information and solving problems involving words, letters, numbers and shapes.
Spatial reasoning and problem-solving: Using practical activities, puzzles and visual challenges to develop children's ability to recognise, manipulate and understand shapes, patterns and spatial relationships.
Alongside developing these skills, children become familiar with many different question formats and learn how to manage their time, interpret instructions carefully and make sensible decisions when faced with challenging questions.
Supporting learning beyond weekly sessions
Preparation doesn't stop when children leave at the end of each session. Our Year 5
programme includes practice books, additional activities and resources to support
learning at home and during school holidays. Children also have access to our library,
mock testing opportunities and the Sunnydene Parents' Pages, with ongoing support
available to parents throughout the preparation period.
Our aim is to provide thorough, structured preparation while keeping learning manageable and maintaining children's confidence and enjoyment of learning.
The Sunnydene approach
Sunnydene Tutoring's Kent Test preparation programmes combine expert teaching, carefully planned sessions and a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills children need to develop. We use structured teaching, practical activities, targeted resources and purposeful practice to help children make progress across all areas of their learning.
Small group sizes allow our tutors to give children individual attention, identify areas where further support is needed and adapt their teaching accordingly. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, ask questions and tackle increasingly challenging work, with guidance and support from their tutor.
We place particular importance on developing secure understanding, rather than simply teaching children how to answer practice questions. By strengthening knowledge, building confidence and developing effective problem-solving strategies, we help children become more capable, independent learners who are better equipped to approach unfamiliar challenges.
Individual tuition is also available for children who would benefit from one-to-one support.
Reserving a session space: 2026 - 2027 School Year
Year 4 preparation
Year 4 sessions cost £30 per week, payable termly. Groups have a maximum of six children.
Year 5 Kent Test preparation
Year 5 sessions are paid by monthly standing order, starting at £120 per month for students starting their Year 5 work at the beginning of the school year. The monthly payment is adjusted throughout the year to reflect the programme calendar, keeping the overall cost of the package broadly consistent.
Groups have a maximum of eight children.
Please get in touch for the current monthly payment amount and details of availability.
Enquiries and reservations
If you would like to find out more about our preparation programmes or discuss a suitable group for your child, please contact Sunnydene Tutoring. We will be happy to answer your questions and explain the arrangements for reserving a place in more detail.
Call: 01795 720593