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Original poster

Will eight grade 9s be needed for Tiffin Boys Sixth Form entry?

110 replies

IrishPetal · 21/03/2026 16:51

Does everyone think you’ll need eight 9s to get into Tiffin Boys 6th form this year?

Loads leaving our local independent schools to try for Tiffin 6th form this year (post VAT) so am worrying the odds are smaller than ever!

OP posts:
novamia · 21/08/2026 15:14

gsha · 21/08/2026 15:06

A lot of it might turn on how many internal candidates met the sixth form requirements. In my DD's sixth form intake into Tiffin two years ago I understand that they had an unusual number of internal candidates who did not meet the grade requirements. There were probably more spaces for externals that year.

Also in response to Novamia I'd be surprised if anyone bothered to appeal. On any view all of these candidates are extremely bright and will do well anywhere. Having had a daughter go through the Tiffin sixth form over the past 2 years it is great in many ways but by no means perfect. Dd2 has chosen to go to a different high performing sixth form (although now reading the above it seems likely Dd2 would not have got into Tiffin anyway even though she has almost exactly same grades as Dd1!).

Edited

Before they updated their admissions policy to base decisions on actual grades rather than subjective predictions, people certainly did appeal or threaten to appeal. That's what bounced them into changing it.

gsha · 21/08/2026 15:06

A lot of it might turn on how many internal candidates met the sixth form requirements. In my DD's sixth form intake into Tiffin two years ago I understand that they had an unusual number of internal candidates who did not meet the grade requirements. There were probably more spaces for externals that year.

Also in response to Novamia I'd be surprised if anyone bothered to appeal. On any view all of these candidates are extremely bright and will do well anywhere. Having had a daughter go through the Tiffin sixth form over the past 2 years it is great in many ways but by no means perfect. Dd2 has chosen to go to a different high performing sixth form (although now reading the above it seems likely Dd2 would not have got into Tiffin anyway even though she has almost exactly same grades as Dd1!).

TheCoolTiger · 21/08/2026 14:49

Just got a rejection - very surprised as DS has all 9s. Maybe it comes down to who put their results into applicaa first yesterday?

novamia · 21/08/2026 14:33

dottondool · 21/08/2026 14:03

@novamiaIm not sure how but I seem to have confused you. Of course schools are meant to follow their policies but that doesn’t mean they do, have you really never heard about schools that don’t? The Catholic school I attended definitely did not & it wasn’t an isolated case.

I’m not saying Tiffin does at all, I think the competition locally is just so fierce. I know plenty of dc every year who do not get a place via the 11+ but will go on to get excellent grades in other local schools, state & private.

Edited

You haven't confused me (though I recommend you use 'reply' rather than just tagging me, so I know which post you're replying to).

You asked "do they have a preference when taking external dc from particular schools?" and "does it help to have more than 8" grade 9s, to which the official answer is no.

If anyone had evidence that they did otherwise they'd probably be quietly lodging an appeal in full knowledge that they had a good case rather than telling everyone on Mumsnet about it.

dottondool · 21/08/2026 14:03

@novamiaIm not sure how but I seem to have confused you. Of course schools are meant to follow their policies but that doesn’t mean they do, have you really never heard about schools that don’t? The Catholic school I attended definitely did not & it wasn’t an isolated case.

I’m not saying Tiffin does at all, I think the competition locally is just so fierce. I know plenty of dc every year who do not get a place via the 11+ but will go on to get excellent grades in other local schools, state & private.

novamia · 21/08/2026 13:39

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:35

@novamiaon paper yes but in reality schools don’t always.

But I would think many local dc would have high GCSE grades so competition is fierce

If you have evidence that they don't then you can appeal and/or lodge a formal complaint.

State schools are bound by law to publish admissions policies that align with the national code, and to follow them.

Only private schools can do what they want.

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:35

@novamiaon paper yes but in reality schools don’t always.

But I would think many local dc would have high GCSE grades so competition is fierce

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:32

We are in catchment, I think they probably don't have many spaces in STEM & take girls too. They mustve had a lot of applicants with all 9s & closer.

pankajbh · 21/08/2026 13:30

We had Maths , Chemistry, Physics and Economics.. In Catchment as we never got any out of catchment mail in Jan. Anyway we got an offer from Harris Westminster which was always our first choice. But I am surprised.. They said they had 90 places for girls and I am surprised even 7 9s and 1 8s couldn't get us offer.

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:29

Yes they are excellent results @RoseredvelvetCan I ask is your dc in private or state & are you local to the school or further out.

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:25

We are in Richmond.

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:24

Thanks! FM, Maths, Chemistry & Economics.

novamia · 21/08/2026 13:24

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:19

And do they have a preference when taking external dc from particular schools?

The catchment is also pretty large so there may be plenty of dc locally who score high as there are some great local schools.

No. Do read the admissions policy. Schools do have to stick to the letter of them!

happylittlebirdy · 21/08/2026 13:24

pankajbh · 21/08/2026 13:14

We also got Rejected.. 7 9s and 1 8s and in catchment.

Fab results - well done to your dc! What subjects was that for?

happylittlebirdy · 21/08/2026 13:23

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 12:12

Just received another email saying we will hear today! Must be on reserve list due to distance or something.

How far are you?

happylittlebirdy · 21/08/2026 13:23

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:21

Ds had 9 x 9 & 1 x 8, so who knows how they work it out!

Wow - what subjects had they applied for? Amazing results though, so should be very proud!

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:21

Ds had 9 x 9 & 1 x 8, so who knows how they work it out!

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:19

And do they have a preference when taking external dc from particular schools?

The catchment is also pretty large so there may be plenty of dc locally who score high as there are some great local schools.

dottondool · 21/08/2026 13:17

How many dc actually leave in the 6th form. Historically I knew a few who would go private but I don’t think that’s necessary nowadays

pankajbh · 21/08/2026 13:14

We also got Rejected.. 7 9s and 1 8s and in catchment.

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 13:11

Rejected, must be oversubscribed. Hope others have better luck x

pankajbh · 21/08/2026 12:26

In case if tie.. its distance..

TheCoolTiger · 21/08/2026 12:22

I wonder how they choose between local candidates who all have 9s?

TheCoolTiger · 21/08/2026 12:18

We won’t be taking up the offer if we get it but we got the same holding email and live very close! I would be pulling my hair out if we were still hanging on for an offer.

Roseredvelvet · 21/08/2026 12:12

Just received another email saying we will hear today! Must be on reserve list due to distance or something.