Kensington Park School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Founded: 2017
• Location: Two campuses - Bayswater (Years 7-11) and South Kensington (Sixth Form)
• Class Sizes: Small classes for personalised learning
• Curriculum: Includes Computer Science and Mandarin from Year 7
• Assessment: Entrance examination in early January

About Kensington Park School

Kensington Park School represents a modern approach to independent education in the heart of London. Established in 2017, this relatively new institution has quickly developed a reputation for its innovative educational philosophy centred on personalised learning. The school operates across two distinctive London locations: the Lower School situated in Bayswater serves students in Years 7 to 11, whilst the dedicated Sixth Form campus in South Kensington provides a sophisticated environment for older students.

What sets KPS apart is its commitment to small class sizes, ensuring each student receives individualised attention and tailored instruction. The school's diverse curriculum reflects contemporary educational needs, offering subjects such as Computer Science and Mandarin Chinese from Year 7 onwards. This forward-thinking approach prepares students for an increasingly globalised world whilst maintaining rigorous academic standards.

The school's dual-campus structure allows for age-appropriate learning environments, with younger students benefiting from the nurturing atmosphere of the Bayswater location, whilst Sixth Form students enjoy the independence and sophistication of the South Kensington setting. This thoughtful organisation supports students' developmental needs throughout their secondary education journey.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Kensington Park School

Kensington Park School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify students who will thrive in their personalised learning environment. The examination typically takes place in early January and evaluates students across multiple academic areas to ensure a good fit with the school's educational approach.

Mathematics Component: The mathematics assessment focuses on problem-solving abilities and numerical reasoning skills. Students are evaluated on their understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and their capacity to apply these skills to complex problems.

English Assessment: The English component examines both comprehension and writing abilities. Students demonstrate their reading comprehension skills through analysis of texts, whilst the writing element assesses their ability to express ideas clearly and creatively.

Reasoning Skills: Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests form part of the assessment, designed to evaluate logical thinking abilities and cognitive flexibility. These tests help identify students' potential for academic growth within KPS's challenging curriculum.

The assessment is specifically tailored to identify students who will benefit from KPS's small class environment and personalised approach to education, ensuring successful candidates are well-suited to the school's unique educational philosophy.

How to Apply

The application process for Kensington Park School is straightforward and designed to identify students who will flourish in the school's distinctive learning environment:

Step 1: Online Application
Complete the comprehensive application form available on the KPS website, providing detailed information about your child's academic background and interests.

Step 2: Entrance Assessment
Attend the entrance examination, typically scheduled for early January. This assessment evaluates mathematical ability, English proficiency, and reasoning skills.

Step 3: Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, allowing the school to understand each student's personality, interests, and educational goals.

Step 4: Academic References
Current schools provide detailed references outlining the student's academic performance, behaviour, and potential for success at KPS.

Step 5: Offer and Acceptance
Successful candidates receive an offer of admission, which must be formally accepted by the specified deadline to secure the place.

Parents are encouraged to visit both campuses during the application process to gain a comprehensive understanding of the school's unique dual-site approach and educational philosophy.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions makes us the ideal partner for families seeking admission to Kensington Park School. Our understanding of KPS's unique educational approach and assessment requirements enables us to provide targeted preparation that maximises your child's chances of success.

Personalised Assessment Preparation: Our tutors are experienced in preparing students for KPS's specific entrance requirements, focusing on the mathematical problem-solving, English comprehension, and reasoning skills that the school values. We tailor our approach to each student's individual strengths and areas for development.

Interview Coaching: Our comprehensive interview preparation helps students articulate their interests and aspirations confidently, particularly important given KPS's emphasis on finding students who will thrive in their personalised learning environment.

Ongoing Academic Support: Beyond entrance preparation, we provide continued academic support to ensure students excel once they begin their studies at KPS, helping them adapt to the school's innovative curriculum and teaching methods.

Strategic Application Guidance: We assist families in navigating the entire application process, from completing forms to understanding KPS's educational philosophy and dual-campus structure, ensuring applications demonstrate genuine understanding of what makes the school special.

Our proven track record with London independent schools, combined with our deep understanding of KPS's distinctive approach to education, positions us to provide the expert guidance your family needs for admission success.