Admissions, Scholarships and Fee Assistance
Table of contents
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Welcome to Kingston Grammar School
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Our values
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Admissions overview
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Additional information
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Fees
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Scholarships overview
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Art Scholarships
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Music Scholarships
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Sport Scholarships
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Fee assistance overview
Welcome to Kingston Grammar School
Kingston Grammar School, founded by Royal Charter in 1561 and with a history dating back to the 12th century, is a school rooted in tradition yet focused on the future. The School’s central location in Kingston upon Thames offers excellent transport links, providing easy access to the diverse culture and opportunities of central London. Students benefit greatly from everything our urban location offers. Alongside traditional subjects, we place a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts & Mathematics), creating an exciting and vibrant academic programme that is designed to challenge and promote intellectual rigour. Our rich and diverse cocurricular activities develop students of great character, encouraging a proper regard for people and our environment. This fosters a culture of service, partnership and integrity, inspiring our students to connect meaningfully with the wider world.
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Although we are rightly proud of our academic outcomes, the philosophy at KGS is not simply to achieve excellent results at any cost; delivering the right level of pastoral care is key to a child’s success and, ultimately, their long-term happiness. We put tangible value on supporting our students during these formative years with an unrivalled wellbeing programme. Ditton Field, the home of KGS Sport, is our 22-acre sports ground and boathouse on a beautiful stretch of river opposite Hampton Court Palace. We are particularly renowned for our success in hockey and rowing and there have been 31 appearances by our alumni at the Olympic Games, including two at Paris 2024. Our aim has always been to produce well-adjusted young adults who truly live out our motto, Work Well and Be Happy, and who want to make their world a better place. We encourage them to embrace our values of aspiration, respect, integrity and engagement.
Our values Aspiration
Integrity
We equip students with the skills, confidence and results to pursue their ambitions, while valuing co-curricular engagement and personal growth. We recognise success looks different for each individual and support every student in shaping their future.
We nurture honesty, strong moral principles and ethical values, encouraging students to admit mistakes and work towards positive outcomes. In a world of misinformation, we help them uphold the truth and act for the greater good.
Respect
Engagement
We promote respect, for oneself, for others and for the wider world, underpinned by kindness, equality, diversity and sustainability. We also encourage self-kindness, helping students balance priorities and build a positive self-image.
We inspire students to embrace every opportunity, from familiar strengths to new challenges. Through collaboration, leadership and service, they learn the power of partnership and the importance of giving back.
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Admissions overview
Admission to Kingston Grammar School is by selection on academic merit. All students are required to sit an entrance assessment in English and Mathematics.
Entry points The main entry point in the Lower School is 11+. We have limited spaces available for 12+, 13+ and 14+ entry: please contact our Admissions Team prior to applying.
Examinations at 11+ are in line with the age-appropriate National Curriculum levels. A conversational interview is an important part of the entrance process and places are not offered without one. All candidates invited for an interview will either be offered a firm place or be placed on the waiting list. The non-refundable registration fee is £185 (inclusive of VAT). A reference is requested from the candidate’s current school prior to the date of examination. If your child is recorded as eligible for free school meals, we will waive our registration fee. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (registrar@kgs.org.uk).
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Additional information
Facts and figures The typical tutor group size is 25 students (First to Third Year) with smaller groups at GCSE and A Level. The boy/girl split throughout the school is around 50% boys and 50% girls. We have nearly 300 ‘feeder’ schools of all types and First Year students came from over 80 different primary/prep schools last year.
Transport Most students make their own way to and from school as Kingston bus and rail stations provide readily accessible means of public transport from most areas. This is not only a ‘green’ issue but also gives the students invaluable life skills from an early age. For those students that wish to cycle to school, covered bike racks are available. We bus students to and from our sports ground, Ditton Field.
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Sports ground Ditton Field, the home of KGS Sport, is a 22-acre site on the Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace (Summer Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0RD). First Year students go to Ditton Field for two full afternoons per week, as well as for sports practices and matches, both after school and at weekends. Families and friends are welcome to come and watch any of the sports fixtures taking place on a Saturday morning.
Learning support We offer support for students with with a range of learning needs; this includes assistance with study and organisational skills. This support is provided through individual lessons or in small group sessions, all of which are free of charge.
Public examination results A comprehensive set of examination results is available on our website: www.kgs.org.uk/about-us/examresults
School policies and information A full list of KGS policies and information is available on our website: www.kgs.org.uk/aboutus/policies-and-reports
Fees
In addition to the fees and the extras outlined here, parents should note that they will need to purchase uniform and sports kit (from the School’s chosen suppliers). There may also be additional charges for optional trips, some co-curricular activities and compulsory subject field trips.
Registration fee
Music lessons
£185 (inclusive of VAT) nonrefundable fee to accompany the registration form. This fee is waived for children recorded as eligible for free school meals. Please contact our Admissions team for further information.
The rate payable to a Visiting Music Teacher is agreed between the parents and teacher and is billed separately by the teacher. This is around £265 per term for 10 lessons.
Deposit fee
Lunch is payable on a termly basis and costs between £355 and £440 per term, or students are allowed to bring their own packed lunch. Students are also able to purchase snacks and drinks as well as breakfast items on a ‘pay as you go’ cashless system.
£2,000 payable on acceptance of the offer of a place and retained until after the student leaves.
Tuition fees £9,750 (inclusive of VAT) per term. Public examination (GCSE/A Level) fees are not included and will be added to fee bills as appropriate.
Lunch
(The fees noted above are for the academic year 2026/2027 and are subject to change).
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Scholarships overview
The School offers a range of scholarships. Our goal is to identify and admit students who demonstrate the potential to benefit from a KGS education and who will actively contribute to the school community. The scholarships detailed are subject to acceptance of the Conditions of Holding an Award and account for between 10% and 20% fee remission. They are generally awarded for the duration of the student’s time at KGS and are subject to annual review. A student may hold multiple scholarships and a fee assistance award. Only candidates who achieve the required academic standards in the entrance examination will be invited to take part in the practical scholarship assessments.
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Academic Scholarships We continually assess the progress of all students which allows us to award Academic Scholarships at any time to those who consistently meet our high standards. This is based on an holistic assessment of their academic performance, of which end of year exam results form only a part. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Head Master. No separate application is required for Academic Scholarships at any entry point.
Art Scholarships Candidates must submit a digital folder of artwork. A shortlist of candidates will be invited to attend a practical assessment and interview. They will be asked to bring a folder of work that will include up to 12 pieces (drawings, paintings and other artwork) completed in school and at home during the previous two years.
There is no specific requirement for what the folder might contain but it should help illustrate the candidate's enthusiasm and talent in Art. Sketchbooks often provide a useful focus for discussion during the interview, which will take place on the assessment day. Models, sculptures, wooden or glassframed pictures will not be accepted; however, photographs of such artefacts are most welcome and worthy of inclusion.
Music Scholarships Awarded to those who show outstanding potential on an instrument, preferably orchestral. Ability to play a second instrument is desirable, though not essential. Candidates must submit a video recording of a piece on their main study. A shortlist of candidates will be invited to attend an audition. As a guide, 11+ candidates should have achieved a good pass at Grade 5 standard.
Auditions will consist of: Performance of one prepared piece for main instrument (an accompanist may be provided). Sight reading. Aural tests, including singing. Performance of prepared piece on second instrument or voice (if applicable). If a second instrument or voice is not being offered, two pieces on the main instrument should be prepared. An interview with the Director of Music.
Sport Scholarships
Tennis Academy
Candidates must demonstrate a combination of athletic ability and hand-eye co-ordination.
Talented tennis players joining at 11+ also have the opportunity to be considered for the KGS Tennis Academy, launched in partnership with Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club. This exclusive programme is integrated into the school week and offers access to performance coaching, outstanding facilities and tailored support. Students selected for the Academy will be expected to show exceptional potential in tennis, a strong work ethic and a commitment to both their sporting and academic development.
There will be a short fitness- based pre-assessment for all selected applicants. Those who pass this will be invited to the full assessment where a mixture of sports may be played. Candidates must provide the name of a referee with contact details. You do not need to obtain a written reference.
Please visit: www.kgs.org.uk/tennisacademy for further details
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Art Scholarships
The KGS Art Department plays a central role in the creative life of the School. All students are helped to build confidence in their practical skills and encouraged to express ideas in visual forms. A vibrant and inspiring environment combined with an ever-broadening contextual understanding helps to nurture and inspire all our students. The Baxter Gallery is Kingston’s most prominent exhibition space and students’ work displayed there has helped to enhance the School’s growing reputation as a creative hub. Each year several of our students go on to study Art, Architecture and Art History at some of the country’s top institutions including University of the Arts London, Leeds College of Art, London College of Communication and Newcastle, Kingston and Cambridge universities.
Assessment A digital folder of artwork should be submitted in advance of the in-person assessment. A shortlist of candidates will be selected from these submissions and invited to attend a practical workshop. A folder of work should be brought on the day of assessment. This may contain a variety of drawings, paintings and other artwork completed in school and at home during the previous two years. There is no specific requirement for what the folder might contain but it should help to illustrate the candidate’s enthusiasm, talent and development in Art. Sketchbooks often provide a useful focus for discussion during the interview. The folder of work is to be left after the scholarship assessment day and can be collected the following week.
A KGS Art Scholar can expect the following: Exciting and challenging extension work through the Junior Art Club Working with and learning from A Level artists during the House Art Competition Opportunities to design the Head Master’s official KGS Christmas card
What we expect from a KGS Art Scholar: To study Art at GCSE and A Level A commitment to demonstrate initiative and to take responsibility for your artistic development both within and beyond the curriculum To participate in the many and varied art-related opportunities offered by KGS, including the Junior Art Club To produce pieces of art (as guided by the teachers) for exhibitions in the local community and around the school site
Facilities Our facilities include four bright and well-equipped studios, intaglio and relief print-making equipment, an ICT suite, a photographic darkroom and a ceramics workshop. As well as wall space throughout the School to show students’ artwork, we have two dedicated display spaces, the Finlay and Baxter Galleries. There are currently five members of staff working in the Art Department, with a range of specialisms such as Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography and Theatre Design and we encourage all our students to seek guidance from this wealth of experience.
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Music Scholarships
Music at KGS has a long history of excellence and the Music Scholars’ Programme aims to create opportunities for performance and leadership, as well as to support students’ musical aspirations. Scholars take part in professional performance collaborations with top musicians and are able to further their musical experience through our chamber music programme. Performance standards in concerts are very high, and a particular strength of Music at the School is the diversity of our ensembles, ranging from traditional choirs and orchestras to smaller ensembles which regularly record in our state-of-the-art recording studio. Music Scholars are also involved in our annual Choral Society concert, which provides the opportunity to perform a large-scale work alongside professional performers.
Requirements Scholarships are awarded to those who show outstanding potential on an instrument, preferably orchestral. A good pass at Grade 5 at age 11 may be taken as a guide to the standard when applying. The ability to play a second instrument is desirable, though not essential. All Music Scholarship applicants must submit a written recommendation or endorsement by their music teacher in support of their application.
Assessment Candidates will be asked to submit a video recording playing a piece on their main study. A shortlist of candidates will then be selected from these submissions and invited to an audition. At the audition, candidates will be asked to play one prepared piece on their main instrument and, if applicable, play one piece on a second instrument (or voice). They will read at sight a short piece of appropriate standard on their main instrument and respond to aural, theory and general musicianship questions. An accompanist will be provided on the day if required.
Facilities The music facilities at KGS are excellent and comprise three performance auditoria, six rehearsal rooms, one technology suite and a purpose-built recording studio.
A KGS Music Scholar can expect the following: Up to £265 fee remission towards a term of music lessons Chamber music workshops and opportunities to listen to in-house recitals with professional ensembles Ensemble performance opportunities such as the Partnership Concert, Music Society AGM and in-platform concerts Opportunities to participate in the annual Oratorio Concert at a large venue Opportunities to lead co-curricular groups, such as being leader of our Symphony Orchestra, as well as to direct some groups, such as the School Choir Mentoring by a dedicated and specialist member of the Music Department
What we expect from a KGS Music Scholar: Demonstrate initiative and take responsibility for your musical development both within and beyond the curriculum Participate in the many and varied music-related opportunities offered Play a leading role in the Music Department and join at least two large co-curricular groups (including one choir and one orchestra for your main instrument) and a chamber music ensemble Consistently achieve good grades in effort and achievement, showing a commitment to the exploration of the musical arts Assist with visits to local schools to act as music ambassadors The passion to study Music at GCSE and A Level
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Sport Scholarships
KGS Sport Scholars are supported by a mentor who meets with them regularly to review their progress and offer advice on anything from training schedules to balancing their academic workload. They are encouraged to attend strength and conditioning sessions and various workshops including sports nutrition, sports psychology and time management. Recognising the demands on Sport Scholars, the School offers support to help them balance academics and athletics effectively, with a focus on nurturing long-term athletic development. Requirements All applicants must provide the name of a referee with contact details. Assessment Candidates must demonstrate athletic ability and hand-eye coordination, which will be assessed during the Sport Scholarship Assessment Day in November. Following this, they may need to attend a more sport-specific assessment. All candidates must show a desire to learn and develop. KGS seeks to assess future potential rather than early maturity or success. Facilities Students at KGS enjoy fantastic sports facilities including 22 acres of playing fields in beautiful Thames Ditton, opposite Hampton Court Palace. These include six netball courts, six cricket nets, a long jump pit, four football pitches, four cricket squares, eight tennis courts, two AstroTurf hockey pitches, an AstroTurf practice area, a strength and conditioning suite, a pavilion and a well-equipped boathouse. Further facilities on the main school site include a gymnasium, netball court and cricket nets, an AstroTurf practice area as well as an extensive array of other equipment. Our sports coaches include several individuals who have played or coached to an international level. We have three Great Britain Olympians: Nick Park, Paris 2024 (hockey), Matt Daly, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 (hockey) and Phil Simmons, Athens 2004 (rowing), on our staff coaching team.
A KGS Sport Scholar can expect the following: High-level professional coaching Regular opportunities to play competitive sports fixtures The support of a mentor Periodic progress reviews and target setting Access to professionally-led strength and conditioning sessions Expert advice on diet and nutrition Advice on sports psychology Access to a physiotherapy support service
What we expect from a KGS Sport Scholar: To prioritise school sport, always representing KGS when asked to do so To engage with Scholars’ Sessions (e.g. Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition and Sports Psychology Seminars, Testing etc) To show leadership on and off the field of play To demonstrate a positive attitude to learning by being open to new ideas and approaches To learn from mistakes so as not to repeat them To play within the spirit and laws of the game and show good sportsmanship
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Ditton Field, the home of KGS Sport
Fee assistance overview
Means-tested fee assistance is available for 11+ entry. Fee assistance is variable according to means, up to 100% plus of full fees. The award of fee assistance is subject to reaching the required academic standard in the relevant entrance examination. If the demand exceeds the number of awards available, fee assistance will be awarded with reference to the performance in the entrance examination. The School may also assist with costs such as uniforms, school lunches, essential academic trips and examination fees. We welcome applications from parents/carers of prospective students applying for 11+ entry who might not typically consider independent education due to financial constraints. It is possible to receive both fee assistance and a scholarship. Much of the financial support we offer is funded through fee income, supplemented by generous donations from former students and parents to our Fee Assistance Fund.
Fee assistance awards are granted at the beginning of a student’s journey at KGS, with no further opportunities to apply for assistance except at 16+ entry. As funds for fee assistance are limited, parents/carers are encouraged to explore all other funding avenues before applying. All information regarding the process is kept confidential by the School. The assessment includes a comprehensive review of both parents’/carers’ finances, including assets. Allowances are made for essential expenses and other dependent children. Fee assistance awards are subject to: A home visit. Annual re-assessment of parental financial means. Satisfactory academic performance.
Applying for fee assistance Awards can extend into the Sixth Form, provided Sixth Form entry requirements are met. To apply, please register for entry and indicate your interest in fee assistance on the registration form. You will then be directed to complete a short form. Late applications will not be considered. As a general policy, we cannot process applications submitted with only one parent’s details when two share legal parental responsibility, even if one has primary custody. Exceptions are rare and require additional context and supporting documents. If your child is offered an interview, you will be asked to complete a more detailed application form.
Good conduct of the student.
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The well-planned extra-curricular programme enhances pupils’ learning and provides effective opportunities to develop skills and understanding. ISI Inspection Report, 2024
School famed nationally for its co-curricular offering. Over 100 clubs all underpinned with school’s character education ethos that drives teamwork, leadership, creativity and resilience. Good Schools Guide, 2024
The school wants KGS students to develop the life skills they’ll need for the wider world – and the co-curricular programme plays a central part. It’s all about balance, developing new skills and perhaps challenging yourself to go outside your comfort zone. Muddy Stilettos, 2025
#workwellandbehappy
Kingston Grammar School 70 London Road Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT2 6PY T: 020 8546 5875 E: registrar@kgs.org.uk W: www.kgs.org.uk