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INTRODUCTION:

Kingston Grammar School (KGS), located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, is a prestigious co-educational independent school with a rich history dating back over 450 years. Founded in 1561 by Queen Elizabeth I, the school was established as a free grammar school and was gifted the 14th-century Lovekyn Chapel, named after a local butcher and baker. KGS is renowned for its academic excellence, consistently ranking in the top 1% of UK secondary schools, with a strong emphasis on traditional subjects and extension projects in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths).

In addition to its academic strengths, KGS is celebrated for its sporting achievements, particularly in hockey and rowing. The school has produced 26 Olympians and boasts a 22-acre sports field along with a boat house on the River Thames, near Hampton Court Palace.

ADMISSION GUIDELINES:

Kingston Grammar offers open events year-round, giving prospective families a chance to explore the campus and learn about the school's offerings. These events provide an excellent opportunity for you and your child to experience the school firsthand, and early booking is advised.

Oversubscription Criteria:

There are no oversubscription criteria for the school.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Kingston Grammar School selects students for 11+ entry into Year 7 based on a report from their current school, entrance exam results, and an interview. To apply, parents must submit a registration form and pay a £135 non-refundable fee by October. The entrance exam occurs in November, and only those meeting the required academic standard are invited for an interview, which may be general or subject-specific, depending on exam performance.

CATHCHMENT AREA:

There is no catchment area for the school.

EXAM FORMAT:

The 11-plus exam for Kingston Grammar School includes two English and Maths papers, each lasting 50 minutes and based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. The English paper tests reading comprehension and creative writing. In the reading comprehension section, students must read a passage and answer questions that assess their understanding, vocabulary, and inference skills. The creative writing task varies but usually involves using the passage as a prompt, focusing on spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary, and originality.

The Maths paper covers Key Stage 2 topics, including number and place value, the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, and statistics. Students who perform well in the exam are invited to an interview at the school in January, which may focus on the subject in which they scored lower, either English or Maths.

PREPARATION AND TARGET TEST SCORES:

To help your child prepare for selective school entrance exams like Kingston Grammar School's 11 plus entry, focus on several key strategies. Implement a "little and often" approach to learning with short, regular study sessions to build a strong knowledge base. Encourage wide reading across various genres to enhance vocabulary and analytical skills. Foster curiosity by discussing current events and providing diverse learning experiences through visits to educational sites. Use mock tests to refine exam techniques and address any knowledge gaps. Finally, celebrate progress and maintain a growth mindset, emphasizing effort and resilience in the face of challenges.

Consistently scoring 75% or higher on the 11+ practice tests is a strong indicator that a pupil is likely on track to pass the Kingston Grammar School 11+ exam. Although this doesn't guarantee success, historically, it has been a reliable sign that a student should perform well in the test.

Summary:

Name: Kingston Grammar School

School Type: Co-ed Independent Day School 

School Website: https://www.kgs.org.uk/

County: Greater London

Address: Kingston Grammar School, London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6PY

Email: registrar@kgs.org.uk

Phone: 0208 546 5875

Number of Places Available: 850+

11+ Exam Date: November of Year 6

Exam Format: School’s Own

 

This information was last updated in December 2024.

Past Papers

Maths Past Paper - Kingston Grammar School Entrance Exam