About Bolton School
Bolton School is a leading independent school in Bolton, Lancashire, comprising a Boys' Division and Girls' Division. Founded in 1516 and sponsored by The Lever Trust, it is one of the most generously bursaried schools in the UK. As an independent school, fees apply, BUT approximately 40% of pupils receive some form of financial assistance. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own entrance examination.
Bolton School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 70%. A-Level A*–B: 70%.
About Admission to Bolton School
Bolton School is a selective independent (fee‑paying) day school in Bolton, Greater Manchester, with a long history dating back to 1516. It is a ‘double‑foundation’ school: a Boys’ Division and a Girls’ Division (single‑sex from ages 11 to 18) sit within the wider Bolton School Foundation, which also runs a co‑educational Nursery, Infant and Primary school and a joint Sixth Form.
Entry is by the school’s own entrance examination and interview, and you apply directly to the relevant Division — there is no local‑authority Common Application Form and no National Offers Day. For 11+ (Year 7), candidates sit Mathematics, English and non‑verbal reasoning papers (set in a GL Assessment multiple‑choice format), with an interview for those who do well. Around one in five pupils holds a means‑tested bursary, available from age 11+.
This guide explains how entry works, the key steps and dates, results and school life. Always confirm the latest details on the school’s official admissions pages before applying.
Bolton School Admissions Guide (11+ Entry)
How Bolton School Selects Pupils
Entry is selective by the school’s own assessment. The papers use a GL Assessment multiple‑choice format, but Bolton is an independent school — there is no statutory oversubscription criteria, and you apply directly.
- ✓11+ (Year 7): Mathematics, English and non‑verbal reasoning papers, with an interview for candidates who do well.
- ✓Apply to the Boys’ Division or the Girls’ Division — each runs its own admissions.
- ✓Entry is also possible at other ages (including 7+ into the Junior Schools and 16+ into the Sixth Form).
- ✓Means‑tested bursaries (with around one in five pupils supported) are based on the entrance assessment and family circumstances.
Key Dates & How It Works
| 📌 Open Morning | October |
| 📌 Registration deadline | Around early December of Year 6 |
| 📌 Entrance assessment | January of Year 6 |
| 📌 Interview & outcome | Following the assessment |
How to Apply to Bolton School
Step 1 — Visit & register
Attend the October Open Morning or a tour, then complete the application form for the Boys’ or Girls’ Division (by around early December).
Step 2 — Entrance assessment
Your child sits the Maths, English and non‑verbal reasoning papers in January; strong performers are invited to interview.
Step 3 — Offer & bursaries
Offers follow the assessment and interview; bursary outcomes are confirmed alongside.
What the 11+ Assessment Covers
The papers are age‑standardised and set in a GL Assessment multiple‑choice format; the interview helps the school see whether a child will thrive in its challenging, busy environment.
11+ Practice Papers (English, Maths & Reasoning)
Bolton School’s 11+ papers use a GL Assessment multiple‑choice format in Maths, English and non‑verbal reasoning. These practice papers build exactly those skills — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Bolton School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Bolton School (GCSE & A‑Level Results)
Bolton School is one of the North’s pre‑eminent independent schools, with consistently strong results across both Divisions at GCSE and A‑Level.
- ✓A‑Level: a strong record — in a recent year the Boys’ Division averaged around a B+ per entry, with roughly 42% of grades at AAB or better.
- ✓GCSE: high pass rates across a broad curriculum in both Divisions.
- ✓Most pupils continue into the joint Sixth Form before progressing to leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
- ✓A strong learning‑support team helps pupils with a range of additional needs. (Figures vary year to year; see the school’s website for the latest.)
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular Life
From Nursery to Sixth Form, Bolton School emphasises developing the whole person in a caring, friendly community. Single‑sex Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions sit side by side and come together in a shared Sixth Form (the Riley Centre).
Facilities & the outdoors
The school sits in 32 acres of grounds and runs its own outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District, supporting an adventurous, active education.
Co‑curricular & leadership
An extensive co‑curricular programme (including the Horizons Programme) spans sport, music, drama, clubs and leadership, with older students mentoring younger ones across the Foundation.
Access & bursaries
Bolton School has a strong bursary tradition, with around one in five pupils receiving means‑tested support from age 11+.
Bolton School Admissions — FAQ
How do I apply to Bolton School?
You apply directly to the Boys’ Division or the Girls’ Division — not through a Local Authority. The main entry point is 11+ (Year 7), with entry also possible at other ages.
Is Bolton School a grammar school, and does it use the GL Assessment?
Bolton School is an independent school. Its 11+ papers use a GL Assessment multiple‑choice format, but you apply directly — there is no Common Application Form or National Offers Day.
Is it co‑educational?
It is a ‘double‑foundation’ school: single‑sex Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions from ages 11 to 18, within a wider Foundation that includes a co‑educational Nursery, Infant and Primary school and a joint Sixth Form.
What does the 11+ assessment involve?
Mathematics, English and non‑verbal reasoning papers, with an interview for candidates who perform well. Scores are age‑standardised.
When is the entrance assessment?
There is an Open Morning in October, a registration deadline around early December, and the entrance assessment in January of Year 6.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — around one in five pupils holds a means‑tested bursary, available from age 11+, based on the entrance assessment and family circumstances.
What is Bolton School known for?
Academic excellence, 32 acres of grounds, an outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District, and a wide co‑curricular (Horizons) programme across the Foundation.
How can my child prepare?
Build confidence in Maths, English and reasoning, practise timed multiple‑choice questions, and visit at the Open Morning so your child feels at ease.