Tiffin School: 11 Plus entry

A state grammar school in Kingston upon Thames for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type
Grammar school
Pupils
Boys
Area
Kingston upon Thames, London
Entry
11+
Entrance test
Tiffin two-stage test
Tested
Maths and English
Competition
Super-selective
Prism’s suggested target
90% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)

About the Tiffin two-stage test

Kingston’s two Tiffin schools use a first stage of multiple-choice English and maths, followed by a harder second stage for the highest scorers.

StagePaperQuestionsTime
Stage 1English3030 minutes
Stage 1Maths3030 minutes
Stage 2English1250 minutes
Stage 2Maths2550 minutes

Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.

How to prepare

The Tiffin two-stage test covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.

For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.

For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.

Practice questions in the style of the test

Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.

Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds

A recipe for 8 people uses 350 g of flour. How much flour is needed for 16 people?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E, 700 g

How to work it out

  1. Flour for one person: 350 ÷ 8 = 43.75 g.
  2. For 16 people: 43.75 × 16 = 700 g.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

What does the word “grimace” mean?

Show the worked answer

Answer: C, an ugly twisted face showing pain or disgust

How to work it out

  1. “Grimace” (noun) means an ugly twisted face showing pain or disgust.
  2. For example: He made a grimace as he tasted the lemon.

Other selective schools in Kingston upon Thames

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Tiffin School use?

Tiffin School uses the Tiffin two-stage test, which tests maths and English. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.

What score does my child need for Tiffin School?

Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.

When should my child start preparing for Tiffin School?

Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.

Preparing for Tiffin School?

Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.

Start the free assessment

Prism Learning is not affiliated with Tiffin School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.