If your son’s flying through his 11+ preparation and you’re starting to think seriously about top grammar school choices in London, two standout names are likely to be on your list: Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Boys) in Barnet, and Tiffin School for Boys in Kingston upon Thames.
Both are fully selective, all-boys grammar schools, and both have a national reputation for academic excellence. But while they share many similarities — single-sex, state-funded, league-table-topping — the reality is these two schools have different approaches. Especially when it comes to entrance exams, school culture and day-to-day experience.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a detailed comparison of QE Boys and Tiffin Boys, including the entry process, priority areas, exam format, school size and overall environment. So you can decide which school is the best match for your child.
QE Boys vs Tiffin Boys: Introducing the Two Schools
Let’s begin by getting to know the schools.
Queen Elizabeth’s School (or QE Boys) is based in High Barnet and often ranked the top state school in the country. It’s known for rigorous academic standards, a traditional ethos and high-pressure environment. On the other hand, Tiffin School (Kingston upon Thames) is known for a slightly more balanced feel, with strong performance across both STEM and the arts.
QE Boys entry is through a single-stage 11+ exam (English and Maths), with no catchment area or sibling policy. Just pure performance on the day. Students travel from across London, Hertfordshire and beyond, and the school is famed for its Oxbridge success rate and strong STEM focus.
Tiffin School is also one of the highest-performing grammar schools in the UK. Like QE, it is a fully selective boys’ grammar, but its admissions process is quite different. Tiffin uses a two-stage entrance process with a priority area — meaning students not living locally won’t be considered. No matter how high they score.
Both schools are state-funded, free to attend, and attract ambitious students from a wide catchment. But deciding between them depends on more than just rankings. It’s about exam formats, eligibility, culture and the environment your child thrives in.
Quick Comparison Table: QE Boys vs Tiffin Boys
| Feature | Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Boys) | Tiffin School for Boys |
| Location | Queen’s Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 4DQ | Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6RL |
| Single Sex or Co-Ed | Boys only | Boys (Years 7-11), Mixed Sixth Form |
| School Size | ~1,300 pupils | ~1,400 pupils |
| Sixth Form Size | ~290 students; boys only
No additional sixth form entry. Often a Grade 7 or above is required to progress from GCSE. |
~550 (co-ed); encourages external candidates. Accepts approximately 120 new pupils each year. |
| Selective Status | Fully selective grammar school | Fully selective grammar school |
| Catchment Area | No fixed catchment; places awarded strictly by performance | Yes. Priority area with local postcodes applies in Stage 2 |
| Competition | Extremely high (over 3,500 applicants for ~180 places) | ~2,000 applicants for ~180 places |
| Entry Requirements | 11+ entrance exam (GL Assessment) with top scores only | 11+ entrance exam. Up to 10% of places are also reserved for music or sporting aptitude. |
| 11+ Entry Exam Format | GL Assessment (Single-Round English and Maths papers, Multiple Choice) | Two-stage entrance: English and Maths Papers. Stage 1 is multiple choice, GL Assessment. Stage 2 is School Set papers. |
| Reputation | Traditional, disciplined, academically elite | Academic, well-rounded, slightly more balanced atmosphere |
| Ranking | Regularly ranked among the top five grammars in the UK across multiple League Tables | Regularly places in the top 10-20 grammar schools nationally |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding in all areas | Good or Outstanding in all areas |
| Oxbridge Success | High (35–45 offers most years)
In 2024, a staggering 13 students attended Oxford with 40 going on to Cambridge. |
Strong (around 30 offers per year)
In 2024, 17 students attended Cambridge, with 16 going on to Oxford. |
| Pupil Transport | Well connected to Northern Line and local bus routes, as well as 10 dedicated school coach services | Excellent rail links via Kingston station, strong local bus routes. No dedicated coach service. |
| Fees | Free (state-funded) | Free (state-funded) |
| Religious Affiliation | None | None |
Parent FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
When it comes down to QE Boys or Tiffin School, the big decisions hinge on the smaller details. How do the exams work? What’s the atmosphere like once they’re in? And which school will bring out the best in your child: academically, socially and emotionally?
In the sections below, we’ve tackled the most common parent questions, so you know what to expect and which school could be the perfect fit for your family.
Tiffin School for Boys
Is Tiffin Boys a private school?
No, Tiffin School is not a private school. It’s a fully state-funded grammar school. Although it shares the academic reputation and selective entry style of some top-tier independent schools, there are no tuition fees, and admissions are strictly based on academic performance and priority area.
That said, like many grammar schools, Tiffin School invites voluntary contributions from parents (via the “Tiffin Education Fund”) to support enrichment activities and extracurricular resources.
How hard is it to get into Tiffin Boys School?
Tiffin is an extremely competitive school, but in a different way from QE. Over 1,500 boys (sometimes approaching 2,000) apply each year, giving a success rate under 10%.
The entrance process is split into two stages. In Stage One, all candidates sit multiple-choice English and Maths tests (set by GL Assessment). Only the 600-650 top performers from Stage One are invited to take Stage Two, which includes written English and Maths papers set and marked by the school.
But even a brilliant Stage Two performance won’t guarantee a place unless the applicant lives within the priority area. While 2,000 boys may apply each year, the final offer pool is shaped both by score and postcode.
What’s the pass mark for Tiffin Boys?
Tiffin doesn’t have an official pass mark, as the score to qualify for a place changes each year.
Offers are made to those scoring strongest across both exam stages (so Stage One is just as important as Stage Two!), and crucially live in the priority area.
In general, your son will need to be in the top 10% of candidates in both stages (with consistent skills across both English and Maths) to be in the running for an offer.
How many pupils are at Tiffin Boys?
Tiffin has around 1,450 students in total, making it slightly larger than QE. The sixth form is one of the largest selective sixth forms in London, with around 550 students, including girls.
External candidates of either sex are welcomed in Year 12, subject to high GCSE performance (usually Grade 7 or above in their chosen subjects).
What’s the priority area for Tiffin Boys?
To be eligible for a place at Tiffin Boys after Stage Two, applicants must live within the designated priority area, which includes Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton and other parts of South West London. If you live within 10-kilometres of Tiffin Boys, you’ll be in the priority area.
It’s important to note that no boys living outside the priority area have secured entry since 2019. So if you’re outside of this 10-kilometre radius, it’s wise to look at other options.
For more parent-friendly breakdowns, catchment tips and school rankings across North London and Hertfordshire, don’t miss our guides to:
- Grammar Schools in Barnet
- Grammar Schools in Watford
- Grammar Schools in Harrow
- Grammar Schools in Slough
- The Best Grammar Schools in London
- The Best Secondary Schools in London
- The Best Private Schools in London
- The Best Secondary Schools in the UK
- The Best Grammar Schools in the UK
- The Best Private Schools in the UK
Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Boys)
Is QE Boys a private school?
No. Just like Tiffin School, QE Boys is a state-funded grammar school. It’s often (and quite rightly!) compared to top independent schools in terms of results, facilities and academic standards. But there are no fees and entrance is solely decided by 11+ scores.
The school encourages parental donations via its “Friends of QE” programme to support extracurricular activities, music and enrichment. But these are voluntary and at parents’ discretion.
How old is QE Boys School?
QE Boys was founded in 1573, making it one of the oldest grammar schools in England. It has a long and proud history (including a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth I) and has maintained its high academic standards and stellar reputation for centuries.
Over time, QE Boys has evolved into one of the most elite grammar schools in the UK. Its historic motto, “Dieu et mon droit” (meaning “God and my right”, referring to the divine right of rule) harkens back to the school’s prestigious roots.
Curious how QE Boys stacks up against other top schools? Take a look at our in-depth comparisons with Latymer, Watford Grammar and Dame Alice Owen’s.
How big is QE Boys?
There are around 1,300 students at Queen Elizabeth’s, with around 180–190 boys admitted in Year 7.
The sixth form is fairly small, with just under 300 students, and no places offered to external applicants. That size keeps things feeling connected and community-focused. Older students often support younger ones, whether it’s helping with schoolwork or just being a friendly, familiar face around the corridors.
As a whole, the atmosphere at break and lunchtimes is relaxed and friendly, with pupils from different year groups chatting and playing games together. Ofsted noted the school’s strong sense of community, and it’s clear that students take real pride in being part of it.
What is the lowest score on the QE Boys exam?
QE doesn’t release an official cut-off mark, because offers are based purely on rank order, not a fixed “pass mark”. However, most successful applicants score over 90% in both the English and Maths GL papers. That puts the competition level among the top 5% of applicants nationally.
Because there’s no second stage, the first exam is the only chance to secure a place. This makes preparation, timing and exam technique absolutely crucial. As a result, most parents opt for formal 11+ tutoring (often starting from Year Four) as well as realistic mock tests.
If you’re starting to think about QE Boys prep, it’s worth focusing on both comprehension and maths problem-solving under pressure.
- In English, your child will need to read quickly but carefully, spotting key details, tone and vocabulary. Questions often touch on language features like similes or metaphors, so knowing techniques and terminology helps. A good grasp of grammar (especially word classes and sentence structure) is useful too.
- In Maths, confidence with multi-step problems, number patterns and quick mental calculations is key. Accuracy matters just as much as speed. KS2 SATs papers are a great place to begin, building a solid foundation before moving on to trickier 11+ style questions.
Is there a catchment area for QE Boys?
No. QE Boys has no catchment area. It is one of the few grammars where geography plays no part in admissions. Places are awarded strictly based on exam score, meaning students come from across North London, Hertfordshire, Essex, and sometimes even further afield.
That said, the school strongly recommends that families consider travel time carefully. They discourage commutes of over an hour, which can be tiring for the children — particularly with the academic expectations QE is known for.
So… Which School Is Better?
Both QE Boys and Tiffin Boys are elite grammar schools, and both will stretch and challenge bright, hard-working students. But your decision shouldn’t be based on rankings alone. It should be about fit.
QE Boys might suit your son if:
- He thrives under pressure and enjoys fast-paced learning.
- You’re looking for a school with no catchment limits.
- He’s aiming for Oxbridge, medicine or elite academic pathways.
- He prefers a structured, traditional school culture.
Tiffin Boys might be a better fit if:
- You live in South West London and meet the priority area criteria.
- Your child is academically strong but also enjoys writing, debate or music.
- You’re open to a slightly more rounded and creative school environment.
- You want a school with a larger sixth form and external entry routes.
It’s a good idea to visit both schools, attend open days and talk to current staff and pupils if possible. This will give you an idea of that all-important atmosphere, and whether you feel it’s the best school for your son.
What’s the Most Prestigious Boys’ School in London?
If you’re looking purely at academic results, the answer is fairly straightforward: Queen Elizabeth’s School is currently ranked as the top grammar school in the UK. Its GCSE and A Level results are consistently record-breaking, and its Oxbridge success rate puts it on par (if not better) than leading independents. The only other boys’ grammar of a similar status is Wilson’s Grammar in South London.
However, Tiffin School isn’t far behind. It regularly ranks in the top 10-15 nationally (currently ranked 13th), with a strong reputation for both academic achievement and balance — particularly in music, drama and debate.
In the private sector, some the most prestigious London boys’ schools include:
These schools offer outstanding academic outcomes, but also carry fees of £30,000 per year — and an admissions process featuring interviews as well as 11+ entry exams.
Ultimately, prestige only matters if the environment works for your child. A school can be top-ranked on paper but feel totally wrong for their personality, pace or learning style. The right choice is the one that combines challenge with confidence, and helps your son flourish.
Need Help With Secondary School Admissions?
At Achieve Learning, we help families navigate every stage of the 11+ journey. Whether you’re applying to QE Boys, Tiffin School or any other secondary, our team of expert tutors and education consultants are here to guide you.
We offer:
- Personalised 11+ tuition (covering GL, school-set and two-stage exams)
- Realistic mock exams under timed conditions
- Admissions advice and academic consultancy tailored to your child’s strengths and goals
Get in touch today and give your child the very best chance of securing a place at a school where they’ll truly thrive.
