Kingham Hill School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Kingham Hill School
• Location: Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6TH
• Type: Co-educational independent day and boarding school
• Age Range: 11-19 years
• Pupils: Approximately 370 students
• Houses: 11 houses (7 boarding, 4 day)
• Contact: +44 1608 658999
• Registration Fee: £125 (£175 for non-British/Irish citizens)
• Acceptance Deposit: £800 day pupils, £1,200 boarders

About Kingham Hill School

Founded in 1886 by Charles Young, Kingham Hill School occupies a magnificent 100-acre site in the heart of the Cotswold countryside. This Christian co-educational institution became fully co-educational in 1992 and has since cultivated a reputation for nurturing individual talents within a supportive community environment.

The school's picturesque Oxfordshire setting provides an exceptional backdrop for learning, featuring extensive grounds that house a performing arts theatre, comprehensive sports centre, and numerous outdoor activity areas. With approximately 370 pupils across 11 houses, Kingham Hill maintains an intimate atmosphere where every student receives personalised attention and encouragement to explore their unique abilities.

The school's Christian foundation underpins its commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong moral character. This holistic approach to education ensures pupils are prepared not only for academic success but also for meaningful contributions to society.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Kingham Hill School publishes day fees of £8,950 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £11,750 to £12,750 per term, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Kingham Hill School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to evaluate each candidate's academic potential and suitability for the school community. The 11+ assessment encompasses multiple components to ensure a thorough evaluation of prospective pupils.

Academic Testing

Candidates undergo rigorous academic testing in core subjects:

• English: Assessment of reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills
• Mathematics: Evaluation of numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts
• Verbal Reasoning: Testing logical thinking and language comprehension
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assessment of spatial awareness and pattern recognition

Interview Process

Each candidate participates in a personal interview with senior staff members. This discussion allows the school to assess the child's character, interests, and potential contribution to the school community. The interview also provides an opportunity for candidates to ask questions and demonstrate their enthusiasm for joining Kingham Hill.

Assessment Day Experience

The assessment takes place during a dedicated assessment day, allowing candidates to experience the school environment whilst completing their evaluations. This approach helps both the school and families determine whether Kingham Hill represents the right educational fit.

How to Apply

The admissions process at Kingham Hill School follows a structured pathway designed to ensure smooth entry for successful candidates:

Step 1: Registration

Complete the registration form accompanied by the non-refundable registration fee of £125 for British and Irish citizens, or £175 for non-British/Irish citizens. Early registration is advisable given the school's popularity.

Step 2: Assessment Invitation

Following registration, candidates receive an invitation to attend an assessment day. This comprehensive evaluation includes academic testing and a personal interview with school staff.

Step 3: Offer and Acceptance

Successful candidates receive a formal offer letter outlining terms and conditions. To secure the place, parents must pay an acceptance deposit of £800 for day pupils or £1,200 for boarding pupils.

Admissions Contact

For detailed guidance throughout the application process, contact the dedicated admissions team:

• Mrs Debbie Marshall: +44 1608 731884
• Mrs Sophie Megson: +44 1608 695271

Preparing for the Kingham Hill School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Kingham Hill School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.