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 extension projects such as 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 so far, including two at Paris 2024
Our aim has always been to produce well-adjusted young adults that 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
Admissions overview
AdmissiontoKingstonGrammar Schoolisbyselectionon academicmerit
Allstudentsarerequiredtositone oftheentranceassessments describedinthetableoverleaf.
Examinationsat10+deferredand 11+areinlinewiththeageappropriateNationalCurriculum levels.
Aconversationalinterviewisan importantpartoftheentrance processforallentrypoints,and placesarenotofferedwithout one
At11+,allcandidatesinvitedfor aninterviewwilleitherbeoffered afirmplaceorplacedonthe waitinglist
Thenon-refundableregistration feeis£185(inclusiveofVAT)
Areferenceisrequestedfromthe candidate’scurrentschoolprior tothedateofexamination
Ifyourchildisrecordedas eligibleforfreeschoolmeals,we willwaiveourregistrationfee PleasecontactourAdmissions teamforfurtherinformation (registrar@kgsorguk)
Entry points
The three entry points at KGS are 10+ deferred, 11+ and 16+. We have limited spaces available for 12+, 13+ and 14+ entry so please contact our Admissions Team prior to applying
For all entry points other than 16+, candidates will take examinations in English and Mathematics 16+ entry to the Sixth Form is based on GCSE results No places are offered without an interview
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 Registration deadline
10+ deferred entry
First Year 2027 (Year 7) Friday 21 November 2025 Papers in Mathematics and English (plus interview by invitation only) Saturday 10 January 2026 Up to 20 Emailed Friday 13 February 2026
11+
First Year 2026 (Year 7)
16+
Sixth Form 2026 (Year 12)
Monday 6 October 2025 Papers in Mathematics and English (plus interview by invitation only)
Monday 6 October 2025
See page 6 for further information
Friday 7 November 2025 Up to 150 (including 10+ deferred places) Emailed Friday 13 February 2026
Deadline for submission of personal statement and additional information for Art, DT, Drama or Music pieces is Monday 13 October 2025 Up to 50 Emailed Monday 1 December 2025
Sixth Form entry
Applicationprocess
Candidatesshouldsubmitapersonal statementalongwiththeir applicationform.Thisshouldbeno morethan500wordsandaddress thefollowing:
Providearecentexampleofwhen youhaveshownparticular initiative,independenceand motivationtopursuean academicassignment (project/homeworketc)beyond whatwasexpectedorrequired.
Outlineatopicorspecificareaof academicstudythatyouare particularlyinterestedin(please provideadifferentexampletothe oneabove) Whatfirstsparked yourinterest?Howdid/would yougoaboutinvestigatingthis further?
ForthosewishingtostudyArt& Design,Design&Technology,Drama &Theatreand/orMusicatALevel, thefollowingadditionalsubmissions arerequired:
Art&Design:Adigitalfolderof GCSEartworkthatdemonstrates technicalskillinvariousmedia andclearlyshowshowthe applicantresearchesand developsideas Sketchbookwork andfinishedpiecesshouldbe included Personalwork,not relatedtoGCSE,isalsoofinterest tous
Design&Technology:Adigital folderofGCSEpracticaldesign workthatdemonstrates knowledgeandunderstandingof thissubject
Drama&Theatre:Atwo-minute recordingofamonologueofthe candidate'schoice(Shakespeare orcontemporary).
Music:Arecording(audioor video)ofthecandidate performingorarecordingoftheir GCSEcompositioncoursework.
Once registered, we will request a copy of your most recent school report and will contact your current school to take a reference to include predicted GCSE grades If successful at the first stage, candidates will be invited for an interview.
Entryrequirements
Toensureyou’rereadyforthe demandsofSixthFormstudy,all studentsmustmeettwokeycriteria: Youmustachieveatleastgrade7 infourseparateGCSEorIGCSE subjects
Youmustalsoachievea minimumofgrade6inboth EnglishandMathematics
Inaddition:
You’llneedaminimumofgrade7 inanysubject(orcloselyrelated subject)youwishtostudyatA Level
ForMathematicsALevel,agrade 8isrequired
ForFurtherMathematics,agrade 9isrequired
Forthosecandidatesnotstudying GCSEs,pleasecontactthe Admissionsteamtodiscusswhat equivalentgradesarerequired
Ifyou'reapplyingtoauniversitythat requiresproofofEnglishor Mathematics(especiallyifnot studiedatALevel),youmayneedto providearecentqualificationsuch asGCSE,IELTSorTOEFL.Please notethatIELTSandTOEFLscores expireaftertwoyearsandmayneed toberetakentomeetuniversity requirements
Pathways
Starting in Lower Sixth, you’ll follow one of three academic pathways. Each is rigorous, flexible and designed to give you a strong foundation for university, apprenticeships or the world of work Whether you want to specialise, keep your options open or pursue additional qualifications, we’ll help you build a route that suits your strengths and ambitions
Pathway 1: 3 A Levels + Academic Enrichment*
Pathway 2: 3 A Levels + AS Mathematics (exam in Upper Sixth) + Academic Enrichment*
Pathway 3: 2 A Levels + A Level Mathematics + Further Mathematics (A Level or ASFM) (Academic Enrichment* optional)
*Academic enrichment is a programme designed to broaden and develop students’ independent research skills through a range of options
Options
Below is a list of the subjects we offer and, depending on your chosen pathway, you’ll study either three or four. We aim to accommodate all subject combinations wherever possible and will guide you through your choices during the application and induction process
Art & Design
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Drama & Theatre
Economics
English Literature
French
Further Mathematics
AS Further Mathematics
Geography
German Government & Politics
History
Italian
Latin/Classical Greek
Mathematics
AS Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Spanish
Additional information
Factsandfigures
Thetypicaltutorgroupsizeis25 students(FirsttoThirdYear)with smallergroupsatGCSEandA Level
Theboy/girlratiothroughoutthe schoolis50%boysand50%girls
Wehavenearly300‘feeder’ schoolsofalltypesandFirstYear studentscamefromover80 differentprimary/prepschools lastyear
Transport
Moststudentsmaketheirownwayto andfromschoolasKingstonbusand railstationsprovidereadily accessiblemeansofpublictransport frommostareas.Thisisnotonlya ‘ green’issuebutalsogivesthe studentsinvaluablelifeskillsfroman earlyage Somestudentshave permissiontocycletoschoolandwe providesecurecycleracksfortheir use Webusstudentstoandfromour sportsground,DittonField,although olderstudentsmayrequest permissiontocycleordrivethere
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 2024, just over 32% of all grades awarded were A*, with 74% of grades at A*-A and 95% A*-B. Nineteen students achieved a clean sweep of A*s, seven students were accepted to Oxbridge, and five are beginning Medicine or Dentistry 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 2024. These include: Theatre Technology, Climate Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Operational Research Statistics & Economics and Computer Games Design 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
£350 per term or students are allowed to bring their own packed lunch Students in the Sixth Form are also able to purchase their lunch 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 opposite 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 allowing 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
At 16+, Academic Scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding GCSE results as well as an interview.
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Head Master
No separate application is required for Academic Scholarships at any entry point
Art Scholarships: 11+, 16+
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: 11+, 16+
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 and 16+ candidates at Grade 7 standard
Auditionswillconsistof:
Performanceofoneprepared pieceformaininstrument(an accompanistmaybeprovided)
Sightreading
Auraltests,includingsinging.
Performanceofpreparedpiece onsecondinstrumentorvoice(if applicable) Ifasecond instrumentorvoiceisnotbeing offered,twopiecesonthemain instrumentshouldbeprepared.
AninterviewwiththeDirectorof Music
Design&Technology
Scholarships:16+only
Candidatesarerequiredtosubmita digitalportfolioofworkandevidence ofrecentpracticalprojectsshouldbe broughttotheinterview
Thisshouldcontainavarietyof designsandprojectscompletedin schoolandathomeandnotjustthe currentGCSEcourseworkproject
The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate’s enthusiasm, experience and potential in Design & Technology. In the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to talk about the work in the folder and their passion for the subject
Drama Scholarships: 16+ only
Awarded to those who show outstanding potential in acting, set design or as a technician Candidates must submit a two-minute recording of a monologue of their choice (Shakespeare or contemporary). Shortlisted candidates will prepare two contrasting monologues; one pre-1800 and one post-1950, to be performed in person, followed by a short interview that will focus on the applicant’s knowledge of the chosen monologue
Set designers/technicians should prepare a portfolio that shows their work on two contrasting productions to present and discuss at interview
Sport Scholarships: 11+, 16+
Candidates applying for entry at 11+ must demonstrate a combination of athletic ability and hand-eye co-ordination
For 16+ entry, candidates are expected to show county, regional or national representation or equivalent in one of the major sports offered by the School (hockey, rowing, cricket)
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+ and 16+, candidates must provide the name of a referee with contact details You do not need to obtain a written reference.
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+ and 16+ 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.
Feeassistanceawardsaregrantedat thebeginningofastudent’sjourney atKGS,withnofurtheropportunities toapplyforassistanceexceptat16+ entry.Asfundsforfeeassistanceare limited,parents/carersare encouragedtoexploreallother fundingavenuesbeforeapplying All informationregardingtheprocessis keptconfidentialbytheSchool.The assessmentincludesa comprehensivereviewofboth parents’/carers’finances,including assets Allowancesaremadefor essentialexpensesandother dependentchildren
Feeassistanceawardsaresubjectto: Ahomevisit.
Annualre-assessmentofparental financialmeans
Satisfactoryacademic performance
Goodconductofthestudent
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 both 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.
Key scholarship and fee assistance dates
Scholarships and fee assistance Deadline Assessment
11+ Art, Sport and Music Scholarships
Monday 6 October 2025
For both Music and Art, the deadline for your digital submission is Monday 13 October 2025
16+ Art, Sport, Music, Design & Technology and Drama Scholarships
Fee Assistance for 11+ and 16+
Monday 6 October 2025
For Music, Art, DT and Drama, the deadline for your digital submission is Monday 13 October 2025
Applications must be received on the closing date for registration for your appropriate year group. These can be found on page 5
Please note, there is no separate application for Academic Scholarships
For all scholarships, those shortlisted will be invited for audition/assessment in the w/c 1 December 2025
The second round of Sport Scholarship assessments takes place on Monday 8 December 2025
For all scholarships, those shortlisted will be invited for audition/assessment in the w/c 17 November 2025
By arrangement
Art Scholarships
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
AKGSArtScholarcanexpectthe following:
MonthlyKGSArtSocietygalleryvisits forSixthFormstudents
Acourseoflife-drawingclassesfor seniorArtScholars
Excitingandchallengingextension workthroughtheJuniorArtClub
WorkingwithandlearningfromA LevelartistsduringtheHouseArt Competition
OpportunitiestodesigntheHead Master’sofficialKGSChristmascard
WhatweexpectfromaKGSArt Scholar:
TostudyArtatGCSEandALevel
Acommitmenttodemonstrate initiativeandtotakeresponsibilityfor yourartisticdevelopmentbothwithin andbeyondthecurriculum
Toparticipateinthemanyandvaried art-relatedopportunitiesofferedby KGS,includingtheJuniorArtClub
Toproducepiecesofart(asguidedby theteachers)forexhibitionsinthe localcommunityandaroundthe schoolsite
Design & Technology Scholarships
Itisimportantthatwelearnanddevelopinabroadandvariedcurriculum The challengesofanacademicandtheoreticalapproachmustbebalancedwith theskillsofpractical-basedsubjectssuchasArt,DramaandDesign& Technology.Fundamentally,itisaboutconvertingideasandrawmaterials intotheproductsandservicesthatweallneedanduseinoureverydaylives Everythingaroundushasbeendesigned,fromtheappsweuseonour smartphones,tothecarswedrive,theclotheswewear,thebuildingswelivein andthefoodweconsume
StudentswhochoosetostudyDesign&TechnologyatKGSwillunderstand howtheworldworks,howthingsaremade,howtothinkdifferentlyandhow toproblemsolve.Weencouragestudentstocontinuewiththesubjectto universityandbeyondandDesignorEngineeringdegreecourseshavebeen extremelypopularchoicesforKGSleavers.Britainhasalwaysbeenaworld leaderinproblem-solving,thinkingcreativelyandsolvingchallengesthat createabetterfuture
Assessment
Studentswillneedtosendinafolderofworkandevidenceofrecentpractical workinpreparationforapossibleinterview Thisshouldcontainavarietyof designsandprojectscompletedinschoolandathomeandnotjustthecurrent GCSEcourseworkproject Theworkshoulddemonstratethecandidate’s enthusiasm,experienceandpotentialinDesign&Technology Intheir interviews,candidateswillhavetheopportunitytotalkabouttheworkinthe folderandtheirpassionforthesubject
Facilities
TheDesign&Technologydepartmentboastsimpressivefacilitieswhichallow studentstomanufactureproductsinarangeofmaterials Therearefour dedicatedworkshops,awell-resourcedstoreroomandasuiteofcomputersin ourdisplaygallerywhichprovidesuswithanexcellentdisplayarea Our CAD/CAMfacilitiesareverywell-establishedandweareluckyenoughtohave arangeofCAMmachines,includingLaserCAMsand3Dprintingoptions. TherearecurrentlyfivemembersofstaffworkingintheDesign&Technology DepartmentandweofferResistantMaterials,ElectronicProductsandGraphic ProductsatGCSEwithProductDesignatALevel.
AKGSDesign&Technology Scholarcanexpectthe following:
Anopportunitytobeinvolvedinthe TechnologyClubwhereyoucan developandrefineyourdesignand practicalskills
Workingwithstudentsduringthe HouseDTCompetition
Opportunitiestoworkonexternal nationalcompetitionsforreal-world problems
ToattendtheannualNewDesigners exhibitioninIslington
Helpwithapplicationsforuniversity orindustrialscholarships
Openaccess(withstaffsupervision)to thedepartmentalfacilitieseverydayat lunchtime
WhatweexpectfromaKGS Design&TechnologyScholar:
TostudyDesign&TechnologytoA Level
Involvementwithsomeofour flagshipTechnologyClubprojects suchasGreenpowerElectricCarsor theTeenTechNationalCompetition
Acommitmenttobroadenyour Design&Technologydevelopment bothwithinandbeyondthe curriculum
Toparticipateinoneofour TechnologyClubs
Toattendregularlunchtimeworkshop sessionstodevelopyourskillsand experiencewhilstworkingon co-curricularprojects
Drama Scholarships
DramaatKGSisoutstanding,combiningstrongexaminationresultswithan extensiveco-curricularprogramme TheaimoftheDramaScholarshipisto supportaspirationsinthefieldofacting,designandtheatre Ledbythe DirectorofDrama,DramaScholarswillalsoreceiveindividualtuitionfromour Actor-in-ResidenceandtwoTheatreManagers
Productionstandardsareveryhigh,withadiverserangeoftextsbeing staged StudentsexplorecontemporarypractitionerssuchasGecko andFranticAssembly,alongsidemoretraditionaltextsandplaywrights. MasterclassesformthecoreoftheDramaScholarship,wheresmall groupsexploretext,characterdevelopment,voice,movement,theatre technologyandstaging.Inrecentyearsstudentshaveprogressedto someofthecountry’stopinstitutionsincludingCambridge,Exeterand Warwickuniversities,aswellasspecialistDramaSchoolsincluding RADA,LAMDA,DramaCentreLondonandGuildfordSchoolofActing Requirements
Scholarshipsareawardedtothosewhoshowoutstandingpotentialasan actor,designerortechnician.Asaguide,itwouldbeexpectedthatanactor hadpartakeninarangeofperformanceworkbothwithinandoutsideschool Adesignercanspecialiseinlighting,sound,costumeorset,andatechnician canspecialiseinstagemanagement Bothdesignersandtechniciansshould haveexperienceofarangeofproductionsandagoodknowledgeoftheatre technology.
Assessment
Allcandidatesarerequiredtosubmitatwo-minuterecordingofamonologue oftheirchoice(Shakespeareorcontemporary).Ifshortlisted,actorsshould prepareandpresenttwocontrastingmonologues:onepre-1800andonepost1950 Eachmonologueshouldbenomorethantwominutesinlength Ashort interviewwillfollowtheauditionwhichwillfocusontheapplicant’s knowledgeofthechosenmonologue Designers/techniciansshouldpreparea portfoliothatshowstheirworkontwocontrastingproductions.Candidates shouldbepreparedtohavetheirpiecesre-workedbytheDirectorofDrama
A KGS Drama Scholar can expect thefollowing:
Aprogrammeofco-curricular productionswhereyoucanextend andrefineyourskills
Informalperformancesinwhichselfcreatedworkcanbeshowcased
Masterclasses/workshopsrunby professionaltheatrecompaniesand actors
Aprogrammeoftheatretripsto extendperformanceknowledge
LAMDABronze/Silver/GoldAward
Theopportunitytoperformatthe EdinburghFringeFestival
WhatweexpectfromaKGS DramaScholar:
TostudyDramaatALevel
Awillingnesstorespondtothe theatricaldemandsplaceduponyou Acommitmenttodemonstrate initiativeandtakeresponsibilityfor yourtheatricaldevelopmentwithin andbeyondthecurriculum
Toparticipateinthemanyandvaried drama-relatedopportunitiesoffered bytheSchool
TotakealeadroleintheHouseDrama andHouseDancecompetitions
Toregularlyattendtheorganised theatretrips
Todemonstrateacommitmenttothe explorationoftheperformingarts
Music Scholarships
MusicatKGShasalonghistoryofexcellenceandtheaimoftheMusic Scholars’Programmeistocreateopportunitiesforperformanceand leadership,aswellastosupportstudents’musicalaspirations Scholarstake partinprofessionalperformancecollaborationswithtopmusiciansandare abletofurthertheirmusicalexperiencethroughourchambermusic programme
Performancestandardsinconcertsareveryhigh,andaparticularstrengthof MusicattheSchoolisthediversityofourensembles,rangingfromtraditional choirsandorchestrastosmallerensembleswhichregularlyrecordinour state-of-the-artrecordingstudio MusicScholarsarealsoinvolvedinour annualChoralSocietyconcertwhichprovidestheopportunitytoperforma large-scaleworkalongsideprofessionalperformers.
Requirements
Scholarshipsareawardedtothosewhoshowoutstandingpotentialonan instrument,preferablyorchestral.AgoodpassatGrade5atage11orGrade7at 16maybetakenasaguidetostandardwhenapplyingforaudition Theability toplayasecondinstrumentisdesirable,thoughnotessential AllMusic Scholarshipapplicantsmustsubmitawrittenrecommendationor endorsementbytheirmusicteacherinsupportoftheirapplication
Assessment
Candidateswillbeaskedtosubmitavideorecordingplayingapieceontheir mainstudy Ashortlistofcandidateswillthenbeselectedfromthese submissionsandinvitedtoanaudition
Attheauditioncandidateswillbeaskedtoplayonepreparedpieceontheir maininstrumentand,ifapplicable,playonepieceonasecondinstrument(or voice) Theywillreadatsightashortpieceofappropriatestandardontheir maininstrumentandrespondtoaural,theoryandgeneralmusicianship questions Anaccompanistwillbeprovidedonthedayifrequired
Facilities
ThemusicfacilitiesatKGSareexcellentandcomprisethreeperformance auditoria,sixrehearsalrooms,onetechnologysuiteandapurpose-built recordingstudio
AKGSMusicScholarcanexpect thefollowing:
Chambermusicworkshopsand opportunitiestolistentoin-house recitalswithprofessionalensembles
Ensembleperformanceopportunities suchasthePartnershipConcert, MusicSocietyAGMandin-platform concerts
Opportunitiestoparticipateinthe annualOratorioConcertatalarge venue
1-2-1musicalmentoring
Opportunitiestoleadco-curricular groups,suchasbeingleaderofour SymphonyOrchestra,aswellasto directsomegroups,suchasthe SchoolChoir
Specificmentoringbyadedicatedand specialistmemberoftheMusic Department
WhatweexpectfromaKGS MusicScholar:
Demonstrateinitiativeandtake responsibilityforyourmusical developmentbothwithinandbeyond thecurriculum
Participateinthemanyandvaried music-relatedopportunitiesoffered PlayaleadingroleintheMusic Departmentandjoinatleasttwolarge co-curriculargroups(includingone choirandoneorchestraforyourmain instrument)andachambermusic ensemble
Consistentlyachievegoodgradesin effortandachievement,showinga commitmenttotheexplorationofthe musicalarts
Assistwithvisitstolocalschoolstoact asmusicambassadors
ThepassiontostudyMusicatGCSE andALevel
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 Sports 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 Pupils 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 sports-specific assessment
For 16+ applicants, the offer of a Sport Scholarship would be linked to current performance, probably with divisional representation or equivalent, generally in one of the focus sports (hockey, rowing and cricket)
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 a number of individuals who have played or coached to 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), in our staff coaching team.
AKGSSportScholarcanexpect thefollowing:
High-levelprofessionalcoaching
Regularopportunitiestoplay competitivesportsfixtures
Thesupportofamentor
Periodicprogressreviewsandtarget setting
Accesstoprofessionally-ledstrength andconditioningsessions
Expertadviceondietandnutrition
Adviceonsportspsychology
Accesstoaphysiotherapysupport service
WhatweexpectfromaKGS SportScholar:
Toprioritiseschoolsport,always representingtheschoolwhenaskedto doso
ToengagewithScholars’Sessions(eg StrengthandConditioning,Nutrition andSportsPsychologySeminars, Testingetc)
Toshowleadershiponandoffthe fieldofplay
Todemonstrateapositiveattitudeto learningbybeingopentonewideas andapproaches
Tolearnfrommistakessoasnotto repeatthem
Toplaywithinthespiritandlawsof thegameandshowgood sportsmanship
Being a Drama Scholar at KGS has allowed me to develop as an actor, and build on my knowledge of theatre. Having individual sessions with a professional actor has been hugely beneficial, and has taught me how to approach character and text. The Drama Scholarship offers me so many performance opportunities, and is helping me work towards a career in theatre
Drama Scholar
I play the cello and the piano and this is my third year of being a Music Scholar. This year the renowned Maggini Quartet will again be giving us a masterclass on pieces that we have prepared in chamber groups.
Music Scholar
I left KGS feeling that the world was my oyster and, whilst other factors contributed to that feeling, my experience at KGS was certainly a part of it
Alexander McLean, fee assistance recipient, Class of 2003, Founder of African Prisons Project