About Bootham School
Bootham School is a co-educational independent day school in Yorkshire & North. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Bootham School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #328 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 59%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Bootham School
Bootham School Admissions Criteria
Bootham School is a co-educational independent day school in Yorkshire & North. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Bootham School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Bootham School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Bootham School and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Bootham School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Bootham School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Bootham School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Bootham School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Bootham School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Bootham School
Step 1 — Visit Bootham School in York — arrange a personal tour
Visit Bootham School in York — arrange a personal tour
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at Bootham
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Bootham
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Bootham School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Bootham School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Bootham School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in York (founded 1823). Times rank #328. Quaker foundation.
Independent Practice Papers for Bootham School
Bootham School uses ISEB Common Pre-Test format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — 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 Bootham 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 Bootham School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Bootham combines strong academic results with a distinctively Quaker, non-conformist ethos that values individuality over exam-chasing.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum (with GCSE Astronomy a popular feature, thanks to the school’s own observatory).
- A-Level: strong results, with pupils progressing to a range of universities.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Bootham School
Bootham School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day and boarding school, it draws day families from across York and North Yorkshire and boarders from the UK and overseas, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a campus minutes from York Minster (about two hours from London by train); entry runs from the Junior School (from age 3) through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1823 by the Religious Society of Friends, Bootham School is a co-educational Quaker independent day and boarding school (ages 3–19) on a historic campus close to York Minster, with the motto ‘Membra sumus corporis magni’ (we are members of a greater body). Co-educational since 1983 and welcoming families of all faiths and none, it is guided by the Quaker testimonies of equality, peace, simplicity, stewardship and truth — an approach that prizes intrinsic motivation and individuality over conformity, within a supportive, values-led community known for outstanding pastoral care.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, with a distinctive on-site observatory (GCSE Astronomy is popular) alongside sport, music, drama and volunteering. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bootham School
How do I get into Bootham School?
To gain entry to Bootham School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does Bootham School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Bootham School uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Bootham School?
Bootham School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Bootham School?
Yes. Bootham School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Bootham School?
Most independent schools including Bootham School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Bootham School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Bootham School. No registration required.
When is the Bootham School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Bootham School is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Bootham School 11+ results announced?
At Bootham School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.