Kingston Grammar School
Independent Co-educational Day School · Est. 1561
Kingston Grammar School is quietly exceptional. Founded in 1561, it occupies a handsome red-brick building minutes from Kingston town centre, yet produces results that sit comfortably in the national top 50. It is genuinely co-educational in a landscape dominated by single-sex schools, and it carries an easy confidence — rigorous without being punishing, traditional without being stuffy. This is the school for the child who is academically strong but also wants a full life: rowing on the Thames, performing arts, a Duke of Edinburgh Award, and 28 Olympic alumni who prove that sport here is taken very seriously indeed. There is no padding or pretension — just a school that quietly gets on with producing excellent human beings.
One of London's most genuinely co-educational independent schools, delivering top-50 national results and an Olympic-calibre sporting programme from the banks of the Thames.
Loading map…
London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 6PY
11+ Places
130–140
per year
Fees
£8,100
per term
Total Pupils
850
approx.
Founded
1561
years of excellence
A* Rate
35.2%
A-Level
Competition Ratio
~10:1
applicants per place
Best For
Families in SW London seeking a genuinely co-educational independent with strong academics, elite sport, and an entrance exam that tests depth over breadth — no VR or NVR required.
Watch Out For
The English paper contains both a multiple-choice AND a standard written section — most tutoring resources only cover one. The maths paper extends to Level 5 algebra beyond the standard Year 6 curriculum.
Entry Points
- 10+ (deferred entry)
- 11+ (main intake)
- 16+ (Sixth Form)
The Complete Admissions Timeline
Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.
The critical window: The KGS exams are in early November — the earliest of all major independents in the area. Preparation needs to be complete by late October.
Open Events
Essential for viewing the campus and exploring the school's unique atmosphere. Book early — they fill up fast.
Registration Deadline
Online application form and £135 registration fee must be submitted. FSM families can claim a refund.
Entrance Exams
All candidates sit Mathematics and English written papers at the KGS campus. No VR or NVR tested.
Interview Shortlist Decisions
Parents receive email notification about whether their child has been shortlisted for interview.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates attend a one-to-one interview on-site. Designed as a casual conversation, not a formal test.
Offer Letters
Offers are emailed to parents. Reserve list places have active movement until March.
Acceptance Deadline
Accepted families must formally confirm their place by the deadline.
Key Dates At-a-Glance — 2026/2027 Entry
- 1
Registration closes
Late October Year 6
- 2
Entrance Exams
Early November Year 6
- 3
Shortlist notified
Late November Year 6
- 4
Interviews
January Year 7 entry year
- 5
Offer letters
February
- 6
Acceptance deadline
Early March
Inside the KGS 11+ Papers
KGS sets its own Maths and English papers — no VR or NVR is tested. The Maths paper extends to Level 5 algebra beyond Year 6 curriculum, and the English paper uniquely combines multiple-choice and standard written sections. Most generic tutoring preparation misses both of these.
Mathematics
50 mins · Non-calculator, standard format
The last two questions are intentionally the hardest and most candidates will not finish them. The optimal strategy is to complete everything up to Q19 correctly and not sacrifice earlier marks by spending too long on the final questions.
English
50 mins · DUAL: Multiple Choice + Standard Format
Time management is the biggest risk in the English paper. The combined MC and writing sections run to 50 minutes and many children underestimate how much time the writing task will demand. Allocate exactly 25–30 minutes for the writing section and stick to it.
Topic Difficulty & Weight
Difficulty (%) and exam weight by topic area
Key takeaway: Level 5 algebra is the single biggest differentiator between candidates. Standard Bond books top out at Level 4. Without specific Level 5 prep, strong candidates hit a ceiling in the final third of the paper.
Topic Breakdown
Known Exam Traps — Mathematics
Consistently hardest — skip and return if stuck
Not in standard Bond books — requires specific prep
Extra data designed to mislead — extract only relevant numbers
Write down each step methodically
Always double-check cm/m, ml/l
The pattern: The last two questions are intentionally the hardest and most candidates will not finish them. The optimal strategy is to complete everything up to Q19 correctly and not sacrifice earlier marks by spending too long on the final questions.
If you can only improve in one area, make it
Level 5 Algebra
What this means in practice:
Dedicate 60%+ of prep time to this area
Practice under timed conditions regularly
Review mistakes immediately after each session
Track progress weekly to spot patterns
All focus areas ranked by impact:
#1
Level 5 Algebra
Mathematics
#2
Dual Format (MC + Written)
English
Format
Non-calculator, standard written format
Duration
50 minutes
Answer Method
Written answers, must show working
Curriculum baseline: Aligned with KS2 National Curriculum but extends into Level 5 territory, particularly algebra.
Results & League Table Position
KGS consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.
A-Level A* Rate
35.2%
National rank #41
A-Level A*/A Rate
75.4%
Use the narrative summary below.
GCSE Grade 9-7
91.6%
National rank #34.
A-Level A*-B Rate
92.7%
KGS ranks #41 nationally for A-Levels and #34 for GCSE — outstanding results for a school of 850 pupils that takes an unusually broad range of interests from sport to performing arts.
A-Level Results vs National Average
KGS vs England average (%)
What this means: KGS A-Level results place it consistently in the national top 50, comfortably ahead of many larger and more expensive schools. 35.2% A* is exceptional for a genuinely co-educational school.
GCSE Grade Distribution
KGS vs National distribution (%)
What this means: Over 91% of KGS pupils achieve grades 7–9, placing the school in the top 3% nationally. The concentration at grades 9 and 8 reflects the academic calibre of the intake.
University Destinations
Where KGS leavers go — % of cohort
Notable Academic Achievements
28 Olympic alumni
More Olympians per capita than almost any school its size — rowing and hockey at elite level
35.2% A* at A-Level
National rank #41 — exceptional for a school this size
Oxbridge 12% placement
Consistently strong Oxbridge and medical school pipeline
River Thames campus
Own boathouse and rowing programme on the Thames at Kingston
League Table Position: KGS ranks #41 nationally for A-Levels and #34 for GCSE — outstanding results for a school of 850 pupils that takes an unusually broad range of interests from sport to performing arts.
The KGS Interview
Getting to interview means your child has already cleared the academic bar. The interview is a pure personality and fit check — not an academic test. KGS explicitly discourages coaching and interviewers are trained to spot scripted answers.
Format
One-on-one conversation
Duration
10–15 minutes
Role in Admissions
Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate
Getting to Interview = Clearing the Academic Bar
By the time your child is invited to interview, KGS has already decided they are academically strong enough. The interview does NOT eliminate candidates for academic reasons. It is purely about cultural fit, personality, and whether this is the right school for this child.
What Makes a Strong Impression
Children who can talk in depth about a genuine interest — whether that's a sport, a book series, or a creative hobby — make a far stronger impression than those who reel off a list of achievements. KGS interviewers are known for following the child's lead and digging into whatever they are genuinely enthusiastic about. Natural responses win. Scripted responses are spotted immediately.
Confirmed Questions (from parent reports 2014–2025)
Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)
- What sports do you enjoy?
- What books are you reading at the moment?
- What's your favourite subject?
- Why do you want to come to KGS?
- What other schools are you applying to?
- What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
The pattern: Casual and friendly — designed to see personality, NOT to trip you up
Never Asked — Don't Over-Prepare
- Current affairs or politics
- Logic puzzles or brain teasers
- Controversial topics
- Any quantitative or adult topics
What Actually Wins Offers
- 1Genuine enthusiasm for learning and school life
- 2Articulate interest in the school's specific activities (rowing, hockey)
- 3Natural, uncoached personality — KGS explicitly discourages coaching
- 4Basic manners and politeness
“The interviewers couldn't have been nicer — he said he liked science and the interviewer showed him video clips of science experiments on her iPad.”
“KGS interview questions were not difficult — just general questions. My DS did not take interview coaching. Interviewers encourage children to be natural.”
Contact Admissions
Kingston Grammar School Admissions Team
Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know
These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 90+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.
Girls Interviewed First
A confirmed, unpublished pattern: girls are shortlisted and notified for interview before boys. This means if you have a daughter and haven't heard, don't panic yet.
Dual English Format
The English paper uses BOTH multiple-choice AND standard written questions. The vast majority of tutoring sites and prep books only mention one format. Your child needs to practice both.
Level 5 Algebra is the Differentiator
The Maths paper goes beyond standard Year 6 curriculum to Level 5 algebra. This is the single biggest differentiator between candidates. Standard Bond books do not cover this.
Interview is Pure 'Fit Check'
Getting to interview means you've cleared the academic bar. The interview does NOT eliminate candidates for academic reasons — it's purely about cultural fit and personality.
Scholarships Can Be Stacked
An academic or specialist scholarship CAN be combined with a means-tested bursary. A family qualifying for both could achieve a very significant fee reduction.
Reserve List Has Real Movement
The reserve list sees active movement well into March. If offered a reserve place, accept it — families do withdraw, especially if they also received offers from free grammar schools.
~40 Interview Spots Total
From multiple compiled evidence sources, approximately 40 candidates are called for interview from 800–1,000 applicants. That's fewer than 5% of applicants.
10+ Entry: Lower Competition
The 10+ deferred entry sits the same papers but at a slightly lower level, with ~8:1 competition ratio vs ~10:1 for 11+. It guarantees a Year 7 place if passed — a rarely publicised route.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
The errors we see most often from families preparing for Kingston Grammar School. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.
Preparing for VR and NVR that isn't tested
KGS does NOT test Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning. Families who spend months drilling VR are wasting preparation time that should go on Maths and English depth.
Using standard Year 6 Bond books only
Bond books top out at Level 4. The KGS Maths paper includes Level 5 algebra questions. Without specific Level 5 prep, candidates hit a ceiling in the final section of the paper.
Over-coaching the interview
KGS explicitly discourages scripted interview preparation. Interviewers are trained to spot coached answers and respond by digging deeper. Natural, enthusiastic responses win every time.
Missing the dual English format
Most families prepare only for standard-format English papers. The KGS English paper includes a multiple-choice section. Children who have never practised MC questions lose easy marks.
Ignoring the girls-first notification pattern
Because girls are notified first, families with sons frequently assume silence means rejection. This causes unnecessary stress and sometimes premature withdrawal. Wait the full notification period.
Not registering for scholarship assessments separately
Art, Music, and Sport scholarships require a separate assessment in November/December — the main registration form alone does not enrol you. Many families miss the scholarship window entirely.
KGS vs Competitor Schools
How does Kingston Grammar School compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.
Important context: Your child is not competing against other KGS applicants in isolation. Many candidates are simultaneously applying to 3–5 schools on this list. Understanding the overlap helps you plan preparation that covers multiple targets efficiently.
| Factor | FeaturedKingston Grammar | Tiffin Boys | Hampton School | Surbiton High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Independent | Grammar (Free) | Independent | Independent |
| Co-educational | Girls only | |||
| VR in Exam | ||||
| Annual Fee | £28,620 | Free | £28,000+ | £22,000+ |
| 11+ Difficulty | Moderate | Very Hard | Similar | Moderate |
| Interview Style | Friendly 1-on-1 | Formal | Formal | Yes |
Why Parents Choose KGS
- Co-ed in SW LondonRare at this academic level — biggest differentiator vs single-sex competitors
- Geographic convenienceShort walk from Kingston station, coach service available
- Exceptional facilities22-acre Ditton Field, boat house on Thames — rare for an urban school
- Olympic sporting heritage28 Olympic alumni — rowing and hockey at elite club level
- Balanced environmentLess 'hot-housed' feel than some comparable London schools
Points to Consider
- Off-site sports fieldsDitton Field is 1.5 miles away — sports day transport is a commitment
- Annual fee£28,620/year vs free Tiffin Grammar — a significant financial consideration
- No on-site swimming poolConfirmed in recent parent forum discussions (2025)
- Weekend sports commitmentSaturday rowing regattas and hockey fixtures are a genuine family expectation
- No published pass markMakes preparation benchmarking harder — this is where ClassAce helps
Scholarships & Financial Support
KGS offers multiple scholarship routes. Critically, scholarships and bursaries can be combined — a fact most families are unaware of.
| Scholarship Type | Value | Available Places | Selection Method | Stackable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship (11+) | 10% of fees | Up to 20 | Top performance in entrance exam | Yes |
| Hans Woyda Memorial (Maths) | 10% of fees | 1 per year | Exceptional mathematical talent | Yes |
| Art Scholarship | 10% of fees | Limited | Portfolio + separate assessment (Nov/Dec) | Yes |
| Music Scholarship | 10% of fees | Limited | Audition + separate assessment (Nov/Dec) | Yes |
| Sport Scholarship | 10% of fees | Limited | Trials + separate assessment (Nov/Dec) | Yes |
| Means-Tested Bursary | Up to 100% of fees | Varies | Home visit + financial assessment | Yes |
* Scholarship values are indicative based on verified forum data. The Means-Tested Bursary requires a financial assessment including a home visit. Contact the bursar directly for current figures.
The Preparation Roadmap
Everything here is built around Kingston Grammar School's specific exam format, interview style, and selection criteria. This is not generic 11+ advice. Every recommendation is calibrated to this school.
12+ months out
- Take a baseline assessment to identify weak areas across Maths and English
- Identify Level 5 algebra gaps — this is the key differentiator in the Maths paper
- Start daily reading of challenging texts to build vocabulary and inference skills
- Visit KGS at an open event to understand what the school values
6–12 months out
- Weekly timed practice papers covering both English formats (MC and written)
- Vocabulary expansion — target top 5% word lists for writing and comprehension
- Master Level 5 maths topics: algebra, advanced fractions, and multi-step problems
- Do NOT spend time on VR/NVR — it is not tested at KGS
1–3 months out
- Full mock papers under strict exam conditions — both Maths and English back-to-back
- Light interview preparation — casual conversation only, NO coaching scripts
- Exam stamina building — two 50-minute papers in one sitting
- Research KGS specifically: rowing, hockey, Duke of Edinburgh, drama
Exam day
- Maths: if stuck on a question, move on and come back to it
- Last 2 maths questions are intentionally hard — don't get derailed
- English writing: lead with description and atmosphere, not plot summary
- English inference: always explain HOW and WHY, not just WHAT
You now know things about this school most applicant families never find out.
This is the Kingston Grammar School profile. ClassAce gives you the same intelligence for every school on your shortlist, plus a personalised preparation plan built around your child.
Free while we build. No credit card required.
School guides included
Explore detailed profiles for your target schools while ClassAce is free to use
Personalised prep plans
AI-powered learning plans built around your child's specific targets, strengths and weak areas
Verified exam preparation
Practice papers, topic drills and timed tests aligned to the exact format of each school's exam
Parent community
Connect with other parents navigating the same admissions journey — share and learn
Everything included in ClassAce
Full access to every piece of intelligence we've gathered — organised to give you an unfair advantage in the admissions process.
- Full insider intelligence on all shortlisted schools
- Unlock pass mark data and score benchmarks
- Personalised gap analysis for your child
- Exam practice papers matched to school format
- Interview preparation guides
- Real-time admissions calendar with reminders
- Scholarship and bursary eligibility calculator
- Peer comparison data from ClassAce families
ClassAce Free Access
Browse every school profile for free. ClassAce helps you turn your target schools into a clearer preparation route, with practice and planning tools available while we build.
Create Free AccountNo card required.
Intelligence Score
Updated April 2026 · 90 sources
Coverage
Measures how much of the admissions picture is directly evidenced rather than inferred from comparable schools or legacy material.
Freshness
This edition was last checked April 2026. Recency scores fall when public evidence ages or current-cycle detail is sparse.
Use it well
Treat lower-scoring areas as prompts to verify with admissions, not as automatic red flags. The score is about evidence quality, not school quality.
Keep researching
More from ClassAce
School Match quiz
Answer a few questions and get a shortlist matched to your child and your area.
11+ exam formats
How entrance exams differ between schools — boards, papers, and timings compared.
Daily 11+ challenge
One free exam-style question a day. Build the habit before the mocks begin.