Kingston upon Thames mixes selective grammars, strong comprehensives and independents: Tiffin, Tiffin Girls', The Kingston Academy, Coombe Boys', Coombe Girls', Surbiton High, The Hollyfield School and Marymount International. The two Tiffin schools select by examination, the Coombe and Kingston Academy places go by distance and oversubscription criteria, and the independents run their own tests and fees. Which of those lists applies to you depends entirely on your address and your child's exam year.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry, and 92.4% their first-preference primary. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Kingston upon Thames, a vibrant and diverse borough in South-West London, is renowned for its high-quality educational institutions. For parents seeking the best schooling options for their children, understanding the strengths and offerings of the top schools in the area is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the top 10 schools in Kingston upon Thames to assist in making an informed decision.

What Are Top Schools in Kingston upon Thames?

What does Tiffin School offer?

- Type: All-boys grammar school

- Strengths:

- Strong academic reputation

- Emphasis on extracurricular activities, including music and sports

What does The Kingston Academy offer?

- Type: Co-educational

- Strengths:

- Broad and balanced curriculum

- Outstanding teaching and modern facilities, including a performing arts centre and sports hall

What does Coombe Girls' School offer?

- Type: All-girls school

- Strengths:

- Nurturing environment

- Commitment to academic excellence

- Impressive university admissions record

What does Coombe Boys' School offer?

- Type: All-boys school

- Strengths:

- Focus on academic achievement and character development

- Offers sports, music, and drama

What does Surbiton High School offer?

- Type: Co-educational

- Strengths:

- Well-rounded education with a focus on individualized learning

- Strong academic reputation

What does Tiffin Girls' School offer?

- Type: All-girls grammar school

- Strengths:

- Challenging curriculum

- Ranks among the top schools in the UK

What does The Hollyfield School offer?

- Type: Co-educational

- Strengths:

- Strong focus on academic achievement and character development

- Offers sports, music, and drama

What does Marymount International School offer?

- Type: All-girls school

- Strengths:

- Global education focus

- Emphasis on arts, leadership, and community service

What does Kingston Grammar School offer?

- Type: Co-educational

- Strengths:

- Strong academic reputation

- Focus on individualized learning

What does The German School offer?

- Type: International school

- Strengths:

- Bilingual education in German and English

- Strong academic reputation

What should you do next?

Choosing the right school is a pivotal decision for your child's future. This guide aims to provide detailed insights into the top educational institutions in Kingston upon Thames. Each school has unique strengths and offerings, making it essential to consider your child's individual needs and interests.

We recommend visiting these schools and engaging with their communities to find the best fit for your child. Good luck with your search, and may your child thrive in their educational journey!

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

School performance, inspection judgements and admissions rules are published by the Department for Education and Ofsted. A guide is a starting point; these are the record: