About Sir William Borlase School
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, admitting 186 pupils per year. Founded in 1624, it is one of the oldest grammar schools in England and is part of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) Consortium.
Sir William Borlase School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 65%. A-Level A*–B: 65%.
About the GL Assessment 11+ Test for Sir William Borlase School
Sir William Borlase School is a co-educational state grammar school in England that uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test to select pupils for Year 7 admission. The school admits approximately 186 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 Bucks 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 Thursday 11 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 William Borlase 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 (186 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 William Borlase School
Sir William Borlase School Admissions Criteria
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, admitting 186 pupils per year. Founded in 1624, it is one of the oldest grammar schools in England and is part of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) Consortium.
- ✓Children attending Buckinghamshire state primary schools are automatically registered for the STT.
- ✓Children at other schools must register via Buckinghamshire Council (opens 1st May, closes 2nd June 2026).
- ✓Sit the Buckinghamshire STT: two ~60-minute multiple-choice papers (Verbal Skills and Non-Verbal/Maths Skills).
- ✓Achieve a qualifying standardised score of 121 or above.
- ✓Looked-after and previously looked-after children within the catchment area.
- ✓Children within the Borlase catchment area who have achieved the qualifying score (Marlow and surrounding areas).
- ✓Siblings of current pupils at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.
- ✓Children of school staff on a permanent contract for 2+ years.
- ✓All other qualifying children, ranked by straight-line distance from the school.
Sir William Borlase School Oversubscription Criteria
If applications exceed the 186 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | May 2026 via Bucks 11+ portal |
| 📌 Registration closes | late June 2026 |
| 📌 GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test | Thursday 11 September 2026 (Familiarisation: 7 Sept; Main test: Verbal + Non-Verbal + Maths) |
| 📌 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 William Borlase 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. Bucks) when registration opens. Closes late June 2026. There is no fee to sit the GL Assessment test.
Step 2 — Attend an Open Day at Sir William Borlase 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 Thursday 11 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School's waiting list — managed by the school itself.
GL Assessment Subjects Tested at Sir William Borlase School
Sir William Borlase's selects through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (GL Assessment), sat once for the TBGS grammar schools — two age-standardised one-hour papers taken on the same day, with a qualifying score of 121.
- English & verbal reasoning: comprehension, technical English and word-based logic.
- Non-verbal & spatial reasoning: pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 arithmetic and problem-solving.
Borlase selects through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (GL Assessment), sat once for the TBGS grammar schools — two age-standardised papers, weighted 50% verbal, 25% non-verbal and 25% numerical, with a qualifying score of 121.
- English & verbal reasoning: comprehension, technical English and word-based logic.
- Non-verbal & spatial reasoning: pattern recognition and visual problem-solving.
- Mathematics: Key Stage 2 arithmetic and problem-solving.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase School
Sir William Borlase 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase's Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (SWBGS) is a high-achieving co-educational Buckinghamshire grammar, with around 79% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and roughly 88% of A-Level grades at A*–B in a recent year (with around 100 students gaining all A*–A), and a strong reputation for both academics and the arts.
- GCSE: around 79% of grades at 9–7.
- Sixth form: around 88% of A-Level grades at A*–B.
- Specialism: particularly known for performing arts and music, and for national-level sport including rowing.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), set by GL Assessment for The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) consortium of 13 grammar schools — so a child sits it once. It is two papers of around an hour each, taken on the same day: one covering comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning, the other non-verbal and spatial reasoning and mathematics, weighted 50% verbal, 25% non-verbal and 25% numerical. A standardised score of 121 or above qualifies (around 30% of those who sit reach the standard). Buckinghamshire state-primary pupils are registered automatically; others register with the council.
The school admits around 150 pupils to Year 7 and uses a defined catchment with a smaller Priority Admissions Area. Up to 10 places are reserved for catchment children eligible for Pupil Premium who narrowly miss the qualifying score (scoring between 110 and 120). After children with an EHCP and looked-after children, priority runs through these reserved places and catchment criteria, then by distance. Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (SWBGS) is a co-educational grammar for ages 11–18 on West Street in the centre of Marlow, Buckinghamshire (SL7 2BR), with around 1,000 pupils. Founded in 1624 by Sir William Borlase in memory of his son and still on its original site, it carries the motto “Te Digna Sequere” (Follow Things Worthy).
The school is especially renowned for performing arts and music — with a theatre, dance studios and recording facilities — and competes at national level in rowing, rugby, netball and athletics, alongside a broad academic curriculum. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
How do I apply to Sir William Borlase School for Year 7?
Applications to Sir William Borlase 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), then list Sir William Borlase School on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Sir William Borlase School use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Sir William Borlase School uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission, taken in Thursday 11 September 2026 (Familiarisation: 7 Sept; Main test: Verbal + Non-Verbal + Maths). 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 William Borlase School?
Sir William Borlase 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 186 places.
How many Year 7 places does Sir William Borlase School have?
Sir William Borlase School admits 186 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School's waiting list.
Is Sir William Borlase School a state school or fee-paying?
Sir William Borlase 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Sir William Borlase 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 William Borlase's Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (SWBGS) is a high-achieving Marlow grammar with consistently strong GCSE and A-Level results and good progression to leading universities.
- GCSE: around 79% of grades at 9–7 in a recent year.
- Sixth form: a co-educational sixth form, with around 88% of A-Level grades at A*–B.
- Specialism: a particular reputation for performing arts and music, and sport at national level (rowing, rugby, netball and athletics).
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Admission to Year 7 is through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), set by GL Assessment for The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) consortium of 13 grammar schools — so a child sits it once. It is two one-hour papers taken on the same day: one covering comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning, the other non-verbal and spatial reasoning and mathematics, with an age-standardised score. A score of 121 or above qualifies (others may be considered via a Selection Review), and roughly 30% of those sitting reach the standard. Buckinghamshire state-primary pupils are registered automatically; others register with the council.
The school admits around 150 pupils to Year 7 and uses a catchment with a smaller Priority Admissions Area inside it. After children with an EHCP and looked-after children, priority runs through catchment Pupil Premium and Free School Meals pupils, then the Priority Admissions Area, then catchment by distance. Distinctively, up to 10 places are reserved for catchment Pupil Premium children who narrowly miss the qualifying score (a standardised score of 110–120). Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions booklet.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a selective co-educational state grammar for ages 11–18 on West Street in the centre of Marlow, Buckinghamshire (SL7 2BR), with around 1,000 pupils. Founded in 1624 by Sir William Borlase in memory of his son, and still on its original site, it carries the motto 'Te Digna Sequere' (Follow Things Worthy).
The school is especially well known for its performing arts and music — with a theatre, dance studios and recording facilities — alongside strong sport, including national-level rowing, rugby, netball and athletics. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
How do I apply to Sir William Borlase School for Year 7?
Applications to Sir William Borlase 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), then list Sir William Borlase School on the CAF. The CAF deadline is Friday 31 October 2026.
Does Sir William Borlase School use the GL Assessment 11+ test?
Yes — Sir William Borlase School uses the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission, taken in Thursday 11 September 2026 (Familiarisation: 7 Sept; Main test: Verbal + Non-Verbal + Maths). 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 William Borlase School?
Sir William Borlase 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 186 places.
How many Year 7 places does Sir William Borlase School have?
Sir William Borlase School admits 186 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School's waiting list.
Is Sir William Borlase School a state school or fee-paying?
Sir William Borlase 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 William Borlase 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 William Borlase School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Sir William Borlase 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.