Ages 
A beacon of meritocracy and inclusivity. Girls here are indeed privileged, not by ilk of their family’s wealth but rather through their intellectual abilities and sheer hard work. One pupil told us, ‘It’s been my dream to get into this school since I was seven years old.' Ambitious academics, balanced with a good dollop of care and jollity, means parents are pinching themselves too because ‘we get it all for free’. Stellar outcomes are assured and whilst school is adept at turning out medics, don’t dismiss it if you’ve a creative clever clogs.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,268 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 370 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
Headteacher
Head teacher
Mr Ian Keary
Since 2016, Ian Keary BA NPQH. Previously head of school at highly rated Glyn, part of a multi-academy trust in nearby Ewell. Prior to that, eight years at Tiffin School (the boys’ grammar down the road), four as assistant head. Degree in sports
Entrance
Selective and extremely competitive. Over 1,000 apply for 180 places, according to school. Word on the street is that applications are three times that number. Don’t give up hope if not immediately successful, though, as waiting list places do come
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 85-90 per cent of pupils stay on to sixth form. The few that leave go mostly to co-eds or schools offering other subjects, sometimes independents where they often have scholarships. Almost 70 per cent of sixth formers to Russell Group
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 96 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 72 per cent A*/A at A level (94 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Passionate teachers who pupils say are ‘genuinely excited to share their knowledge with us’, along with a ‘challenging curriculum with width and depth’ and, ultimately, a ‘determined and curious’ pupil body with the desire and aptitude to excel, mean
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
It’s National Neurodiversity Week when we visit but school has delayed marking it as it clashes with National Geography Week. ‘Too hectic to celebrate both in the same week and goes against the whole premise of calm,’ explains lead SENCo,
Arts & extracurricular
‘Can I just express my love for the music department?’ one pupil asks. Head of department inspires with energy and enthusiasm, and recently revised the school’s music curriculum to build year 7 foundations into skills that seamlessly feed into the
Sport
Over 75 teams and hundreds of fixtures a year, says school, though one parent claimed hockey matches had been thin on the ground in the past (rather wet) season. PE department assures girls compete against some of the top schools in London and Surrey
Ethos & heritage
Established in 1880 following a charitable bequest from two wealthy Kingston brewers, brothers Thomas and John Tiffin, who wished to support ‘some honest poor man’s son’. When they died The Tiffin Charity was established and eventually resulted in
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
With intense academic ambition comes pressure (usually self-inflicted, insist parents) so it’s reassuring that all the students we meet say they feel supported. One explained, ‘I never feel judged, we just push each other to do better.’ School has a
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones are not permitted during the school day, including at lunch time, breaktime and between lessons, unless a member of staff grants permission for their use. The use of mobile phones on school trips is also restricted.
Pupils & parents
Both pupils and parents are hardworking. Lots of medics wishing for their daughters to follow in their footsteps. Pupils are studious, charming and (well) opinionated. One mother said she felt some were ‘a little socially immature’, adding ‘it’s
Money matters
Three levels of discretionary sixth form bursary fund available to cover textbooks, trips, specialist equipment for specific subjects and even travel to school. An education support fund, set up by the trustees of the Support Tiffin Girls’ School
The last word
A beacon of meritocracy and inclusivity. Girls here are indeed privileged, not by ilk of their family’s wealth but rather through their intellectual abilities and sheer hard work. One pupil told us, ‘It’s been my dream to get into this school since I
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
