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Admissions Guide For entry to Middle Sixth (Year 12) 2027

thomas-scollege.co.uk

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16+ Key Dates

Monday 11 May 2025

Registration Opens

Wednesday 23 September 2026

16+ Open Evening

Midday Friday 16 October 2026

16+ Registration Deadline

Deadline to submit supporting documentation including usual ways of working, educational psychologists reports etc

Midday Friday 16 October

Master’s Award application deadline

Afternoon, Friday 13 November 2026 OR Saturday 14 November 2026

Assessments – candidates will be invited to attend one of these dates

Friday 4 December 2026

Final day on which decision emails would be sent

Date TBC

16+ Offer holders event

Midday Friday 15 January 2027

Deadline to accept

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Contents

4-5

Welcome to Thomas’s College

6-7

Admissions Guide

8-11

The Assessment Process

12-17

Master’s Awards

18-19

Useful Information

20-21

Fees & Finances

22-25

Travel Maps

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TH O M A S’ S CO LLEG E

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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 innovative 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.

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TH O M A S’ S CO LLEG E

Admissions Guide 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.

AN ADMISSIONS PROCESS LIKE NO OTHER

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. The 16+ Selection Process Our 16+ admissions process reflects the maturity and individuality of students at this stage. It assesses knowledge, skills, and personal qualities – with methods tailored to older learners and designed to identify curiosity, drive, and potential. Families can register their child via the Thomas’s College website or directly via this form.

REGISTR ATION INFORMATION

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, proof of their right to live in the UK or similar visa status. Registration closes at midday on Friday 16 October 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.

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AVAIL ABLE PL ACES

SHAPE OF THE SCHOOL 2027

There are 40 available places in Middle Sixth (Year 12) to make a year group of approximately 90 students. 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.

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4 STEPS

VIVA

INTERVIEW

SUBMISSION

GC SE PREDIC TIONS

The Assessment Process Our 16+ admissions process is holistic and looks at young people in the round, aiming to get a true sense of their skills, knowledge and potential – with methods tailored to older learners designed to identify curiosity and drive. The assessment process comprises four elements: a viva, interview, submission and, where available, GCSE predictions. A viva is a high-level verbal assessment in a specialist subject area. The personal interview and submission provide space for candidates to express who they are as people and learners, beyond academic grades. GCSE predictions provide fairness and consistency and allow a sense of where strength and aptitude for A Level courses lie. Overall our admissions process recognises the work that students are doing in this key year for their studies and avoids imposing additional, artificial and unnecessary assessment, in line with our admissions and educational ethos.

VIVA

Candidates select a subject for which they have a passion – typically one they plan to pursue at A Level. In this subject they will have a 30-minute viva voce: a 1:1 spoken examination with a subject expert. This 30-minute viva conversation offers candidates the opportunity to: • Demonstrate subject knowledge and enthusiasm • Engage in brief written tasks that may form part of the discussion Viva content aligns with GCSE-level learning and is designed to meet candidates where they are in their current studies.

INTERVIEW

SUBMISSION

GC SE PREDIC TIONS

An extended personal interview in small groups, focused on values, ways of thinking, and readiness for Sixth Form. Candidates will be asked to submit a piece of marked written work. The work should be in their own handwriting or undertaken by them if they are a keyboard user, with annotations from the marker, whose details are requested alongside the submission. Candidates are invited to choose a piece of work that reflects their strengths and demonstrates their abilities and can be in any form and in any subject: a short piece of research, maths work, a creative plan or project, a presentation they have assembled and delivered. The brief is deliberately open to allow candidates to express their individual strengths. Where available, we will also request predicted GCSE grades, along with a reference from the applicant’s current school. Candidates who are not studying towards GCSE or have no formal predictions should discuss equivalent requirements with the Admissions team.

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All Sixth Form offers are conditional upon performance in public examinations. Based on a candidate’s overall assessment, offers typically require:

CONDITIONAL OFFERS

• 50–56 points across their best eight GCSEs (or equivalent) Candidates must typically achieve Grade 7 or above in their chosen major subjects, with the exception of Physics and Maths, where the qualifying score is Grade 8 or above. Candidates with other qualifications, including letter-graded iGCSEs, should contact the Admissions team to discuss equivalent requirements.

Our curriculum guide for 2026-2027 can be viewed here and is likely to be similar for the 2027 academic year.

CURRICULUM

Our unique Year 12-13 is based on A Levels but inspired by the US College approach of majors and minors. Students choose 3-4 major subjects, which they will take either to A Level or to one of our unique qualifications. Our indicative A Level offer is detailed below. It is recommended that candidates read the curriculum guide and attend our Open Evening on Wednesday 23 September at 5pm to gain a deeper understanding of the innovative Sixth Form programme that encompasses Minors and TQs.

Language & Culture

Science

Create, Invent, Perform

• French

• Biology

• Business Studies

• Art

• German

• Chemistry

• Classical Civilisation

• Greek

• Computer Science

• Economics

• Design & Engineering

• Latin

• Maths

• English Literature

• Mandarin

• Further Maths

• Geography

• Politics

• Physical Education

• History

• Spanish

• Physics

• Theology & Philosophy

• Psychology

Understanding the World

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• Drama • Music

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Master’s Awards Master’s Awards recognise outstanding promise and commitment in the following specialisms:

MA STER’S AWARDS

• Art • Charity and Community • Computing • Dance • Drama • Engineering • Music • Sport Our Master’s Awards are unique and reflect both traditional scholarship areas as well as more innovative skills and attributes that are vital for the next generation. A preference for one or two Master’s Awards can be made after registration: you will be contacted by the Admissions team to confirm your Master’s Award(s) preference. Master’s Awards are assessed on Friday 13 November and Saturday 14 November. There are two levels of awards: Exhibitions worth £750 annual tuition fee remission, 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. Master’s Awards also include leadership opportunities within the chosen discipline. Holders are expected to represent and support the College through their talents. Awards are reviewed annually.

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As a Master’s Award recipient, students will be expected to: • Champion their area of specialism, showing passion through their engagement and attitude • Be an exceptional role model for peers and younger students both within Thomas’s College, and the wider community. This could include helping with, or leading a co-curricular club, acting as a role model for younger years and active participation in orchestra, band, choir or productions (if relevant) • Take pride in being the recipient of a Master’s Award whilst also supporting and promoting Thomas’s College Candidates are welcome to apply for up to two Master’s Awards.

THOMA S’S SCHOL ARSHIPS

Thomas’s Scholarships are awarded to those who excel in our unique assessments. They are highly sought-after 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 means-tested funding where applicable, up to 100% fee remission.

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Assessment for all 16+ Master’s Awards will take place on the day of assessment, either Friday 13 November and Saturday 14 November.

Students applying for a Master’s Award in Art are required to attend the assessment day with a 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.

ART MA STER’S AWARD

The portfolio should include the following: • 2 x Tonal drawings • 1 Painting (acrylic, oil, watercolour, gouache, etc) • 3 x Artwork of their choosing (examples include: drawings, paintings, photography, animation, textiles, print, collage, photographs of three dimensional work) Candidates will 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. A Charity or Community Pioneer is likely to be innovative and engaged in their approach to community-based charitable work. They may volunteer for their place of worship, be involved with the Scouts or Guides or have advanced their DofE volunteering record. Given the restrictions young people face to volunteer, applications are welcome from those who are at the planning stage and who intend to develop and engage with community during their Sixth Form career.

CHARIT Y/ COMMUNIT Y PIONEER MA STER’S AWARD

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Candidates will meet with a senior member of staff for an interview and discussion of what they have achieved or plan to achieve. Candidates should expect to demonstrate their collaborative approach, their approach to building connections and depth of understanding of the importance of the third sector.

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COMPUTING MA STER’S AWARD

This award recognises passion and problem-solving within computing and programming. Computer Award recipients are likely to be ambitious, collaborative, ethical and creative in their approach to computing. They are expected to have studied GCSE Computer Science and typically intend to study Computer Science at A Level. Candidates will meet with a Computer Science teacher for an interview and discussion. Candidates may be asked to discuss problem solving and programming, software development, data structures and algorithms as well as elements of computational thinking. Candidates should expect to discuss their self-developed projects that have been largely completed outside of lesson time.

DANCE MA STER’S AWARD

Dance has been an integral 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. Candidates will be asked to prepare and perform a solo piece that candidates have learnt or choreographed of approximately 1 minute 30 in length, and no more than 2 minutes. The should not be an exam piece and it should demonstrate creativity and individuality. Candidates will meet with 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.

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Candidates will be asked to prepare and present 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.

DR AMA MA STER’S AWARD

Candidates will meet with senior members of the Drama department for an interview and discussion. This will allow the candidate to outline their motivation, artistic intention for their monologue choice, involvement in current productions, vocal range and physical skills.

FUTURE ENGINEER MA STER’S AWARD

The Future Engineer Master’s Award is aimed at those with a passion and commitment to the subject evidenced by projects undertaken both in and outside of school hours. Future Engineers are expected to have a good understanding of design and CAD software such as Onshape or Solidworks. They are likely to have a high degree of problem-solving skills and be innovative thinkers. Candidates will meet with the Head of Design & Engineering for an interview and discussion. Candidates will be asked to outline their reasons for applying and suitability for the Award. It is recommended that candidates bring with them an example of their work. Recipients will be expected to take Design & Technology: Product Design at A Level. Music Master’s Awards are granted to those who play an orchestral or keyboard instrument to Grade 8 standard and a second instrument of at least Grade 5 standard. Separate vocal awards are also available and a Grade 8 standard is required.

MUSIC MA STER’S AWARD

Candidates will be expected to perform two contrasting pieces on their first study instrument, and one piece on a second/ third study. Original compositions can also be performed, but as an extra component, not as a second study. Composition candidates will be expected to provide a visual as well as audio representation of their work. The interview with the Director of Music will also include sight reading on their first study instrument, theory, ear tests and a general discussion about how they would contribute to the musical life of the Music School.

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Candidates may apply for a single Sport Master’s Award. It is likely they are playing (or have the potential to compete) at region, county or country level in one of Thomas’s major sports. SPORT MA STER’S AWARD

As a sports scholar you will receive support and guidance including: • One on one/small group skill development • One on one/small group strength and conditioning • Sports nutrition education and guidance • Sports psychology education and guidance • Fitness testing/data recording to monitor progress • Invitations to masterclasses Or candidates can apply for an ‘all rounder’ Sport Master’s Award. Candidates are likely to be playing ‘A’ team level or equivalent in 3 of Thomas’s major sports. Thomas’s Major Sports Boys: Football | Hockey | Cricket | Tennis Girls: Football | Netball | Hockey | Cricket | Tennis Candidates are required to complete and submit a written application form where they outline their skill level, contribution, commitment and match experience (if relevant). All written applications will be reviewed. Successful candidates will be invited to meet with the Director of Sport for a practical assessment. Candidates will be expected to speak confidently about their sporting experiences, dedication, and enthusiasm.

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Useful Information 18

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SIBLINGS

OVERSE A S APPLIC ANTS

BOARDING AT THOMA S’S COLLEGE

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. Whilst we welcome candidates applying from overseas, candidates must attend our assessment held at Thomas’s College on either Friday 13 November or Saturday 14 November. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor overseas students. 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 boarders. 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.

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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:

DAY FEES PER TERM

WEEKLY BOARDING FEES PER TERM

Sixth Form (Years 12–13)

£11,404

Lunch (compulsory)

£425

Fifth and Sixth Form (Years 9-13)

£5,105

Flexi-boarding (1–2 nights per week)

£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

Clubs run by College staff are complimentary. Only a small number of clubs that are run by external specialists (e.g. 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. Typically there will be an initial Middle Sixth residential trip at the start of the Michaelmas term – this trip will cost less than £1,000.

OPTIONAL

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Public examinations such as GCSE and A Levels are charged at the cost defined by the relevant examination board (not subject to VAT).

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BURSARIES

SIBLING DISCOUNT

Our bursary programme presently extends to those awarded Thomas’s Scholarships, where additional support is available on a means-tested basis. 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.

TR AVEL & TR ANSPORT

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.

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Trav Ealing Broadway 20 38 Ealing Common 17 37 Acton Town 13 30 Chiswick Park 7 29

Turnham Green 33 10

Stamford Brook 13 35

Ravenscourt Park 14 38

Gunnersbury 25 7 Kew Bridge 20 5

Chiswick 24 13

Staines Barnes Bridge 22 7

Kew Gardens 15 4 North Sheen 2 7 St Margarets 3 10

Mortlake 4 15

33 Bus (to Barnes)

Richmond

LOWER RICHMOND ROAD

Twickenham 5 18

Shuttle Bus (6 minutes)

Walking (15 minutes)

Thomas’s College

Kingston 35 18

371 Bus (to Kingston Upon Thames)

Kingston Upon Thames TH O M A S’ S CO LLEG E

Barnes via Richmond Park (25 minutes)

RICHMOND GATE

Teddington 34 13

Barnes 6

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Kingston via Richmond Park (20 minutes)

RICHMOND PARK

vel Map High Street Kensington 25

West Kensington 20

Notting Hill Gate 28 Gloucester Road 24

Earl’s Court 22

South Kensington 26

Sloane Square 28

Victoria 32

St. James’s Park 35

Westminster 36

West Brompton 22 Parsons Green 28 43 Putney Bridge 39 30

Putney 5

Putney via Richmond Park (30 minutes)

Wandsworth Town 7

Clapham Junction 9

Queenstown Road 13

Vauxhall 15

Waterloo 19

East Putney 32 Southfields 34 Wimbledon Park 37 Wimbledon 39

KEY District Line

Cycle Route

National Rail

Shuttle Bus

Circle Line

Walking distance

Overground Travel Time: 10 = 10 minutes

Wimbledon via Richmond Park (35 minutes)

15 = 15 minutes

30 = 30 minutes

The shuttle will run from Richmond Station up to the College and back down again at the beginning and end of the day for our pupils/staff only. Times are based on published Transport for London travel times. The cycling times are based on ‘cycle friendly - easy routes’.

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KE Y 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. 16+ A D MIS SI O NS GU ID E 2027

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@thomasscollege college@thomas-s.co.uk 020 7978 0902

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