Friday 26 June, Saturday 19 September Open Days & Saturday 3 October 2026
Monday 2 November 2026
Monday 2 November 2026
Monday 16 November 2026
Thursday 26 November 2026,
• Registration Deadline
• Deadline to provide ISEB Applicant ID
• Deadline to submit supporting documentation including usual ways of working and educational psychologists reports
Early submission is appreciated as it allows our Learning Enrichment team time to plan the assessment day to meet all candidates’ needs
Deadline to apply for Master’s Awards
Deadline to submit Art, Dance, Drama and Sport Master’s Awards Stage 1 supporting evidence
Skills Assessment, held at Thomas’s College various times throughout the day 8:45am-5pm
Date TBC
Monday 30 November 2026
Before Thursday 10 December 2026
ISEB held at Thomas’s College (if relevant)
Deadline to take the ISEB (if relevant)
Invitations to interview emailed
Wednesday 6 January 2027, Interview Day various times throughout the day 8:45am-5pm
Various dates in first two weeks
Master’s Awards assessments of Jan 2026
Friday 12 February 2027
First week of March 2027
Early February 2027
Decisions emailed
Deadline to accept 11+
Initial acceptance of conditional 13+ place
Deadline to pay deposit to confirm conditional 13+ 2029 place
4-5 Welcome to Thomas’s College
6-10 Admissions Guide
11-13 11+/13+ Master’s Awards
14-17 Master’s Awards in Detail
18-19 Useful Information
20-22 Fees & Finances
24-27 Travel Maps
Welcome to Thomas’s College
Thomas’s College is a selective, co-educational day and weekly boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. Our main entry points are at 11+, 13+, and 16+.
Our vision is bold and future-facing. We deliver a genuinely unique curriculum that combines the rigour of GCSEs and A-Levels with our own forward-thinking qualifications designed to foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking - equipping students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Students and families choose the qualifications that suit them, guided by our expert advice.
We offer more than just academic excellence: we offer future-ready creativity, based on a diversity of intelligence and radical new ways of learning. Our promise is a broader, richer education - one that is deeply personal, grounded in real-world experience, and tailored to the strengths and passions of each student.
Admissions Guide
AN ADMISSIONS PROCESS LIKE NO OTHER
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
While we recognise cognitive ability, we do not believe in assessing children through abstract puzzles and multiplechoice drills, nor in encouraging high-stress preparation techniques that feel disconnected from meaningful learning.
Instead, we seek out curiosity, creativity, and character. We look for potential – not polish – and value the many ways intelligence can present itself. Our goal is to ensure a fair, humane process that respects childhood and recognises each applicant as an individual.
As a selective school, our students are high-achieving – but not all in the same way. We build diverse, dynamic cohorts made up of thinkers, makers, performers, and problem-solvers. We assess holistically, and we carefully shape each year group to ensure that students with differing talents inspire, challenge, and learn from one another.
Families can register their child via the Thomas’s College website or directly via this form.
The registration fee is £225, it is non-refundable, and applicants will be asked to provide a scan or photo of their child’s passport. Non UK/Irish citizens must provide proof of their right to live in the UK or similar visa status.
Registration closes on Monday 2 November 2026. This is also the deadline to submit any relevant educational psychologist reports and ‘usual ways of working’ should your child require additional support or accommodations. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor overseas students.
AVAILABLE PLACES
We will be four forms in Year 7 2027 totalling 88, with an additional form for deferred entry into Year 9 2029.
Families may apply for either 11+ or 13+ entry – not both All candidates are assessed during Year 6.
Families interested in a place in any other year group should contact the Admissions team. Should there be occasional places available, candidates will be assessed in Lent term 2027. Candidates will follow the same assessment and selection criteria as 11+ and 13+ entry, adjusted appropriately for candidates’ ages, with decisions made before Easter. Occasional place candidates are eligible to apply for Master’s Awards and should speak to the Admissions team when registering to express an interest.
SHAPE OF THE SCHOOL 2026 ONWARDS
SELECTION CRITERIA
Thomas’s College opened in September 2025 with a cohort of just over 300 students growing to around 500 students in September 2026. For the academic year 2027–28 the School will total approximately 600 students, reaching its full capacity of around 650 students from 2028 onwards.
For Entry into Year 7 2027 (11+) and deferred entry into Year 9 in 2029 (13+)
Our admissions process for entry at 11+ and 13+ is designed to be rigorous, fair, and child-centred. It comprises three interconnected elements:
Knowledge Assessment
Skills Assessment
Personal Interview
Together, these elements reflect the core values of a Thomas’s education: academic potential, playful thinking, emotional intelligence, and self-understanding.
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
Part 1
We assess academic potential using the most readily available methods: the ISEB Pre-Tests or CAT4 scores. This is intended to minimise stressful testing in multiple formats. Many applicants already have one or other of these scores when applying. There is no need for your child to take both: either are robust, reliable and indicative.
ISEB Pre-Tests
The ISEB Pre-Tests should be taken at your child’s current school. Where your child’s current school does not offer the ISEB Pre-Tests, your child will be welcome to sit the ISEB at Thomas’s College before Monday 30 November 2026. The ISEB Common Pre-Tests comprise multiple choice questions which are taken online and are age standardised. They take about two-and-a-quarter hours to complete (English 40 minutes, Mathematics 40 minutes, Non-Verbal Reasoning 30 minutes, Verbal Reasoning 25 minutes).
Candidates must only sit the ISEB Common Pre-Tests once each academic year. If a candidate is sitting the tests for more than one school the results are provided to all schools to which the candidate has applied.
Further information about the ISEB Pre-Tests can be found on the following link:
ISEB | Pre-Tests (11+) Information for parents and families
CAT4
If your child’s current school has run CAT4 tests from January 2026 onwards, you may prefer to rely on these scores to support their Knowledge Assessment.
CAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) scores provide insights into a student’s cognitive abilities and potential. Scores are typically interpreted by comparing them to a national average. The tests assess various cognitive areas, such as verbal, nonverbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. If you know that your child has sat CAT4 testing this year and their school is content to supply these scores on their reference, there is no need for you to do anything.
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT
Next steps for parents SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
We will write to you to seek confirmation as to which cognitive test your child will undertake: ISEB Pre-Tests or CAT4. If your child will sit the ISEB, you will be asked to supply the ISEB applicant ID or invited to take the ISEB Pre-Test at Thomas’s College.
Following the closing date of Monday 2 November 2026, we will write to your child’s current school to ask for a Head’s reference and, if appropriate, CAT4 scores.
Part 2
The Skills Assessment encourages original thinking and playful engagement with ideas. It takes the form of a one-hour paper with three open-ended questions – one each exploring:
• English and use of language
• Mathematical thinking
• Scientific reasoning
These questions are designed to showcase a candidate’s creativity, insight, and enjoyment of learning.
No special preparation is necessary – indeed, curiosity, reading for pleasure, and open conversations at home are the best ways to prepare.
A sample paper and mark scheme are available on our website.
Candidates who perform strongly in Parts 1 and 2 are shortlisted and invited to Part 3 on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Part 3
Character and values matter deeply at Thomas’s. In this final stage, candidates will be invited to an extended small group session. Students meet with each other, undertake activities and have the chance to ask questions, with trained staff as observers and interviewers.
This is not a test of confidence or performance. Our process avoids favouring any particular personality type, and interviewers help students to be relaxed and authentically themselves.
The format changes year by year, so students should avoid unhelpful over-preparation. There are no ‘right answers’ - we’re looking for thoughtful, honest reflections and a willingness to share ideas.
OVERSEAS CANDIDATES
Overseas candidates should expect to travel to Thomas’s to sit our entry assessment on Thursday 26 November 2026. Candidates who perform strongly in Parts 1 and 2 are shortlisted and invited to Part 3. Virtual personal interviews may be arranged to prevent further travel.
11+/13+ Master’s Awards
11+ MASTER’S AWARDS –2027 ENTRY
13+ MASTER’S AWARDS –2029 ENTRY
Master’s Awards recognise outstanding promise and commitment in sport, drama, music, art and dance. Candidates are invited to submit a portfolio or supporting evidence as outlined below.
A preference for one or two Master’s Awards can be made after registration. You will be contacted by the Admissions team once you have registered to confirm your preference. Candidates will be invited to attend a Master’s Award interview/trial/performance (as appropriate) at Thomas’s College in January 2027.
There are two levels of awards: Exhibitions worth £750 annual tuition fee remission and Master’s Awards worth £1,500 of annual tuition fee remission. The tuition fee is reduced by the value of any Exhibitions or Awards before VAT is calculated. Holders are expected to represent and support the College through their talents. Both levels of award are reviewed annually.
Candidates are welcome to apply for up to two Master’s Awards.
Candidates seeking a Master’s Award for 13+ entry into 2029 are welcome to apply now, or defer their application until they are in Year 7 or 8 when their submission may be more ready. It is our preference that all deferred entry Year 9 candidates undertake assessments for Master’s Awards in the Michaelmas term of the year prior to entry.
THOMAS’S SCHOLARSHIPS
Thomas’s Scholarships are awarded to those who excel in our unique assessments. They are highly soughtafter and restricted to a small group of genuinely outstanding candidates. There is no need to register to be considered for a Thomas’s Scholarship: awards are made automatically to the highest performers in our admissions assessment that actively encourages a diversity of excellence.
Thomas’s Scholarships vary in value. It is likely that most will be between 10% and 20% remission of tuition fees. All holders of Thomas’s Scholarships also have access to additional meanstested funding where applicable, up to 100% fee remission.
Master’s Awards in Detail
Assessment for all 11+/13+ Master’s Awards will take place in January 2027.
The deadline to apply for Master’s Awards is Monday 2 November 2026 and the deadline to submit Stage 1 evidence for art, dance, drama and sport is Monday 16 November 2026. Music applicants will be invited to a Part 1 pre-audition in November. Stage 2 assessments for art, dance, drama and sport Master’s Awards will take place w/c 11 January 2027. The Stage 2 Music Master’s Award assessment takes place in the final week of January 2027.
Stage 1
ART MASTER’S AWARD
Students applying for a Master’s Award in Art are required to submit a digital portfolio of a minimum of six individual pieces of artwork. Work should be no more than two years old and the candidate’s own. Students should demonstrate a range of materials, techniques and skill in their artwork.
• 3 x Artwork of their choosing (examples include: drawings, paintings, photography, animation, textiles, print, collage, photographs of three dimensional work)
Stage 2
Those successful at Stage 1 will be invited to meet with a senior member of the Art Department for an interview and discussion of their portfolio. Candidates may be asked to discuss the concepts in their work, the materials and techniques used and the successes and challenges they have experienced. Students should also share any artists or exhibitions that feel inspired by and how they see their artwork progressing as they continue their studies.
DANCE MASTER’S AWARD
Dance has been part of the Thomas’s curriculum since Joanna and David Thomas founded our first Thomas’s prep school in 1971. Dance offers a unique combination of physical, mental, and social benefits. Dance enhances physical fitness, promotes mental well-being, and fosters social connections.
Stage 1
Candidates will be asked to submit footage of a prepared and performed solo piece that candidates have learnt or choreographed of approximately 1 minute 30 in length, and no more than 2 minutes.
Stage 2
Candidates who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to meet a senior Dance teacher for an interview and discussion. Candidates will be asked to outline their reasons for applying, their suitability for the Award, commitment to Dance, understanding of Dance and their Dance interests or inspiration.
Stage 1
DRAMA MASTER’S AWARD
Candidates will be asked to submit a recording of two contrasting monologues. The role can be any gender but the themes and characters need to be different to allow the candidate to demonstrate varying skills. Each monologue should be approximately 1 minute in length.
Stage 2
Candidates will meet with Department leads for a group interview to perform their monologues, followed by a group discussion to outline their motivations and artistic intention for their choices and share involvement in current productions, vocal range and physical range.
MUSIC MASTER’S AWARD
Music Master’s Awards are granted to those who play an orchestral or keyboard instrument to grade 5 standard. A second instrument to grade 3 standard is desirable. Separate vocal awards are also available and a grade 5 standard is required.
Stage 1
All that apply for a Music Master’s Award will be invited to a pre-audition in November with the Director of Music. Two contrasting pieces on the first study instruments are expected with one piece on any further disciplines. Successful candidates will then be invited to attend Stage 2.
Stage 2
This takes place in the final week of January 2027. Again, two contrasting pieces on the first study instrument, and one piece on any other instruments are desirable.
The interview with the Director of Music will also include sight reading on their first study instrument, an aural test and a general discussion about how they would contribute to the musical life of the Music School.
SPORT MASTER’S AWARD
Candidates can apply for a single Sport Master’s Award in one of Thomas’s major sports. It is likely they are playing (or have the potential to compete) at region, county or country level.
Stage 1
Candidates are required to complete and submit a written application form outlining their skill level, contribution to sport, commitment, and match experience. Students should include details of all their sporting experience, while selecting one sport in which they will be practically assessed. The written application will be used as supporting evidence of their involvement and performance in other sports.
Stage 2
Successful candidates will be invited to meet with the Director of Sport to be assessed in their chosen sport. Candidates will be expected to speak confidently about their sporting experiences, dedication and enthusiasm.
Thomas’s Major Sports
11+/13+ Boys:
Football | Hockey | Cricket | Tennis
11+/13+ Girls:
Football | Netball | Hockey | Cricket | Tennis
Useful Information
CANDIDATES’ CURRENT SCHOOLS
We welcome applications from all educational backgrounds, including:
• Thomas’s prep schools
• Maintained and grammar schools
• Independent and international schools
• Home-educated students
All applicants are assessed individually. There are no quotas for students currently attending one of the Thomas’s prep schools.
SIBLINGS
Thomas’s College does not operate a formal sibling policy, as each applicant is assessed on merit. That said, we are a familyfocused school and take sibling relationships into thoughtful consideration during the admissions process.
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
BOARDING AT THOMAS’S COLLEGE
Whilst we welcome candidates applying from overseas, candidates must attend our Part 2 assessment held at Thomas’s College on Thursday 26 November 2026.
Wesley South and North, the College’s two boarding houses, are newly refurbished and beautifully appointed. Boarders are able to access a shared Common Room as well as the facilities in College, including the library, gym and refectories. There are a total of 58 beds and the majority are reserved for weekly, Monday morning-Friday afternoon boarders. Weekly and flexiboarding is available to students in Years 9-13.
Boarders are supported by a team of boarding professionals and Sixth Form boarders benefit from greater freedom and responsibilities within the boarding house. Weekly boarders are assigned a permanent dorm in Wesley North (boys) or South (girls). Wesley is the perfect solution for busy London families and students who wish to prepare for independent living.
Fees & Finances
All tuition fees include VAT and are subject to annual review in Lent Term 2027
Updated figures will be published on our website.
Our fees for the academic year 2026-2027 are below:
Fourth Form (Years 7-8)
DAY FEES PER TERM
WEEKLY BOARDING FEES PER TERM
Fifth and Sixth Forms (Years 9-13)
Lunch (compulsory)
Fifth and Sixth Forms (Years 9-13)
Flexi-Boarding (1–2 nights per week)
£10,912
£11,404
£425
£5,105
£110 per night
Includes supervision, activities, overnight accommodation, and all meals (breakfast and supper).
Flexi-boarding is available to students in Years 9–13 and is ideal for busy schedules, early/late co-curriculars, or exploring full boarding.
SPECIFIED CHARGES
OPTIONAL
Public examinations such as GCSE and A Levels are charged at the cost defined by the relevant examination board (not subject to VAT).
Clubs run by College staff are complimentary. Only a small number of clubs that are run by external specialists (eg riding, chess, golf) are charged as extras. Other extra optional items such as music lessons, expeditions and residential trips will be charged in arrears at the end of each term.
BURSARIES
Our bursary programme presently extends to those awarded Thomas’s Scholarships, where additional support is available on a means-tested basis.
SIBLING DISCOUNT
Sibling discounts apply when multiple children attend Thomas’s London Day Schools concurrently:
• Second child: 1.5%
• Third child: 5%
• Fourth and subsequent children: 10%
Discounts are adjusted if a sibling leaves and the total number of enrolled siblings changes.
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
The College is well connected by public transport.
Richmond Station is:
• Under 10 minutes from Clapham Junction and Chiswick
• 20 minutes from Kingston
• 25 minutes from High Street Kensington
A fleet of complimentary shuttle buses runs from Richmond Station to the College campus, taking less than 10 minutes.
Home to College coach service
This service is new for September 2026 and is operated in conjunction with our travel partners, Vectare.
The routes outlined in this guide are indicative and will be finalised during Summer 2026.
The termly cost is £516 for mornings only and £630 for mornings and afternoons.
Years 7 & 8 + Year 9 College Entry
DUAL APPLICATIONS
THOMAS’S COLLEGE TENNIS PROGRAMME
Families wishing to apply for a place in Years 7 or 8 at Thomas’s Battersea or Clapham, with guaranteed progression to Year 9 in 2029 at Thomas’s College, may submit a Dual Application.
• Candidates are assessed in Year 6 using Thomas’s College’s admissions process
Dual applicants are considered under the same selection criteria and timelines as standalone Year 9 candidates.
• A joint assessment is conducted by the College and the relevant prep school
To apply
Contact the Registrar at your preferred prep school before registering. Register with Thomas’s College and pay the £225 registration fee.
Upon receiving an offer, a deposit of £3,450 is required for both the prep school and the College.
Developed in partnership with Duke’s Meadows, our Tennis Pathway provides high-performance players with elite training alongside an outstanding education. This bespoke programme is designed for students joining the College in Year 7.
For further information, please refer to our detailed Tennis Programme booklet.
KEY
Route 1 – Green
Battersea
Chelsea
Fulham
Parson’s Green
Putney Bridge
Route 2 – Orange
South Kensington
Holland Park
Shepherd’s Bush
Chiswick Park
Gunnersbury
Kew
Route 3 – Red
Wandsworth Common
Putney
Sheen
Route 4 – Yellow
Southfields
Wimbledon
Raynes Park
Norbiton
New Malden
Petersham
Route 5 – Blue
Teddington
Hampton
Twickenham
Shuttle Bus
Our popular shuttles will continue to run to and from Richmond station for those students who prefer to use public transport. We will carefully monitor these across the year to ensure sufficient capacity
