Admissions, Scholarships and Fee Assistance
2026 entry
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
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
We want to equip our students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue their chosen ambitions and pathways We understand the importance of having the right ‘ currency ’ in the form of examination results and other outcomes, whilst also pursuing excellence in a broad range of co-curricular endeavours as goals in themselves We enable our students to become future-ready, able to master digital technology and to build interpersonal relationships with people from all walks of life We also recognise that success can be different for every student, and wholeheartedly aim to inspire and support each student in the pursuit of their ambitions
Respect
We hold dear the notion that every member of the KGS community should have respect for themselves, for other people and for the world in which we live whilst embracing the concept of kindness, in all its facets. We demonstrate an absolute understanding of equality and diversity, as well as promoting sustainability at every level Beyond this, we encourage the practice of self-kindness, learning to balance competing priorities and both developing and maintaining a positive self-image
Integrity
We encourage and develop our students’ commitment to strong moral principles and ethical values; being honest with themselves and others. We aim to ensure that our students are confident in admitting when something has gone wrong, and work to find a more positive outcome, either independently or with the support and collaboration of others This is an integral part of the educational journey at KGS and a quality that is increasingly important in a world where ‘fake news ’ and sections of social media have been used to promote personal, or bespoke, agendas, which may threaten the greater good.
Engagement
We actively encourage our students to fully embrace all the opportunities available to them, including those they are familiar with and may well excel in, and those that are new and require a determined effort We encourage collaboration with peers and adults both within and beyond the school, recognising how much more can be achieved when working in partnership We invite our students to give back to the communities of which they are a part, through their leadership and service
Admissions overview
Ifyourchildisrecordedas eligibleforfreeschoolmeals,we willwaiveourregistrationfee PleasecontactourAdmissions teamforfurtherinformation (registrar@kgsorguk)
Entry points
The two entry points in the Lower School at KGS are 10+ deferred and 11+. We have limited spaces available for 12+, 13+ and 14+ entry: please contact our Admissions Team prior to applying
Applicants that decline or are unsuccessful for 10+ deferred entry are welcome to re-register for 11+ entry
Key admissions dates
School year of entry
10+ deferred entry
First Year 2027 (Year 7) Friday 21 November 2025 Papers in Mathematics and English (plus interview by invitation only)
11+
First Year 2026 (Year 7)
Saturday 10 January 2026 Up to 20 Emailed Friday 13 February 2026
Monday 6 October 2025 Papers in Mathematics and English (plus interview by invitation only) Friday 7 November 2025 Up to 150 (including 10+ deferred places) Emailed Friday 13 February 2026
Key scholarship and fee assistance dates
‘ green’issuebutalsogivesthe studentsinvaluablelifeskillsfroman earlyage Forthosestudentsthat wishtocycletoschool,coveredbike racksareavailable Webusstudents toandfromoursportsground, DittonField
Additional information
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/ examination-results
Higher education
In 2025, 35% of all grades awarded were A*, with 74% of grades at A*-A and 92% A*-B. Eighteen students achieved a clean sweep of A*s, whilst over half the year group achieved all A*-A grades Five students took up places at Oxbridge, and six are beginning Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine courses
We are particularly pleased by the unusually broad range of interests shown by KGS students, which is reflected in many of the university course choices in 2025, including: Industrial Engineering, Cyber Security & Digital Forensics, Global Sustainable Development, Astrophysics & Cosmology, Modern & Medieval Languages, and Architecture
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
(for the Autumn term 2025)
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
£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
Deposit fee
£2,000 payable on acceptance of the offer of a place and retained until after the student leaves
Tuition fees
£9,150 (inclusive of VAT) per term Public examination (GCSE/A Level) fees are not included and will be added to fee bills as appropriate
Music lessons
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 £250 per term for 10 lessons.
Lunch
£6 75 per day, payable on a termly basis, 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.
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
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.
Auditionswillconsistof:
Performanceofoneprepared pieceformaininstrument(an accompanistmaybeprovided)
Sightreading
Auraltests,includingsinging
Performanceofpreparedpiece onsecondinstrumentorvoice(if applicable) Ifasecond instrumentorvoiceisnotbeing offered,twopiecesonthemain instrumentshouldbeprepared
AninterviewwiththeDirectorof Music
Sport Scholarships
Candidates applying for entry at 11+ must demonstrate a combination of athletic ability and hand-eye co-ordination
At 11+ there will be a short fitnessbased 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.
At 11+, candidates must provide the name of a referee with contact details You do not need to obtain a written reference
TheKGSArtDepartmentplaysacentralroleinthecreativelifeoftheSchool
Allstudentsarehelpedtobuildconfidenceintheirpracticalskillsand encouragedtoexpressideasinvisualforms Avibrantandinspiring environmentcombinedwithanever-broadeningcontextualunderstanding helpstonurtureandinspireallourstudents
TheBaxterGalleryisKingston’smostprominentexhibitionspaceand students’workdisplayedtherehashelpedtoenhancetheSchool’s growingreputationasacreativehub
EachyearseveralofourstudentsgoontostudyArt,ArchitectureandArt Historyatsomeofthecountry’stopinstitutionsincludingUniversityofthe ArtsLondon,LeedsCollegeofArt,LondonCollegeofCommunicationand Newcastle,KingstonandCambridgeuniversities
Assessment
Adigitalfolderofartworkshouldbesubmittedinadvanceofthein-person assessment Ashortlistofcandidateswillbeselectedfromthesesubmissions andinvitedtoattendapracticalworkshop.
Afolderofworkshouldbebroughtonthedayofassessment Thismay containavarietyofdrawings,paintingsandotherartworkcompletedin schoolandathomeduringtheprevioustwoyears Thereisnospecific requirementforwhatthefoldermightcontainbutitshouldhelptoillustrate thecandidate’senthusiasm,talentanddevelopmentinArt Sketchbooksoften provideausefulfocusfordiscussionduringtheinterview Thefolderofwork istobeleftafterthescholarshipassessmentdayandcanbecollectedthe followingweek
Facilities
Ourfacilitiesincludefourbrightandwell-equippedstudios,intaglioandrelief print-makingequipment,anICTsuite,aphotographicdarkroomanda ceramicsworkshop AswellaswallspacethroughouttheSchooltoshow students’artwork,wehavetwodedicateddisplayspaces,theFinlayandBaxter Galleries TherearecurrentlyfivemembersofstaffworkingintheArt Department,witharangeofspecialismssuchasFineArt,Ceramics, PhotographyandTheatreDesignandweencourageallourstudentstoseek guidancefromthiswealthofexperience
Music Scholarships
MusicatKGShasalonghistoryofexcellenceandtheMusicScholars’ Programmeaimstocreateopportunitiesforperformanceandleadership,as wellastosupportstudents’musicalaspirations Scholarstakepartin professionalperformancecollaborationswithtopmusiciansandareableto furthertheirmusicalexperiencethroughourchambermusicprogramme
Performancestandardsinconcertsareveryhigh,andaparticularstrengthof MusicattheSchoolisthediversityofourensembles,rangingfromtraditional choirsandorchestrastosmallerensembleswhichregularlyrecordinour state-of-the-artrecordingstudio MusicScholarsarealsoinvolvedinour annualChoralSocietyconcert,whichprovidestheopportunitytoperforma large-scaleworkalongsideprofessionalperformers
Requirements
Scholarshipsareawardedtothosewhoshowoutstandingpotentialonan instrument,preferablyorchestral.AgoodpassatGrade5atage11maybe takenasaguidetothestandardwhenapplying Theabilitytoplayasecond instrumentisdesirable,thoughnotessential.AllMusicScholarshipapplicants mustsubmitawrittenrecommendationorendorsementbytheirmusic teacherinsupportoftheirapplication
Assessment
Candidateswillbeaskedtosubmitavideorecordingplayingapieceontheir mainstudy Ashortlistofcandidateswillthenbeselectedfromthese submissionsandinvitedtoanaudition.
Attheaudition,candidateswillbeaskedtoplayonepreparedpieceontheir maininstrumentand,ifapplicable,playonepieceonasecondinstrument(or voice) Theywillreadatsightashortpieceofappropriatestandardontheir maininstrumentandrespondtoaural,theoryandgeneralmusicianship questions Anaccompanistwillbeprovidedonthedayifrequired
Facilities
ThemusicfacilitiesatKGSareexcellentandcomprisethreeperformance auditoria,sixrehearsalrooms,onetechnologysuiteandapurpose-built recordingstudio
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
From September 2026, talented tennis players joining at 11+ will also have the opportunity to be considered for our new 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
Requirements
All applicants must provide the name of a referee with contact details.
Assessment
Candidates applying for 11+ entry must demonstrate athletic ability and hand-eye coordination, which will be assessed during the Sport Scholarship Assessment Day in December 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
Fee assistance overview
Fee assistance is determined by the financial circumstances of the student’s parents/carers
The amount of assistance is meanstested, with potential support covering up to 100% of the fees, depending on the specific circumstances
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.
Applying for fee assistance
For 11+ entry, fee assistance is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the entrance examination. 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.