Sir William Borlase's Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
• Location: West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2BR
• Type: Mixed Grammar School (Academy Converter)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Principal: Mr Ed Goodall
• Pupils: Approximately 1,191
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (May 2024)
• 11+ Exam: Secondary Transfer Test (STT) by GL Assessment
• Test Components: Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning

About Sir William Borlase's Grammar School

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School represents nearly four centuries of educational excellence in the historic market town of Marlow. This exceptional grammar school combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment that develops well-rounded individuals prepared for future leadership roles.

Operating within the Marlow Education Trust and as part of the prestigious Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools consortium, the school benefits from collaborative partnerships that enhance educational opportunities. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards whilst fostering personal development through an extensive programme of extracurricular activities.

The school's location in Marlow provides students with access to excellent transport links whilst maintaining the charm of a traditional market town setting. With the River Thames nearby and proximity to London, families appreciate the school's blend of academic excellence and quality of life that Buckinghamshire offers.

The school's ethos centres on developing intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to excel academically whilst contributing meaningfully to their community through service and leadership opportunities.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School uses the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), administered by GL Assessment, to select students for Year 7 entry. This comprehensive assessment evaluates students across three core areas designed to identify academic potential and readiness for grammar school education.

Test Structure

The STT comprises two papers, each lasting approximately 60 minutes:

• Verbal Reasoning (50% weighting): Assesses comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning through language-based problems
• Mathematics (25% weighting): Tests numerical skills, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (25% weighting): Evaluates logical thinking through visual patterns, spatial awareness, and abstract reasoning

Assessment Content

The Mathematics component covers key areas from the National Curriculum including number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra basics, geometry, and data handling. Questions require both computational accuracy and problem-solving skills.

Verbal Reasoning sections include comprehension passages, vocabulary tests, verbal analogies, word classification, and logical deduction problems. This component particularly emphasises analytical thinking and language comprehension skills.

Non-Verbal Reasoning presents students with visual puzzles, pattern completion, spatial rotation tasks, and logical sequences using shapes and symbols. These questions assess innate reasoning ability independent of language skills.

How to Apply

The application process for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School requires careful planning and adherence to strict deadlines administered by Buckinghamshire County Council.

Application Timeline

Summer Term (Year 5): Registration opens for the Secondary Transfer Test. Parents must register their child through the Buckinghamshire County Council online portal by the specified deadline, typically in early July.

September (Year 6): The STT takes place on a Saturday morning in September. Students attend their designated test centre as specified in their registration confirmation.

October: Test results are released, indicating whether students have achieved the qualifying standard for grammar school places.

October 31st: Deadline for submitting secondary school preference forms through the Buckinghamshire online admissions system.

March 1st: National offer day when families receive notification of secondary school places.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must be in Year 6 and applying for September entry to Year 7. The child must be resident in England and the family must complete all required documentation by the specified deadlines.

For students moving to Buckinghamshire from other areas, late transfer arrangements may be possible, subject to availability and successful completion of appropriate assessments.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in grammar school admissions, particularly for prestigious institutions like Sir William Borlase's, ensures your child receives the personalised preparation needed for success in the competitive 11+ process.

Tailored 11+ Preparation Programme

Our comprehensive preparation programme specifically addresses the STT format used by Sir William Borlase's. We provide focused coaching in all three assessment areas, with particular emphasis on the heavily-weighted Verbal Reasoning component that determines 50% of the final score.

Our tutors understand the specific requirements of GL Assessment papers and provide practice materials that mirror the actual test format. This targeted approach ensures students are thoroughly familiar with question types, timing pressures, and scoring methodologies.

Strategic Application Guidance

We guide families through the complex Buckinghamshire admissions process, ensuring all deadlines are met and paperwork completed accurately. Our experience with local grammar schools means we can advise on realistic expectations and backup school options.

For families relocating to the Marlow area specifically for educational opportunities, we provide comprehensive area guidance including transport considerations, local amenities, and community integration support.

Ongoing Academic Support

Beyond 11+ preparation, Taylor Tuition offers continued academic support throughout the grammar school journey. We understand the rigorous academic standards expected at Sir William Borlase's and can provide subject-specific tutoring to ensure your child thrives in this demanding environment.

Our tutors are experienced in supporting students transitioning to grammar school expectations, helping them develop the independent learning skills and academic confidence necessary for long-term success at this outstanding institution.