Tiffin School
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey · KT2 6RL
Tiffin School is one of England's most academically selective state grammar schools, drawing exceptionally able boys from across Surrey, South West London, and beyond through a highly competitive entrance examination. Founded in 1880, it combines outstanding examination results with a broad co-curricular offer, producing a culture that is ambitious, intellectually lively, and strongly collegiate. The school sits in Kingston upon Thames and benefits from proximity to both the Thames and central London. Its reputation for producing high-achieving university entrants, particularly to Oxford, Cambridge, and leading Russell Group universities, makes it one of the most sought-after state schools in the country.
- →Consistently outstanding academic outcomes, with A-level and GCSE results rivalling top independent schools at no cost
- →Highly stimulating peer group of similarly able, motivated boys drawn from a wide catchment
- →Strong Oxbridge and medical school track record with dedicated preparation programmes
- →Broad co-curricular programme including music, sport, drama, and debating at a high level
- →Free to attend as a state grammar, making elite academic education accessible regardless of income
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious, self-motivated boys who relish academic challenge and are energised by competing and collaborating with peers of similar ability. Boys who enjoy pursuing interests beyond the classroom — whether in STEM clubs, music ensembles, sport, or debating — will find a rich environment here.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Queen Elizabeth Road
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
KT2 6RL
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Clive Anderson
Barrister, TV presenter and broadcaster
Peter Capaldi
Nick Hewer
John Inverdale
Sports broadcaster
Kwame Kwei-Armah
Playwright and artistic director
Tim Berners-Lee
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Tiffin School cost?
Tiffin School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Tiffin School?
Tiffin School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Tiffin School's exam results?
At Tiffin School, 66.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 77.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Tiffin School a boarding school?
Tiffin School is a day school in Kingston upon Thames and does not offer boarding.
What is Tiffin School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Tiffin School “Good” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic outcomes and university destinations, especially Oxbridge and medicine, that rival elite independent schools
✓Outstanding peer group — boys are inspired and challenged by their equally able and motivated classmates
✓Rich co-curricular life with genuine excellence available in music, sport, debating, and STEM
✓Dedicated and specialist teaching staff who stretch the most able
✓Extraordinary value as a free state school delivering independent-school-quality education
Common concerns
!The entrance examination process is extremely competitive and heavily tutored in practice, potentially disadvantaging less affluent applicants despite being a state school
!The school's large size (over 1,400 boys) can make pastoral support feel impersonal for some boys
!Academic pressure is high and boys who struggle relative to the cohort can find it hard emotionally
!Site facilities, while adequate, are less impressive than comparable fee-paying schools given the calibre of pupils
!Catchment area is effectively defined by ability to afford tutoring, raising equity concerns