Tiffin School 11 Plus Guide: Boys and Girls Entrance Exams

How the Tiffin Two-Stage Admissions Process Works

The Tiffin admissions process is designed to manage the very high volume of applicants by filtering through two distinct stages. Stage 1 is a shorter test, typically lasting around 70 minutes, that covers English and mathematics in a multiple-choice format. All registered candidates sit Stage 1, which usually takes place in September or early October of Year 6.

Approximately the top 300 to 350 candidates from Stage 1 are invited to Stage 2. This second test is longer and more demanding, featuring extended writing in English and more complex mathematical problem-solving. Stage 2 typically takes place in late October or November and determines the final ranking from which offers are made.

The two-stage model means that families need to prepare for two different types of assessment. Stage 1 rewards speed, accuracy, and familiarity with multiple-choice technique. Stage 2 rewards depth of understanding, the ability to express ideas in writing, and the capacity to tackle challenging problems under pressure. A child who performs brilliantly in Stage 1 but is not prepared for the demands of Stage 2 may not receive an offer.

Results from Stage 2 are used to rank candidates, and the highest-scoring children are offered places. The school does not publish a fixed pass mark, as the qualifying score depends on the performance of the cohort. Offers are made on national offer day in March, and families who are not offered a place can join the waiting list or submit an appeal.

It is important to note that Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls' School operate separate admissions processes with separate registration. If you have children applying to both schools, you must register and manage each application independently. The exam dates and formats are similar but not identical, so check each school's website for their specific details.

Registration and Key Dates for Tiffin Schools

Registration for both Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls' School opens in the spring or early summer of Year 5, with deadlines typically falling in late June or early July. Registration is completed online through each school's website, and there is a non-refundable registration fee. The schools are strict about their deadlines, and late applications are not accepted.

The Stage 1 test is held in September or early October, shortly after children return to school for Year 6. The Stage 2 test follows in October or November for shortlisted candidates. Results and offers are communicated in line with the national admissions timetable, with offers made on 1 March.

Families who live outside the immediate Kingston area should be aware that Tiffin schools do not have a catchment zone in the traditional sense. Admission is based entirely on performance in the entrance tests, which means children from any address can apply and be offered a place if they score highly enough. In practice, however, the schools give priority to children who live closer when scores are tied, so proximity can be a factor in borderline cases.

Both schools hold open evenings and open mornings for prospective families, usually in June and September. These events are an excellent opportunity to see the school, meet staff, and ask questions about the admissions process. Attending an open event is not a requirement for application, but it helps families make an informed decision about whether Tiffin is the right fit for their child.

Parents should also check whether their child is eligible for any access arrangements such as extra time or a scribe. Requests for access arrangements must be submitted with supporting documentation by the deadline specified in the admissions information, and the school communicates decisions before the test date.

What the Tiffin 11 Plus Tests Cover

Stage 1 at both Tiffin schools tests English and mathematics in a multiple-choice format. The English component typically includes comprehension questions based on a passage, testing vocabulary, inference, and understanding of language. The mathematics component covers arithmetic, number, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and word problems drawn from the Year 5 and early Year 6 curriculum.

The multiple-choice format means children must be efficient with their time, as there is no partial credit for working. Practising multiple-choice technique, including eliminating clearly wrong answers, managing time across the paper, and checking answers if time permits, is an important part of preparation.

Stage 2 is more demanding and tests a deeper level of understanding. The English paper typically includes a longer comprehension exercise with questions requiring extended written answers, as well as a creative or persuasive writing task. Children who write clearly, use evidence from the text, and show originality in their creative work tend to score well. The mathematics paper features multi-step problems, algebraic thinking, and questions that require children to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.

The difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 is significant. Stage 1 identifies children who have strong foundational skills, while Stage 2 distinguishes between those who can think deeply, write persuasively, and solve complex problems. This means preparation must go beyond drilling multiple-choice questions and include regular practice with extended writing and challenging mathematical reasoning.

EdifyPod Nexus is particularly well-suited to Tiffin preparation because it adapts to your child's level across both English and mathematics. Eddy, the learning coach, provides targeted exercises that build the specific skills each stage demands, from quick-fire accuracy for Stage 1 to extended problem-solving for Stage 2. This dual-focus approach mirrors the two-stage structure of the Tiffin admissions process.

How to Prepare Your Child for the Tiffin 11 Plus

Preparing for the Tiffin 11 Plus requires a structured plan that addresses both stages of the process. Begin in Year 4 or early Year 5 with a baseline assessment to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses in English and mathematics. This allows you to focus preparation time where it will have the greatest impact.

For Stage 1, build speed and accuracy in core skills. In mathematics, this means ensuring your child can perform arithmetic operations quickly and confidently, understands fractions and percentages, and can tackle word problems efficiently. In English, focus on reading comprehension skills, particularly the ability to infer meaning, identify key information, and understand vocabulary in context. Practise multiple-choice technique regularly so your child is comfortable with the format.

For Stage 2, shift the focus to depth and quality. In mathematics, work through challenging problems that require multiple steps, logical reasoning, and the application of knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. In English, practise extended writing in various forms: stories, descriptions, persuasive pieces, and personal responses to texts. Encourage your child to plan their writing, use sophisticated vocabulary, and edit their work for clarity and impact.

Timed practice is essential for both stages. Children who are not accustomed to working under time pressure often underperform on exam day, regardless of their knowledge. Build up to full-length timed papers gradually, starting with shorter exercises and increasing the duration as your child's stamina improves.

For families seeking structured support, Thousands of families use EdifyPod Nexus to prepare, the practice adapts to your child, tracks progress against target schools, and covers every subject the exam tests. If your child needs additional live support from our experts, our tutors at edifypod.com/11plus are here too. Combining platform-based daily practice with expert guidance from a tutor is one of the most effective approaches for Tiffin preparation.

Finally, help your child manage the emotional side of the process. Thousands of children apply to Tiffin each year, and the competition can feel overwhelming. Remind your child that the admissions process is just one step in their education, and that there are many excellent schools available regardless of the outcome.