FAQs

Who is running the familiarisation tests?

The Tiffin School Foundation runs the familiarisation tests, independent of Tiffin School.  Please do not contact the school regarding these tests. 

When will they be held?

For 2024-2025, we will be holding two test cycles – one in Easter (15th and 16th April) and one in Summer (27th, 28th and 29th August). 

Where will they be held?

The tests will be held at Tiffin School, Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6RL.  Most students will sit the tests in the Sports Hall.

Why should I enrol my child in a familiarisation test?

This is a great opportunity for your child to find out what it is like to take a formal exam in an unfamiliar setting and with a large group of other children.  We hope that this experience will help reduce stress during any real tests that the children will take in the forthcoming months and make the procedures feel more familiar. It is also an opportunity to receive feedback on your child’s performance, assisting you with their final preparation for their school entrance exams.

Is the test suitable for applicants to other selective schools?

Yes, our 2024-2025 familiarisation tests are suitable for all boys and girls who will be undertaking entrance exams in the 2025-2026 academic year ready for school entry in September 2026.  Our tests have been designed so they do not mimic one specific school’s exam process and so are suitable for all students considering Grammar or Independent School entry at Year 7.  

Will I be at a disadvantage for the Tiffin 11+ process if my child does not take the familiarisation test?

No, these tests are entirely separate from the Tiffin School 11+ exam process.

Who should I contact for any queries/further information?

Please contact the Tiffin School Foundation if you have any queries via [email protected] or visit our dedicated website www.11plustestkingston.co.uk. Please not do not contact Tiffin School regarding these tests. 

How do I book?

Booking is essential and can be done via the website website www.11plustestkingston.co.uk

Can I book all available test days?

Different English and Maths question papers will be used in the two cycles; the Easter cycle will have one set of English and Maths tests, and the Summer cycle will have a different set of English and Maths tests; therefore, please only book one date in each cycle to take the familiarisation tests.  Please do not book multiple dates within one cycle as these will be cancelled without a refund.  

How much does the test cost?

The cost for the day is £75.  This includes sitting one Maths paper and one English paper as well as receiving feedback about your child’s performance in specific topic areas afterwards.

What age should my child be to sit the tests?

Only students entering Year 6 for the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible to sit our familiarisation tests this academic year. 

My child is out of year group, can they sit the test?

If your child is out of year group, please contact us via [email protected] before booking to discuss this further.  

What if my child has special educational needs, a medical condition or requires access arrangements?

When you complete the booking form you will be able to let us know about any SEND/medical/access requirements that your child has. Following this, if we require any further information regarding the details submitted on the form, we will be in touch directly. Unfortunately we will not be able to provide extra time for children, even if they will be eligible for this during real 11+ tests.  If you have any questions, please contact us via [email protected].

Is my child eligible for discounted familiarisation tests?

We offer discounted  test places available for students entering Year 6 in September 2025 who are eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium funding. The charge will be £10.  If you wish to apply for a discounted place, you will need to forward us an email from your child’s current school to prove they receive Pupil Premium funding.  Please send this to [email protected] as soon as possible.  Please do not book and pay for a place before doing this as you will be charged the full price and not refunded. 

Are places limited?

Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.  Therefore, early booking is advised.

How long will the tests take?

You will be asked to arrive from 9am and children will be collected from approximately 1pm (exact timings will be given to those with confirmed places).  During this time window each child will sit two one-hour tests, one in English and one in Maths.  There will be time for toilet visits and a snack break between the two tests.  We will be providing quiet activities for the children to complete while they are waiting for other children to be seated/ visit the toilet.

Are the exams in multiple choice format?

The English test will be in multiple choice format.  The Maths test will require children to write their answers to the questions onto a pre-printed sheet, by writing individual digits into printed boxes.   Both tests will be marked by computer.

What will the tests include?

The tests will include content which will have been covered by students who have completed the National Curriculum in English and Maths for Year 5 students.  The tests may also include additional materials to stretch the students and to enable them to demonstrate their adaptability.

Are the tests the same as the Tiffin 11+ tests?

No. Although the familiarisation tests will cover similar topic areas and be in a similar format to some 11+ exams, they are not identical in content or format to the Tiffin 11+ test or any other specific test.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Test bookings are not normally refundable, but if you do need to cancel we would be grateful if you would let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].

What do I do if my child is unwell on the day and won’t be able to attend?  Can I get a refund?

If your child is unwell on the day, please let us know as soon as possible via email: [email protected].   Test papers will be pre-printed with the children’s personal details, so due to the personalised nature of these tests, we are not normally able to offer refunds.   In extenuating circumstances, refunds may be given at the discretion of the Foundation.   If you need to cancel your test booking, please email us as soon as possible to avoid logistical issues for those running the tests on the day.

Can I change the date and time of the test?

Test bookings are non-transferable; if you are no longer able to make your original test date, you will need to book another date if there is availability.  

Can I transfer my space to another child?

No, bookings are non-transferable.

What happens if an exam session is cancelled by the organisers?

We reserve the right to cancel a session due to circumstances beyond our control or any other reason. In this event, you will receive a refund but our liability will be limited to the amount that you have paid us for the cancelled session. We exclude liability for damages for any claims in law including contract, negligence, tort, statute or otherwise.

Where do I drop my child on the day? 

Please drop your child off at the London Road Gate.  They will be met by a member of the team and escorted to the Sports Hall in small groups.   

Do I remain with my child until they have entered the exam hall?

No, parents/guardians will need to drop their child off at the school playground.  This is to give the students the most realistic experience of an 11+ exam as possible.  

Will I be able to settle my child in the exam hall?

No, students will be escorted to the exam hall where they will need to settle and organise themselves.  They will be informed as to how the day will run and given specific instructions on how to complete the tests.  

Can I park on site?

No, there is no parking available on site.  Tiffin School is well served by public transport with Kingston Station a five-minute walk away as well as numerous bus stops within easy reach.  Therefore, we encourage all students to use public transport or walk to the school on their test day.  To plan your journey, please visit TfL.  

What happens if we are running late on the day?

The tests will start promptly so please allow plenty of time to arrive, especially if using public transport.  If you arrive late, your child will not be admitted to the exam hall and no refund will be given.

Will my child have a break between the tests?

Yes. Your child will have the chance to go to the toilet and to have a drink and a snack.  Please send your child with water in a clear, unlabelled bottle and a small snack which does not contain nuts.

What should my child wear on the day of the tests?

There is no dress code, but your child should wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather that day. 

What does my child need to bring with them on the day of the tests?

Students should bring 2 HB pencils, a ruler and an eraser in a clear pencil case.  Please ensure the pencil case is clearly named.  A barrel pencil sharpener is optional.  Water may be taken into the exam hall if in a clear, unlabelled bottle and your child may take a small snack which does not contain nuts.  No mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators or other bags are allowed in the exam hall during the test sessions.  

Who can collect my child/can my child come home on their own after the test?

Your child should be collected by a responsible adult (18 years or older).  We will not be allowing children to leave without an adult.

Will there be a first aider on site during the tests?

Yes, there will be a qualified first aider on site during all four test days.  

Is there a waiting area for parents/guardians?

No, there is no waiting area for parents/guardians.  Please ensure you drop-off and collect your child promptly from the London Road gate.  

What if I am late to pick up my child?

Please ensure you plan ahead and arrive promptly to collect your child after the tests have taken place.  If you need to reach us you can email [email protected].  We will be checking the account on a regular basis.

What time shall I collect my child?

Children should be collected from approximately 1pm. More information will be given to those who have bookings.

May I see my child’s papers?

The papers are the property of the Tiffin School Foundation and will remain confidential, therefore it will not be possible to release them.  Results will be sent to the email address used at the time of booking; further feedback won’t be possible.

How do I get the results and when will they be published?

Results will be sent by email using the email address provided at the time of booking.  Results will be published in early September.

What feedback/results information do I receive after the test?

You will receive your child’s total score for the Maths test and their total score for the English test.  You will also receive information about the topics in which your child performed well and areas for possible further focus.

Are the results a reflection of how my child will do in the real exams?

As with all exams, children have good days and bad days, so whilst the results will give you an indication of how your child might perform in a real 11+ exam, there are no guarantees.  It is important to keep in mind that the results of the familiarisation test shouldn’t be viewed in isolation; they should be evaluated alongside other factors such as teachers’ feedback, your child’s performance on the test day and relevant aspects such as the progress made between the mock tests and the actual 11+ exams. 

What is the pass mark for the tests?

There is no pass or fail mark.  You will receive your child’s marks as outlined above but we encourage you to see these familiarisation tests as an opportunity for your child to practise the process of sitting an 11+ test rather than a clear indicator of their likelihood of securing a place in a selective school.

If my child does well in the test, will they be offered a Grammar School place?

No, not as a result of this test.  These tests are run by the Tiffin School Foundation to give your child an experience of real exam conditions as part of their preparation for sitting secondary school entrance exams.  The familiarisation tests are in no way related to the Tiffin 11+ test or any other school entrance exams and you must apply for those separately.  The results of these familiarisation tests play no part in any school place allocation decisions.

What are your child protection procedures?

All staff and adult volunteers will have an Enhanced DBS check and will have received safeguarding and child protection training.  Some current Tiffin students may also be on site to assist with the logistics of running the event.

Will my personal details be shared with other organisations?

We take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you have requested from us. We will not pass your information to organisations which are unconnected with this test. Your data will be deleted shortly after exam results are sent out.  

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Please contact the Tiffin School Foundation via email if you have any questions: [email protected]

The Tiffin School Foundation runs the familiarisation tests, independent of Tiffin School or The Tiffin Girls’ School.  Please do not contact either school regarding these tests.