The first step in the formal process is to send in a completed application form, together with:

• Your child’s most recent school report
• Registration fee of £120
• Passport sized photo
• A copy of your child’s birth certificate
• Any additional information you would like us to consider

Applicants will be invited to sit an entrance assessment which has a written component and, for those applying for September entry into Year 7 and Year 9 a practical component. A reference will be sought from the applicant’s current school to help assess all-round potential and attitude towards learning. Finally both the applicant and the applicant’s parents or carers will be interviewed with a senior member of staff. All applications are considered on a case by case basis and handled in confidence.

Applications for September 2024 into Year 7 (11+) or Year 9 (13+) should be received by Friday 3rd November 2023. Late applications may be considered if there is space in the class.

Applications for places in existing Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 are welcome and places are subject to availability. Please contact the school office for more information. For applications into existing classes taster days will be arranged. This enables your child to experience the school, helping to ensure that the move will be successful.

Thames is a mainstream school with recognised provision for a small number of pupils with mild Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia. If your child has Special Educational Needs or a disability you may make an appointment for an informal discussion with the SENDCo at one of our Open Mornings to discuss your child’s needs and any reasonable adjustments they may require. Pupils are expected to complete a GCSE and A level curriculum and expectations of behaviour and personal responsibility are high. The school is usually unable to provide for pupils who require an alternative curriculum.

All applications are handled in complete confidence and the decision of our Head is final. The school is not obliged to state reasons for rejection of an applicant. For further information please call the school on 020 7228 3933.

Scholarships are available annually to pupils entering the school at the beginning of Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12. These awards are made without regard to parental income and are worth up to 20% of the fees. Alternatively, parents who do not require financial assistance may accept their child’s scholarship on an honorary basis. The categories are: Academic, Art, Music, Performing Arts and Sport.

Applicants should apply for enrolment by Friday 3 November as set out in the application process. If you are also applying for a scholarship for September 2024, a separate scholarship application form should be completed and submitted by Friday 24 November 2023, together with references.

Academic Scholarship Information and Scholarship Application Form

Art Scholarship Information and Scholarship Application Form

Music Scholarship Information and Scholarship Application Form

Performing Arts Scholarship Information and Scholarship Application Form

Scholarship Application Form and Scholarship Application Form

A limited number of bursaries are available in accordance with the Bursary Policy. These are subject to the school’s ability to fund them within the context of its overall budget. Full details of bursaries may be obtained from the school office.

Information about charitable trusts that assist with school fees may be obtained from the Educational Grants Advice Helpline on 01932 865619 or the Educational Trusts’ Forum www.educational-grants.org

Fees for the academic year 2024/2025 are £8,180 per term and can be paid termly or monthly by direct debit.

No extra charge is made for public exam fees, textbooks, co-curricular clubs, theatre trips, entry to competitions or compulsory trips and field studies. Fees do not include school lunches or optional extras such as overseas trips or extra-curricular instrumental or drama lessons. The basic fee is set as a mainstream school, so an additional charge is made for one to one learning support or in-class support. For full details please refer to our Fee Policy.

A deposit of half a term’s fees is payable on acceptance of a place. This deposit is refunded after a pupil has left, after deduction of any outstanding amounts due to the school. The deposit is not returned if a pupil is withdrawn after the place has been accepted.