Tiffin School

Tiffin School is a highly selective boys-only grammar school in Kingston upon Thames that runs its own entrance exam, separate from any consortium. The test uses GL Assessment papers in Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English only — there is no Non-Verbal Reasoning paper, which sets it apart from many other grammar school tests. Registration closes in July, with the exam typically held in early October for entry the following September.

This is a significantly harder exam than a standard GL paper, and parents should be aware that practising on typical GL materials alone will not be sufficient preparation. The vocabulary in the Verbal Reasoning section is particularly challenging, using sophisticated and less common words that go well beyond standard 11+ wordlists. The Mathematics paper demands genuine problem-solving and reasoning rather than straightforward calculation — expect multi-step problems, algebra, ratio, and complex word problems that catch out even children who are strong at school maths.

Time pressure is a real factor in this exam. Children often report running out of time, especially on the maths paper, so regular timed practice is essential. The English comprehension passages are more literary and complex than typical papers, requiring children to read carefully and make inferences rather than simply finding surface-level answers. Overall, you should expect your child to need sustained, focused preparation well above the standard 11+ level, with particular emphasis on vocabulary building, mathematical reasoning, and timed practice.