Ages 
An exceptional state school with a strong sense of community and culture of success, Tiffin goes ‘above and beyond’, creating an intellectual, stimulating, inclusive space for clever, curious and motivated young people who feel ‘lucky to be there’, ‘eager to do their best’ and proud of themselves, their peers and their school. The Tiffinian competitive spirit is matched by their kindness and a dedication to finding and supporting individual interests.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,479 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 555 ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
Headteacher
Headteacher
Garth Williams
Since September 2023, Garth Williams. Studied history and his PGCE at Oxford, starting his teaching career at Wellington College, where he become head of history. Thence to Dean Close School and Alleyn’s, moving up the ranks before taking on his
Entrance
Around 2,000 applications for 180 year 7 places via the notoriously competitive entrance assessments: a two-stage process testing English and maths. Pupils come from the school’s 10-kilometre ‘priority area’, encompassing 100+ primary schools, which
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- July, October
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
A handful of leavers move on after GCSEs to local colleges or to take up scholarships to independent schools. Most popular university destinations are Cambridge, UCL, Bristol, Warwick and Bath, with up to half of any year group expected to apply for
% 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, 80 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 71 per cent A*/A at A level (92 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
A rounded approach to academics, favouring ‘exploratory learning over hot housing’ and allowing students to discover own strengths. Push and stretch used to motivate. ‘It’s a ‘personal best thing,’ as one student put it. Class sizes average 25-30 but
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Four per cent of students (including 12 EHCPs) are on the SEN register, supported by the ‘awesome’ SENDCo, deputy SENDCo, six TAs and therapeutic practitioner – all of whom organise or provide support, mostly in-lesson, but one-to-ones and group
Arts & extracurricular
Parents ‘awed by the extent’ of the extracurricular opportunities, currently 70 clubs and societies including music ensembles, sports teams and art groups meeting before and after school, as well as at lunchtimes and weekends. One parent told us
Sport
How many state schools boast a rowing team or a house rowing competition? Tiffin’s boat club on the Thames enables this opportunity, enthusiastically taken up by around 10 per cent of students, with the option of introductory summer camps (at a cost)
Ethos & heritage
The school was founded in 1880, sharing a site with what is now Tiffin Girls’, with 150 pupils each. Boys moved to the current site in central Kingston in 1929, remaining an all-boys’ school until 2019, when the sixth form became co-ed, described by
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Phenomenal’ pastoral care, according to parents, with proactive contact home and ‘thoughtful input around mental health in general’. Several told us of challenging situations at home being sensitively handled. New wellbeing room, with mental health
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 Tiffin School is committed to delivering an effective approach to online safety, which empowers us to protect and educate the whole school community in its use of technology, including mobile phones and smart technology. With the exception of sixth form students, mobile phones must not be used on the school premises and should be switched off and put away. Use of mobile phones by students may be possible where directed by a member of staff as part of the content of a lesson.
Pupils & parents
We found students aspirational, polite and ultra-confident. They told us it’s ‘cool to succeed academically’ but they balance competition with community, celebrating each other’s successes as much as their own. Most come from within 10km including
Money matters
Voluntary donation of £40 a month to bolster funds: ‘encouraged but not expected’. The 1638 Society established to ‘recognise the generosity of past and future legacy benefactors’ to the Tiffin School Foundation.
The last word
An exceptional state school with a strong sense of community and culture of success, Tiffin goes ‘above and beyond’, creating an intellectual, stimulating, inclusive space for clever, curious and motivated young people who feel ‘lucky to be there’,
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
