About Kingston Grammar School
Kingston Grammar School (KGS) is a co-educational independent day school in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, south-west London, founded by Royal Charter in 1561 (its Lovekyn Chapel dates to the 14th century). A strongly academic school for around 800 pupils aged 10–18, it is also known for hockey and rowing. As an independent school it charges fees — around £7,800 a term (about £23,400 a year; confirm the current figure).
Entry to Year 7 (around 150 places, for roughly 800–1,000 candidates) is by the school's own entrance exam, sat at KGS in November of Year 6 — two 50-minute papers in English (comprehension and creative writing) and Mathematics — with an interview in early January for those who do well.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Kingston Grammar School (KGS) Admissions Criteria
Kingston Grammar School (KGS) is a co-educational independent day school in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS) 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS). 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 assessment: Your child will sit Kingston Grammar School (KGS)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment in English and Mathematics, followed by an interview. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS).
- ✓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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Kingston Grammar School (KGS) 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Kingston Grammar School (KGS) 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Step 1 — Visit Kingston Grammar School (KGS
Visit Kingston Grammar School (KGS) on London Road, Kingston upon Thames (founded 1561)
Step 2 — Attend an 11+ open event
Attend an 11+ open event — bookable via school website (virtual tours also available)
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the KGS admissions portal
Step 4 — Pay the £135 non-refundable registration fee
Pay the £135 non-refundable registration fee (waived for free school meals families — contact Admissions Team)
Step 5 — Indicate interest in fee assistance on registration form
Indicate interest in fee assistance on registration form (means-tested, up to 100% of full fees; subject to satisfactory entrance exam performance)
Step 6 — Your child sits the entrance examination broadly in line
Your child sits the entrance examination broadly in line with age-appropriate National Curriculum levels
Step 7 — Formal interview with KGS staff is an important part of process
Formal interview with KGS staff is an important part of process (places not offered without one)
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Subjects Tested at Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Art, Music, Sport Scholarships at 11+/13+/16+ (Drama, Design Technology at 16+ only). Means-tested fee assistance up to 100% of full fees. Music tuition £26.50 per lesson; music theory £26.50 (individual) or £13.25 (paired).
Outcome announced: Academic, Art, Music, Sport Scholarships (Drama and Design Technology at 16+). Awards not dependent on parental income, may be augmented by means-tested fee assistance.
Additional notes: Kingston Grammar School (KGS) is a leading co-educational day school in South West London for ages 11-18 (founded 1561). 876 pupils (~50/50 boys/girls). Times rank #34. 22-acre sports ground on the River Thames (opposite Hampton Court Palace). Strong sporting legacy: 26 appearances at the Olympic Games incl. alumni James Cracknell OBE and Sophie Hosking MBE (gold medallists). 10:1 competition at 10+ and 11+. 2019: 65.6% A*/A at A-Level; 10% Oxbridge.
Exam Results at Kingston Grammar School
Kingston Grammar School is consistently among the strongest-performing co-educational schools in the country, and is rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both academic achievement and personal development.
At A Level (2025), 75% of all grades were A*/A — of which 35% were A* — and 98% were A*–C. Around half of the cohort achieved a clean sweep of A*/A grades across all their subjects.
At GCSE (2025), over 90% of all grades were awarded at grades 9–7 (A*/A), with close to 75% at grades 9–8 and more than half of pupils achieving straight top grades.
Around 80% of leavers take up places at Russell Group universities, with several gaining offers from Oxford and Cambridge each year, alongside medics, dentists and a growing number heading to leading overseas universities.
Results vary year to year; see the school's website for the latest published figures.
Catchment Area for Kingston Grammar School
As an independent school, KGS has no catchment area; pupils travel in from across south-west London and Surrey. Places are awarded on the entrance exam and interview.
KGS offers academic, music and sport scholarships plus means-tested fee assistance; scholarship applications are made by November, and fee assistance is linked to performance in the entrance exam.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co-curricular Life
A co-educational school since its foundation in 1561, Kingston Grammar pairs high academic expectations with a strong pastoral structure and a busy co-curricular programme for its roughly 800 pupils aged 10–18.
Sport is a particular strength: KGS has achieved national success in hockey and rowing and has produced over 25 Olympians, with football, netball, tennis and cricket also widely played. The school's 22-acre Ditton Field sports ground supports games across all year groups.
Beyond the classroom, pupils choose from over 70 clubs and societies and take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze through to Gold), drama, music and community-service activities, supported by a house system and form-tutor pastoral care.
Independent Practice Papers for Kingston Grammar School (KGS)
Kingston Grammar School (KGS) 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 Kingston Grammar School (KGS) 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.
Kingston Grammar School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to KGS at 11+?
Register online directly with the school; registration for September 2027 entry opens in June 2026 and closes in early October 2026. Your child sits the exam at KGS in November, with interviews in early January for those who do well.
What is on the KGS 11+ exam?
Two 50-minute papers — English (comprehension and creative writing) and Mathematics — followed by an interview for successful candidates. Sample papers are sent once registered.
Is KGS selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective co-educational independent day school, so it charges fees (around £7,800 a term, about £23,400 a year; confirm the current figure).
Is KGS co-educational?
Yes — KGS educates girls and boys aged 10–18.
How many Year 7 places are there?
Around 150, for roughly 800–1,000 candidates, so entry is competitive.
When is the entrance exam?
At KGS in November of Year 6 (November 2026 for September 2027 entry), with interviews in early January 2027 and offers in February.
Does KGS have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits pupils from any area; it is central in Kingston upon Thames and well connected.
Are scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — academic, music and sport scholarships (apply by November) plus means-tested fee assistance linked to the entrance exam.
How can my child prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths and practise timed comprehension and creative writing. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.