Practical guidance from the Leading Tuition team
Book a Free ConsultationThe Kingston and Richmond area of south-west London is home to some of the most academically selective state schools in England. The standout names are Tiffin School (boys) and Tiffin Girls' School, both in Kingston upon Thames, along with Waldegrave School in Twickenham — a partially selective girls' school that admits a proportion of students on academic ability. For families searching for grammar school places in this part of London, these three schools dominate the conversation, and competition for entry is fierce.
Both Tiffin schools are fully selective state grammar schools maintained by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. They consistently rank among the top-performing state schools in England. In recent A-level results, both schools have reported that the vast majority of students achieve A* to B grades, with strong progression to Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
Tiffin School (boys) and Tiffin Girls' School are non-fee-paying, which makes them exceptionally attractive to families who want high academic standards without independent school fees. However, that combination of quality and cost means the entrance process is highly competitive. Each school receives several thousand applications annually for around 120 to 150 Year 7 places.
Both schools have sixth forms, offering A-levels across a broad range of subjects. Tiffin School is particularly well known for its strength in mathematics and sciences, while Tiffin Girls' has a strong record across humanities and sciences alike. Both schools are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Waldegrave School in Twickenham is a girls' school that operates as a partially selective academy. It admits a set number of students each year through academic selection, alongside non-selective admissions. It is consistently rated among the best state schools in the Richmond upon Thames area and has an excellent reputation for GCSE and A-level outcomes.
Because Waldegrave is partially selective rather than fully selective, its admissions process differs from the Tiffin schools. Families should check the school's admissions policy carefully each year, as the number of selective places and the criteria can be updated. The school is co-educational in the sixth form, admitting boys for A-level study.
Entry to Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls' School is via the 11 plus examination, taken in Year 6 (typically aged 10 to 11). Both schools set their own entrance tests rather than using a standardised regional test, which is an important distinction from grammar schools in areas like Kent or Buckinghamshire.
The Tiffin tests assess:
The tests are typically held in September of Year 6, with offers made in the following spring as part of the normal secondary school admissions round. Families apply through the Kingston or Richmond local authority admissions process, with secondary school applications submitted to their home local authority by the national deadline in October.
One common misconception is that living close to the school guarantees a place. For fully selective schools like the Tiffins, distance is not a factor — only test performance determines eligibility. A second misconception is that preparation is unnecessary. In practice, most successful applicants have spent months working through practice papers and developing reasoning skills beyond what is taught in primary school.
Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls' School do not use a traditional catchment area. Any child in England is eligible to sit the entrance test, though in practice the majority of successful applicants come from the surrounding boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton, and Wandsworth. Some families travel considerable distances, and a small number of children from outside Greater London are offered places each year.
For Waldegrave's selective places, the admissions criteria typically prioritise children living within a defined distance of the school, so geography does play a role there. Families outside Richmond upon Thames should check the current admissions policy on the school's website before preparing for that specific process.
It is also worth noting that grammar schools in neighbouring areas — such as Nonsuch High School for Girls in Sutton or Wilson's School in Wallington — are within reasonable reach for families in Kingston and Richmond and are worth considering as part of a broader application strategy.
Preparation for the Tiffin entrance tests typically begins in Year 5 or early Year 6. Because the schools set their own papers, it is important to use Tiffin-specific practice materials rather than generic 11 plus resources. The mathematics questions in particular often go beyond the Key Stage 2 curriculum, requiring children to apply reasoning skills to unfamiliar problems.
Effective preparation usually involves a combination of:
Many families work with a specialist 11 plus tutor in the year leading up to the test. A good tutor will identify gaps in a child's knowledge, build exam technique, and help manage the pressure that comes with a high-stakes test at age 10 or 11. Leading Tuition works with families preparing for selective school entry across south-west London and can tailor preparation to the specific demands of the Tiffin tests.
Grammar schools suit children who are academically strong, enjoy being challenged, and are comfortable in a fast-paced learning environment. Both Tiffin schools move quickly through the curriculum and have high expectations from Year 7 onwards. GCSEs are typically taken across nine or ten subjects, with the majority of students achieving grades 7 to 9 (equivalent to the old A and A*).
It is worth being honest with yourself and your child about fit. A child who achieves a borderline pass in the entrance test may find the pace difficult to sustain over five years. Equally, many excellent non-selective schools in Kingston and Richmond — including Christ's School in Richmond and Coombe Boys' School — offer strong academic outcomes and should not be dismissed.
Leading Tuition always encourages families to consider the whole picture: a school where a child thrives socially and emotionally, as well as academically, will serve them better in the long run than a prestigious name alone.
When do children sit the Tiffin School entrance test?
The Tiffin entrance tests are held in September of Year 6, when children are typically aged 10 or 11. Results are usually released in October or November, and offers are made as part of the standard secondary school admissions round the following spring.
Do you have to live in Kingston or Richmond to apply to Tiffin School?
No. Both Tiffin schools are open to applicants from anywhere in England. There is no catchment area and distance plays no part in the selection process — places are awarded solely on the basis of entrance test performance.
How many children apply for Tiffin School each year?
Both Tiffin schools typically receive several thousand applications for around 120 to 150 Year 7 places, making them among the most oversubscribed state schools in England. The acceptance rate is estimated to be well under 10% of applicants.
What is the difference between Tiffin Girls' School and Waldegrave School?
Tiffin Girls' School is a fully selective grammar school — every place is awarded by academic test. Waldegrave School in Twickenham is a partially selective academy, meaning only a proportion of its Year 7 intake is selected by ability, with the remaining places allocated on other admissions criteria including distance.
Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and the grammar school route in Kingston and Richmond is genuinely competitive. Understanding the process clearly, preparing thoroughly, and keeping an open mind about alternatives will put any child in the best possible position — whatever school they ultimately attend.
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