Are you considering Thomas's College for your child? Here are our top tips for the 11+ entry process. Find out what your child will be tested on and how you can help them prepare for exam success!
About Thomas's College
Thomas’s College, opening in September 2025, is an exciting new independent school in Richmond, London. Located near Richmond Park and the River Thames, the campus combines a rich history with modern upgrades. It previously housed the Wesleyan Theological College and The American International University, offering a unique setting for students.
The college will welcome students aged 11 to 18, starting with Years 7 to 12 and expanding to Year 13. It will provide day, flexible, and weekly boarding options. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the future, focusing on academic success, personal growth, and practical skills.
Students at Thomas’s College will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant school environment. The school aims to nurture a love of learning, self-confidence, and strong moral values. From science labs and sports fields to spaces for the arts, every aspect of the campus has been designed to inspire growth and exploration.
As part of the Thomas’s family of schools, the college will uphold values such as kindness, respect, and ambition. It offers an inclusive and forward-thinking approach, making it a perfect choice for families seeking a modern yet grounded education.
For more information, visit the Thomas’s College website.
Thomas's College 11+ key information
- Address: Queen’s Road, Richmond Hill, London, TW10 6JP
- Age range and gender: Boys and girls aged 11–18
- School type: Independent day and weekly boarding school
- Financial assistance: Scholarships, means-tested support, and sibling discounts
- 11+ registration deadline: Early November in Year 6
- 11+ exam date: November–January in Year 6 (three parts)
- 11+ exam type: Online assessment, written paper, interview and questionnaire
Thomas's College 11+ admissions process
There are 80 places available in Year 7 at Thomas’s College. To begin your child’s application, you will need to submit registration before the deadline in November in Year 6. Registration costs £150 and is non-refundable.
Thomas’s College is a selective school and is looking for high-ability children. The admissions process has three parts. In addition to these assessments, your child’s current headteacher will be asked to provide a confidential reference.
Part 1: Knowledge assessment
You will be asked to provide your child’s assessment results from any of the following recognised exams. Your child might already be taking these at their current school:
- ISEB Common Pre-Test
- GL Assessment AAT or CAT4
- CEM Select
If your child is not taking any of these exams, you can ask their school if they will be able to facilitate your child taking the ISEB Common Pre-Test before the end of November. If they are unable to do this, your child can take a ‘dual assessment’ at Thomas’s:
Dual assessment
Children who cannot take the ISEB Common Pre-Test, GL Assessment AAT, CAT4, or CEM Select are invited to take a ‘dual assessment’ instead. This consists of the Part 2: Skills assessment (outlined below), and a Quest Admissions test. Children will be tested on non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning and puzzles and problem-solving in the Quest Admissions test.
Part 2: Skills assessment
All children are invited to the Thomas’s College skills assessment at the end of November in Year 6. This one-hour exam consists of three 20-minute questions.
Each question is broadly aligned to English, maths, and science but will test your child’s logical, analytical, imaginative, and creative skills.
Each question is worth 10 points. Up to 5 points are awarded for the originality and thoughtfulness of their ideas, and up to 5 points for the way their ideas are communicated.
A sample paper for this assessment is available here.
Children who are successful in Parts 1 and 2 are shortlisted for the final part of the process, which is a character assessment.
Part 3: Character assessment
The character assessment will take place at Thomas’s in January in Year 6. If your child is shortlisted for this stage, they will be sent a questionnaire to complete in advance. This will give them a chance to talk about their hobbies and interests. Your child should complete this on their own to show their originality and authenticity. The examiners will read your child’s questionnaire alongside their written answers from the skills assessment.
The character assessment consists of an interview in small groups. Your child will have the opportunity to talk to the interviewer and to other children in their group. The interviewer will give prompts to help your child describe their interests and think of solutions to hypothetical problems or dilemmas. There is no right or wrong answer, but the interviewer will be interested in your child’s values, and how they think, feel, and communicate their ideas.
Offers
The Thomas’s College admissions team will carefully consider all three parts of the process – plus your child’s school reference – when deciding which children to offer places to.
You will receive your child’s results in mid-February. If your child is offered a place, you will have until early March to accept.
