Tiffin School 11+ Guide

About Tiffin School

Tiffin School is a selective secondary school in Kingston upon Thames, London. For children to get into Tiffin School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Tiffin School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, Tiffin School stands as a beacon of educational excellence for boys, with a mixed sixth form. This illustrious grammar school boasts a rich heritage, having nurtured generations of students to embrace challenges, pursue their aspirations, and flourish in an ever-evolving world. With an unwavering commitment to academic rigor, Tiffin consistently delivers exceptional exam results, solidifying its position among the top grammar schools in London.

At Tiffin, the educational journey extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. The school takes immense pride in its 'Arts College' status, which showcases the unparalleled opportunities available in the performing arts. Students are encouraged to explore their creative passions, whether it be through music, drama, or dance, fostering a vibrant and expressive community. Moreover, Tiffin's sports provision is equally impressive, rivaling that of the UK's most prestigious independent schools. From rugby and cricket to badminton and athletics, students have the chance to excel in a wide array of sporting disciplines, developing teamwork, resilience, and a competitive spirit.

The school's commitment to holistic development is further exemplified by its extensive co-curricular program. All pupils actively participate in the House Championship, forging strong bonds with their peers across different year groups. This sense of camaraderie and belonging is a hallmark of the Tiffin experience. Beyond the House system, students can engage in a plethora of activities, ranging from debating societies and science clubs to community service initiatives and outdoor pursuits. These experiences not only enrich their learning but also equip them with invaluable skills and a global perspective.

Tiffin School's success is rooted in its dedicated faculty, who inspire and guide students to reach their full potential. With a focus on individual attention and personalized support, teachers create an environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning. The school's strong academic reputation is evident in the high proportion of students who progress to prestigious universities, including Oxbridge and international institutions. Tiffin alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, a testament to the school's ability to shape future leaders and changemakers.

As a grammar school that embraces tradition while adapting to the demands of the modern world, Tiffin School remains at the forefront of educational innovation. Its commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its rich array of co-curricular opportunities, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For boys seeking an exceptional educational experience in Kingston upon Thames, Tiffin School is the ultimate choice, offering a transformative journey that will shape their lives and futures.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Tiffin School together with their admissions contact details.

Tiffin School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,419 pupils attend Tiffin School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Garth Williams.

Tiffin School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Tiffin School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Tiffin 11+ Information

In order to get into Tiffin School, children need to pass the Tiffin 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Tiffin 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Tiffin 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths

The admission process for Tiffin School involves a rigorous two-stage 11 plus examination. Stage one consists of multiple-choice assessments in English and maths, each lasting one hour. These papers are designed and provided by a leading UK 11 plus assessment company, GL Assessment.

Upon successful completion of stage one, candidates progress to stage two, which includes written English and maths exams. These one-hour papers are set and evaluated directly by Tiffin School, allowing the institution to assess the applicants' abilities more closely.

The combination of multiple-choice and written exams across both stages enables Tiffin School to thoroughly evaluate prospective students' aptitude and suitability for the academically challenging environment the school provides.

Other Schools using Tiffin 11+

As well as Tiffin School, several other schools also use Tiffin 11+. These are:

• The Tiffin Girls' School

Tiffin 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Tiffin School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Tiffin 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Tiffin 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Tiffin School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Tiffin 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Tiffin 11+ tests (to get into Tiffin School) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Tiffin School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Tiffin School was last inspected by Ofsted on 24/05/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 21/09/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Tiffin School was inspected by Ofsted on 21/09/2022 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and Outstanding personal development. The leadership and management of the school were rated as Good.

The sixth form provision at Tiffin School was deemed Outstanding by the Ofsted inspection. This highlights the school's commitment to providing high-quality education and support for students in their final years of secondary education.

The inspection results showcase Tiffin School's dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, promoting excellent behaviour, and nurturing the personal growth of its students. The school's leadership team has effectively managed the institution, ensuring a Good quality of education across all levels.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Tiffin School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Tiffin School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use our 11+ practice papers to help your child prepare.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Tiffin 11+ Ensure you double-check with Tiffin School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.