Tiffin Girls School

Tiffin Girls is one of the most selective grammar schools in the Greater London area, and the entrance exam reflects this high level of competition. The school uses GL Assessment and tests three areas: Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. It operates a two-stage admissions process, with the GL-format paper serving as Stage 1 — a high-volume filter to decide who progresses to the school's own Stage 2 assessments. You'll need to register by July, with the exam typically held in October; check the school's current admissions page to confirm exact dates for your child's year.

The exam is significantly harder than a standard GL paper, particularly in the verbal sections. Vocabulary is the standout challenge — expect sophisticated, less common words well beyond typical Year 6 level, woven into both Verbal Reasoning and English comprehension. Reading passages are more literary and complex than standard papers, with a strong emphasis on inference and deduction rather than straightforward fact-finding. If your child isn't already building vocabulary from Year 4 onwards, now is the time to start. Maths is harder than average GL too, but it's more predictable; multi-step word problems and applied reasoning are the main focus, and well-prepared children find it more manageable than the verbal sections.

Time pressure is a real factor. The combination of difficult vocabulary and high question volume means many children don't finish comfortably, so timed practice isn't optional — it's essential. Because this is a selective school with limited places, the exam is designed to filter out a large proportion of applicants at Stage 1. Expect to need a strong score across all three areas to progress to Stage 2. Work with an experienced local tutor if possible, and focus your preparation on challenging vocabulary, complex texts, and timed practice papers.