About King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) is a boys' independent day school in Wimbledon, south-west London (with a co-educational Sixth Form). Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own entrance examination — three written papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning — with an interview for shortlisted candidates. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) Admissions Criteria
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) is a boys' independent day school in Wimbledon, south-west London (with a co-educational Sixth Form). Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own entrance examination — three written papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning — with an interview for shortlisted candidates. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance examination: Your child will sit King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)'s own entrance examination — three written papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (each about 50 minutes), usually in early December of Year 6. The papers assess both current attainment and academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
Step 1 — Visit King's College School (KCS) Wimbledon
Visit King's College School (KCS) Wimbledon — overlooking Wimbledon Common
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at KCS Wimbledon
Your child sits the entrance assessment at KCS Wimbledon — testing English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: King's College School (KCS) is a prestigious independent day school in Wimbledon, South West London, overlooking Wimbledon Common. The Lower School is the prep section (ages 7-13). The school is consistently among the top-performing schools in the UK.
Independent Practice Papers for King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (Progression to the Senior School)
King’s College Lower School is the junior (preparatory) stage of King’s College School, Wimbledon, educating boys before they progress into the Senior School — so it does not enter pupils for GCSEs or A-Levels itself.
- Progression: boys move up to the King’s College Senior School (at 11+ or 13+), one of the country’s leading academic schools.
- Beyond: King’s leavers go on to Oxford, Cambridge and other top UK and global universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for King's College Lower School, Wimbledon
King’s College Lower School, Wimbledon is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across south-west London and the surrounding area, with selective entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The Lower School shares the King’s College School campus facing Wimbledon Common; main entry points are at 7+, 8+ and 9+, with most boys continuing into the Senior School at 11+ or 13+.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
King’s College Lower School is the junior school of King’s College School (KCS), Wimbledon — one of the UK’s leading independent day schools, founded by Royal Charter in 1829 and a member of the Eton Group — educating boys (from age 7) on a campus facing Wimbledon Common, with the motto ‘Sancte Et Sapienter’ (with holiness and wisdom). It offers an academically rigorous, well-rounded preparatory education in a kind and inclusive community, with strong pastoral care, ahead of progression into the Senior School. (King’s is extending co-education across the school over the coming decade.)
Co-curricular life is rich, making full use of the senior school’s extensive facilities across sport, music, drama and the arts. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about King's College Lower School, Wimbledon
How do I get into King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)?
To gain entry to King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
No. KCS sets its own entrance examination rather than using the ISEB Common Pre-Test or a consortium. Candidates sit three written papers — English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (each about 50 minutes) — usually in early December of Year 6, with an interview in January for strong candidates.
What is the 11+ exam at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)?
King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)?
Yes. King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)?
Most independent schools including King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS). No registration required.
When is the King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) 11+ results announced?
At King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS), 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.