Sir Thomas Rich's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Sir Thomas Rich's School
• Location: Oakleaze, Longlevens, Gloucester, GL2 0LF
• Type: Selective boys' grammar school (ages 11-18), coeducational Sixth Form
• Students: Approximately 1,268 pupils
• Headmaster: Matthew Morgan
• Motto: Garde Ta Foy (Keep the Faith)
• Entry Requirements: Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admissions Test
• Ofsted Rating: Good overall with outstanding behaviour and attitudes

About Sir Thomas Rich's School

Founded in 1666, Sir Thomas Rich's School represents one of England's most historically significant grammar schools, serving the educational needs of academically gifted boys in Gloucestershire for over three centuries. Located in the pleasant suburb of Longlevens, Gloucester, this selective institution maintains its founding commitment to academic excellence whilst embracing modern educational practices and facilities.

The school's distinctive character stems from its unique position as a boys-only grammar school that transforms into a coeducational environment in the Sixth Form. This approach allows young men to develop confidence and leadership skills during their formative secondary years before experiencing collaborative learning with female peers in preparation for university life. The school's motto, "Garde Ta Foy" (Keep the Faith), encapsulates the institution's emphasis on resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to personal and academic growth.

With approximately 1,268 students, Sir Thomas Rich's creates an environment where each pupil receives personalised attention within a vibrant academic community. The school's modern facilities support an extensive curriculum that extends far beyond traditional academic subjects, encompassing cutting-edge technology, creative arts, and comprehensive sporting programmes. The institution's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals is evident in its exceptional extracurricular offerings and strong pastoral care system.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Sir Thomas Rich's School participates in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admissions Test, a comprehensive assessment designed to identify students with exceptional academic potential. This standardised examination is administered during the autumn term of Year 6 and serves as the primary criterion for admission to all grammar schools within Gloucestershire.

The assessment comprises three core components:

• English: Reading comprehension passages requiring analytical thinking, vocabulary questions testing breadth of language knowledge, and written expression tasks evaluating clarity and creativity
• Mathematics: Problem-solving scenarios requiring logical reasoning, numerical operations covering key primary mathematics concepts, and mathematical reasoning questions assessing pattern recognition and analytical thinking
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles testing cognitive flexibility, word relationships examining understanding of language patterns, and abstract thinking challenges requiring mental agility

The examination format consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, allowing for precise assessment of academic ability across a broad range of skills. Students typically receive their results in late autumn, with successful candidates invited to accept places for the following September.

How to Apply

The application process for Sir Thomas Rich's School follows the Gloucestershire County Council's coordinated admissions scheme, ensuring fair and transparent access to grammar school education. Parents must complete several essential steps to secure their child's place in the assessment process.

Application Timeline:

• June-July (Year 5): Registration opens for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admissions Test
• September (Year 6): Registration deadline for autumn assessments
• October (Year 6): Admissions test takes place at designated centres across Gloucestershire
• November (Year 6): Results distributed to families
• December (Year 6): Secondary school application deadline through Gloucestershire County Council
• March (Year 6): Offers distributed via local authority

Parents must register for the admissions test separately from their secondary school application, as success in the examination determines eligibility for grammar school places. The school welcomes families to attend information evenings and open days, providing opportunities to experience the institution's atmosphere and meet key staff members.

For Sixth Form entry, the school operates a separate admissions process based on GCSE results, requiring students to meet specific grade thresholds in subjects they wish to pursue at A-level.

Preparing for the Sir Thomas Rich's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Sir Thomas Rich's School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.