About Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich's School is a selective boys' grammar school in Longlevens, Gloucester, founded in 1666. One of the largest grammar schools in Gloucestershire (~1,260 students), it is 3rd in the South West and part of the shared Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test consortium.
Sir Thomas Rich's School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 77.9%. A-Level A*–B: 83.1%.
About the GL Assessment 11+ Test for Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 154 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.
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 (154 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich's School Admissions Criteria
Sir Thomas Rich's School is a selective boys' grammar school in Longlevens, Gloucester, founded in 1666. One of the largest grammar schools in Gloucestershire (~1,260 students), it is 3rd in the South West and part of the shared Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test consortium.
- ✓Register via the Gloucestershire Central Registration Bureau (noon 18th May – noon 26th June 2026).
- ✓Sit the shared Gloucestershire Grammar Schools entrance test on Saturday 12th September 2026.
- ✓Two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — places offered in order of standardised score.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- ✓Boys ranked in order of standardised test score.
- ✓Distance from the school used as tie-breaker.
Sir Thomas Rich's School Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 154 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School)
- 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 — Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School
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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich's selects through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test (currently GL Assessment), sat once for the county's grammar schools — two age-standardised multiple-choice papers with no fixed pass mark (broadly the top 25%).
- English & verbal reasoning: comprehension, vocabulary and word-based logic.
- Non-verbal & spatial reasoning: pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 arithmetic and reasoning.
Note: Gloucestershire's grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE test for entry from September 2028 — confirm the current provider with the school.
Sir Thomas Rich's selects through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test (GL Assessment), sat once for the county's grammar schools — two age-standardised multiple-choice papers, ranked with no fixed pass mark.
- English & verbal reasoning: comprehension, vocabulary and word-based logic.
- Non-verbal & spatial reasoning and maths: visual patterns and Key Stage 2 numerical reasoning.
Note: the Gloucestershire grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE assessment for entry from September 2028 — confirm the current format with the school.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Sir Thomas Rich's School (locally “Tommies”) is a high-achieving Gloucester grammar, with around 94% of pupils gaining grade 7–9 in at least five GCSEs and roughly 85% of A-Level grades at A*–B in a recent year; it was rated Good by Ofsted in 2021 (previously Outstanding).
- GCSE: around 94% of pupils at grade 7–9 in five or more GCSEs.
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form, with around 85% of A-Level grades at A*–B.
- Heritage: one of England's historic grammar schools, founded in 1666.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Sir Thomas Rich's School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test, produced by GL Assessment and shared 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: one covering English comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning, the other non-verbal/spatial reasoning and mathematics. Scores are age-standardised with no fixed pass mark — pupils are ranked, with the qualifying standard set after results at roughly the top 25% of the cohort (often around a standardised score of 210–220). Families register on the Gloucestershire test form via the school and apply through their local authority.
The school admits around 120 pupils to Year 7 and has no catchment area and no sibling priority — it treats applicants from across Gloucestershire and beyond equally. After children with an EHCP and looked-after children, Pupil Premium pupils are prioritised, with remaining places allocated on test score (distance is used only as a tie-breaker). Note that the Gloucestershire grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE assessment for entry from September 2028, so confirm the current provider and format with the school. Always confirm the latest arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Sir Thomas Rich's School — locally known as “Tommies” — is a selective boys' grammar (academy) for ages 11–18, with a co-educational sixth form, at Oakleaze, Longlevens, in Gloucester (GL2 0LF). Founded in 1666 by Sir Thomas Rich, 1st Baronet (originally as the Blue Coat Hospital for twenty poor boys), it moved to its present Longlevens site in 1964 and was rated Good by Ofsted in 2021.
The school combines a long heritage with a modern, ambitious curriculum and a strong co-curriculum across sport, music and the arts. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Thomas Rich's School
How do I apply to Sir Thomas Rich's School for Year 7?
Applications to Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Sir Thomas Rich's School use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School?
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 154 places.
How many Year 7 places does Sir Thomas Rich's School have?
Sir Thomas Rich's School admits 154 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School's waiting list.
Is Sir Thomas Rich's School a state school or fee-paying?
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Sir Thomas Rich's School 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.
Academic Performance at Sir Thomas Rich's School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Sir Thomas Rich's School ('Tommies') is a high-achieving Gloucester grammar with consistently strong GCSE and A-Level results and good progression to leading universities.
- GCSE: around 94% of pupils achieving grade 7–9 in at least five GCSEs in a recent year.
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form, with around 85% of A-Level grades at A*–B.
- Ofsted: rated Good (2021), having previously been Outstanding.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Sir Thomas Rich's School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test, currently set by GL Assessment and shared by all 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: Paper 1 covers English comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning, and Paper 2 covers non-verbal/spatial reasoning and mathematics. There is no fixed pass mark; pupils are ranked on age-standardised scores, with the qualifying standard set after results at roughly the top 25% (commonly around a standardised score of 210–220). Families register through the school for the Gloucestershire test and apply via the local authority.
The school admits around 120 pupils to Year 7 and, unusually, has no catchment area and gives no sibling priority — it treats applicants from Gloucestershire and beyond equally. After children with an EHCP and looked-after children, Pupil Premium pupils are prioritised, then places are offered by test-score rank, with distance used only as a tie-breaker. Note that Gloucestershire's grammar schools have announced a move to the FSCE test for entry from September 2028, so confirm the current provider and format with the school. Always check the latest arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Sir Thomas Rich's School is a selective boys' grammar (with a co-educational sixth form) for ages 11–18 at Oakleaze, Longlevens, Gloucester (GL2 0LF), locally known as 'Tommies'. Founded in 1666 by Sir Thomas Rich, 1st Baronet — who left his Gloucester house and a bequest to educate poor boys, originally as the Blue Coat Hospital — it moved to its Longlevens site in 1964 and is now an academy.
The school combines a long history with high academic standards and a broad co-curriculum across sport, music and the arts. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Thomas Rich's School
How do I apply to Sir Thomas Rich's School for Year 7?
Applications to Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Sir Thomas Rich's School use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School?
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 154 places.
How many Year 7 places does Sir Thomas Rich's School have?
Sir Thomas Rich's School admits 154 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School's waiting list.
Is Sir Thomas Rich's School a state school or fee-paying?
Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School 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 Sir Thomas Rich's School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Sir Thomas Rich's School 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.