About Marling School, Stroud
Marling School in Stroud is a selective boys' grammar school (with a co-educational Sixth Form) and academy, admitting 150 boys per year. It is one of seven Gloucestershire grammar schools that share the same GL Assessment entrance test. The same test is held on the same day at all seven schools. Registration is via the Gloucestershire Central Registration Bureau.
Marling School, Stroud provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 69%. A-Level A*–B: 66%.
About the GL Assessment 11+ Test for Marling School, Stroud
Marling School, Stroud is a boys state grammar school in England that uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test to select pupils for Year 7 admission. The school admits approximately 150 Year 7 pupils each September, and applications must be made through your home Local Authority via the Common Application Form (CAF) — never directly to the school.
The GL Assessment 11+ is one of two main 11+ test providers in England (the other being CEM, now retired in many regions). The Gloucestershire test typically consists of multiple papers covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Scores are standardised against the cohort age distribution, so younger pupils are not disadvantaged. Each school sets its own qualifying mark (pass mark).
For 2027 entry, the GL Assessment test is sat in September 2026 and results are released to parents on Mid-October 2026 — crucially, before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026, giving parents time to consider results before listing school preferences. National Offers Day is Monday 1 March 2027, when Local Authorities issue Year 7 secondary school offers.
Marling School, Stroud is academically selective — pupils must achieve the qualifying mark in the 11+ test to be eligible for a place. If applications exceed the published admission number (150 places), the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions criteria, key dates and oversubscription rules.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Marling School, Stroud
Marling School, Stroud Admissions Criteria
Marling School in Stroud is a selective boys' grammar school (with a co-educational Sixth Form) and academy, admitting 150 boys per year. It is one of seven Gloucestershire grammar schools that share the same GL Assessment entrance test. The same test is held on the same day at all seven schools. Registration is via the Gloucestershire Central Registration Bureau.
- ✓Register via the Gloucestershire Central Registration Bureau (opens noon 18th May 2026, closes noon 26th June 2026).
- ✓Sit the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test — GL Assessment multiple-choice papers covering Verbal Reasoning, English and Mathematics.
- ✓Achieve the qualifying standard to be eligible for a place.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Boys achieving the qualifying score, ranked in order of merit.
- ✓Where oversubscribed among equally-ranked candidates, priority by distance from the school.
- ✓Apply via Gloucestershire County Council (or your own Local Authority) CAF by 31st October.
Marling School, Stroud Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 150 Year 7 admission number, the Board of Governors / Trust applies the following criteria in priority order. Final ranking uses the standardised score achieved in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test.
- Looked-after / previously looked-after children (highest priority by law)
- Children who achieve the qualifying mark in the entrance test (above the qualifying standard set by Marling School, Stroud)
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals Entitlement (FSME)
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Children with sibling(s) currently attending the school
- Children of staff (where staff member has worked at the school for 2+ years)
- Children ranked by total standardised score (highest first) up to the published admission number
- Tiebreak: distance from home to school (straight-line measurement) for children with equal scores
Key Dates & Deadlines — Marling School, Stroud 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2026 |
| 📌 Registration closes | late June 2026 (varies by school) |
| 📌 GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test | September 2026 (English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) |
| 📌 Test results released | Mid-October 2026 |
| 📌 CAF deadline (apply via Local Authority) | Friday 31 October 2026 |
| 📌 National Offers Day | Monday 1 March 2027 |
How to Apply to Marling School, Stroud via the Common Application Form
Step 1 — Register your child for the GL Assessment 11+ Test
Register through your regional 11+ portal (e.g. Gloucestershire) when registration opens. Closes late June 2026 (varies by school). There is no fee to sit the GL Assessment test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Marling School, Stroud
Visit during Year 5 or early Year 6 to meet staff and pupils and decide whether to list this school on your CAF.
Step 3 — Sit the GL Assessment Entrance Test
Your child sits the GL Assessment in September 2026. The test typically covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised scores age-adjusted.
Step 4 — Receive your standardised test results
Test results are released to parents on Mid-October 2026, BEFORE the Common Application Form deadline. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
Step 5 — Complete your Common Application Form (CAF)
List Marling School, Stroud as one of your preferences on the CAF submitted via your home Local Authority (not the school's LA, unless they are the same). You can usually list 3-6 preferences depending on your LA.
Step 6 — Submit the CAF by the deadline
Submit your CAF by Friday 31 October 2026. Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications have been allocated, dramatically reducing your chance of a place.
Step 7 — Receive your school offer on National Offers Day
Offers are issued via your Local Authority on Monday 1 March 2027. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join Marling School, Stroud's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Marling School, Stroud
Marling School selects through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test (currently GL Assessment), shared across the county's grammar schools — two multiple-choice papers of around 45–50 minutes, age-standardised.
- English comprehension & vocabulary: reading, understanding and word knowledge.
- Verbal reasoning: logic, vocabulary and problem-solving with words.
- Non-verbal reasoning: pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
Note: Gloucestershire is moving to a new test provider (FSCE) for future cycles — confirm the current arrangements with the school.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Marling School, Stroud
Marling School, Stroud uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — 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 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Marling School, Stroud 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 Marling School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Marling School is a high-achieving boys' grammar with a strong STEM tradition. In its November 2024 Ofsted inspection it was rated Good across all areas; its GCSE results place it in the top 10% of schools in England (around 59.5% of grades at 9–7, with a Progress 8 score of about +0.64) and its A-Level results in the top 25% nationally, with a handful of Oxbridge places each year.
- GCSE: around 59.5% of grades at 9–7, placing the school in the top 10% nationally.
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form with strong university progression.
- Specialism: a strong STEM tradition.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Marling School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test, produced by GL Assessment and used by all of the county's grammar schools — so a child sits it once. It is two multiple-choice papers of around 45–50 minutes, taken on the same day with a short break, covering English comprehension and vocabulary, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning; scores are age-standardised, with broadly the top 25% reaching the qualifying standard. Note that Gloucestershire is moving its entrance test to a new provider (FSCE) for future cycles, so always confirm the current provider and format with the school. Families complete the Local Authority Common Application Form and a separate test registration form; results arrive in October.
The school has around 150 Year 7 places and typically around three applicants per place. It does not operate a fixed catchment; after children with an EHCP and looked-after children, priority runs through Pupil Premium pupils and siblings, with distance used to allocate remaining places. Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Marling School is a selective boys' grammar for ages 11–18, with a co-educational sixth form, on Cainscross Road in Stroud, Gloucestershire (GL5 4HE), with around 1,230 pupils. Founded in 1887 by Sir Samuel Marling and an academy since 2011, it occupies Victorian heritage buildings and shares some facilities with neighbouring Stroud High School.
The school combines a traditional grammar ethos and a strong STEM tradition with character development and a wide extracurricular programme spanning sport, music, drama and clubs. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marling School
How do I apply to Marling School, Stroud for Year 7?
Applications to Marling School, Stroud are made through your home Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) — not directly to the school. Your child must sit the GL Assessment 11+ test (registration closes late June 2026 (varies by school)), then list Marling School, Stroud on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Marling School, Stroud use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Marling School, Stroud uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission, taken in September 2026 (English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning). The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with standardised age-adjusted scores.
What is the pass mark / qualifying score for Marling School, Stroud?
Marling School, Stroud sets its own qualifying mark each year. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) up to the admission number of 150 places.
How many Year 7 places does Marling School, Stroud have?
Marling School, Stroud admits 150 Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, FSME, siblings, distance) to allocate places fairly.
When are GL Assessment results released in 2026?
For 2027 Year 7 entry, GL Assessment test results are released on Mid-October 2026 — before the Common Application Form deadline of Friday 31 October 2026. You will receive a standardised score and an indication of whether your child has passed the qualifying mark.
When is National Offers Day for Marling School, Stroud in 2027?
National Offers Day for Year 7 secondary school places in England is Monday 1 March 2027. Offers are issued by your home Local Authority — not directly by the school. If unsuccessful, you can appeal or join Marling School, Stroud's waiting list.
Is Marling School, Stroud a state school or fee-paying?
Marling School, Stroud is a state-funded grammar school — there are no tuition fees. As a state grammar, it is academically selective via the GL Assessment 11+ test, but pupils who pass the test do not pay to attend.
How can my child prepare for the Marling School, Stroud 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete GL Assessment 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question (covering all GL topic areas — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), and downloadable resources. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the September 11+ test.
Where can I find Marling School, Stroud's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Marling School, Stroud 2027 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, qualifying mark, supplementary forms (if any), and any school-specific application requirements.