King's College School Wimbledon (KCS) is one of England's top-performing independent schools — co-educational in the sixth form, boys-only at 11+ entry. Around 95% of leavers go to top universities including Oxbridge.
The 11+ entry process
KCS uses a two-stage process:
- Stage 1 (November Year 6): the ISEB Common Pre-Test (computer-based).
- Stage 2 (January Year 6): bespoke KCS written papers — English comprehension, English writing, mathematics. Plus an interview.
What KCS distinguishes
KCS's Stage 2 maths paper is notably harder than typical 11+ — it includes algebraic-style problems and multi-step word problems that require careful working out. The English writing task can be unusual (recent prompts have included "Write a job advert for a dragon").
Interview format
KCS interviews are pleasant but probing. Questions often centre on a discussion of a book or a current event. The interviewer is looking for genuine intellectual curiosity, not rehearsed answers.
Preparation tips
- Read challenging classical and modern children's fiction widely.
- Practise multi-step maths problems (Year 7 textbook material is fair game).
- Talk about ideas at home — KCS rewards children who can discuss what they think and why.
Quest Arena's mock library has KCS-style preparation packs.