Tiffin School – Kingston upon Thames 11 Plus (11+) Admissions: The Complete Parent Guide (2026 Entry)

Introduction

If you’re exploring Tiffin School 11 plus admissions for September 2026, you’re considering one of South West London’s most academically selective boys’ grammar schools. Situated in Kingston upon Thames, Tiffin has a long history of strong academic results and a lively extracurricular life. Its popularity means competition for places is stiff, and understanding the admissions process early really helps you plan calmly and confidently rather than react under pressure.

With competitive entry and limited places, Tiffin School can feel overwhelming at first. But with a clear plan, it’s absolutely achievable. This guide is written to demystify the steps, milestones, and preparation strategies relevant for families aiming at Year 7 entry in 2026. You will find confirmed information where available, typical timelines from recent years, and clear notes where details are not yet published.

Grammar school admissions are shaped both by academic selection and by logistical processes set by the school and local authority. Knowing how these pieces fit together — from registration through exam stages to offer day — makes a big difference in how prepared your child will feel on the actual test days.

Take this as your parent-friendly roadmap to the Tiffin School Year 7 admissions journey. It’s detailed, factual, and designed to help you make solid planning decisions without guesswork.

Tiffin School Overview at a Glance

How the Tiffin School 11+ Entry Process Works

At Tiffin School, entry to Year 7 is determined primarily by performance in a two-stage entrance exam in Year 6. The admissions structure does not include a formal interview; places are allocated by exam performance combined with priority area and other criteria. 5 things to do today

Registration must be completed via the school’s online Supplementary Information Form (SIF) within the published window. This step is essential: without a valid registration by the deadline, your child cannot sit Stage One of the tests. Tiffin School

Once registered, your child sits Stage One tests in Mathematics and English. These are typically multiple-choice papers designed to assess curriculum-based skills. Successful candidates are then invited back for Stage Two later in the autumn term. The Stage Two tests are written papers also in Maths and English, and they tend to be more demanding, exploring extended written responses in English and more complex maths problems. atomlearning.com

A combined score from the two stages determines ranking. After testing, you must also submit your local authority common application form (CAF) — naming Tiffin as one of your preferences — by the national deadline to ensure your child’s place is considered. atomlearning.com

Oversubscription criteria can include living in the designated priority area (within about 10km of the school), and certain other categories such as looked after children or boys eligible for pupil premium funding, though the details are published in the school’s official policy each year. 5 things to do today

Key Dates for Tiffin School Admissions (2026 Entry)

Scholarships, Bursaries and Fees at Tiffin School

Tiffin School is a state funded grammar school, so it charges no tuition fees and does not offer traditional scholarships or means-tested bursaries like independent schools do. There is no formal scholarship process because all eligible pupils admitted through the 11+ exams attend free of charge. get-information-schools.service.gov.uk

There are aptitude assessments in sport and music which can help priority for up to 10% of places (5% sport, 5% music) if your child demonstrates high ability in these areas. However, these do not replace the main entrance exams and still require a strong academic test score. Tiffin School+1

Typical additional costs that families should budget for — though not charged by the school — include uniform, transport, trips, and optional activities. These vary widely based on personal choices and are not school fees.

What to Expect from the Entrance Tests at Tiffin School

Tiffin’s 11+ admission assessments are two stage and academically rigorous. Most families encounter a Stage One multiple-choice test first. This stage covers English and Maths and is designed to filter candidates for the second round based on standardised performance. atomlearning.com

Stage Two involves written English and Maths papers that explore deeper literacy and numeracy skills. The English paper often requires written responses such as short essays or comprehension answers, while maths may include extended problem-solving tasks. atomlearning.com

There is no formal interview; instead, the emphasis is on performance in both stages of testing. These exams assume familiarity with the UK Year 6 National Curriculum in English and maths. Tiffin School

Exam preparation should focus on ensuring strong foundations in comprehension, reasoning, written expression, arithmetic, and problem-solving skills. Practice under timed conditions helps pupils manage pace and reduce anxiety on test day.

Preparing for the Tiffin School 11 Plus Assessments

Begin preparation in a staged way. In Year 4, concentrate on solid reading, vocabulary, number sense, and clear written expression. These foundations make later practice more effective.

In Year 5, introduce more structured practice — particularly English comprehension and longer writing tasks alongside maths problem sets. Curricular knowledge really matters at Tiffin School; the tests are grounded in core skills rather than abstract puzzles.

In Year 6, focus on exam-specific preparation that reflects the two-stage format. Timed practice papers are invaluable. One or two full mock exams under timed conditions is often enough to build confidence without overwhelming your child.

Balanced preparation includes reading widely, discussing ideas, and maintaining well-being alongside exam practice.

As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11+ diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor (FYT) focused on Tiffin School. It benchmarks your child’s current level and gives you a personalised preparation roadmap for the months ahead.