Sir William Borlase's Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

How to get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. To get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers 150 places annually following a recent expansion from 120 places [1].

Families must register for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) if their child attends a primary school outside Buckinghamshire. Registration opens on Friday 2nd May 2025 and closes on Friday 13th June 2025 (see key dates). Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically entered for testing .

  • Children must achieve a minimum score of 121 in the Secondary Transfer Test to be eligible
  • Testing takes place on Tuesday 9th September 2025 (practice test) and Thursday 11th September 2025 (main test) (see key dates)
  • Results are released on Friday 10th October 2025 after 4pm (see key dates)
  • The school operates within a defined catchment area including Stokenchurch, Hambleden, Marlow and parts of Maidenhead

Application Process

Families must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through their home local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). The application becomes available on council websites from early September 2025 .

All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.
All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Qualifying for the test does not guarantee admission. The school uses oversubscription criteria when more than 150 qualified children apply . Priority is given in the following order after looked after children :

  • Up to 10 places for Pupil Premium eligible children in catchment with scores 110-120
  • Catchment children eligible for free school meals with scores 121 or higher
  • Up to 15 places for Priority Admissions area residents allocated by random lottery
  • Children of school staff members
  • Remaining places allocated by distance order (closest to school first)

Families should provide proof of address through Council Tax account numbers or recent electricity bills . For specific contact information and application queries, families should refer to the school information section.

Test Preparation Guidance

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning . Each section is age-standardised and weighted differently in the final score calculation .

All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.
All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Preparation should begin early using a "little and often" approach. Educational experts recommend 20-30 minute study sessions for children aged 10-11 years . Building a solid knowledge base before testing is essential for success .

  • Access free practice materials through 11+ practice papers
  • Consider professional support through qualified 11+ tutoring services
  • Focus on verbal, mathematical, and non-verbal reasoning skills
  • Complete regular mock examinations to simulate test conditions
  • Start preparation at least 12 months before the test date

Practical Advice

On examination day, children should arrive well-rested and prepared. The testing takes place during normal school hours for Buckinghamshire primary school pupils . Children from outside the county will be assigned specific venues and times .

Families cannot choose test dates, times, or venues as these are allocated automatically . Test invitations are sent by email by 8th August 2025 (see key dates). Families should check spam folders if invitations are not received.

All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.
All images © Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.
  • Ensure children get adequate sleep before test dates
  • Provide a healthy breakfast on examination mornings
  • Arrive at test venues 15 minutes early
  • Bring required identification documents for out-of-county candidates
  • Consider backup school options including Great Marlow School and other Buckinghamshire grammar schools
  • Understand that the school is often oversubscribed and admission depends on multiple factors beyond test scores

Families experiencing test-related stress should focus on effort rather than outcomes. Remember that Buckinghamshire offers 13 grammar schools and numerous high-quality comprehensive schools . For detailed guidance on managing expectations and accessing support services, contact details are available in the school information section.

[1]Sir William Borlase's Grammar School official website

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information

In order to get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, children need to pass the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Subjects & Structure

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English Comprehension
  • Technical English
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Key Stage 2 Maths
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Spatial Reasoning

The Secondary Transfer Test is an entrance examination for admission to Sir William Borlase's Grammar School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two one-hour papers that evaluate a student's abilities in various subjects.

The first paper focuses on verbal skills, which include English comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning. These sections assess a student's ability to understand and analyze written passages, their knowledge of English language conventions, and their capacity to draw logical conclusions from given information.

The second paper concentrates on mathematical and non-verbal skills. This includes Key Stage 2 maths, which tests a student's understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities. The non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning sections evaluate a student's capacity to identify patterns, solve problems using visual information, and understand the relationships between shapes and objects.

Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)

As well as Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, several other schools also use Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). These are:

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Sir William Borlase's Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/05/2025Registration Opens For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
13/06/2025Registration Closes For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
09/09/2025Buckinghamshire Practice Test
11/09/2025Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Early OctoberParents Receive Results From The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Late OctoberSecondary School Common Application Deadline
02/03/2026National School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Sir William Borlase's Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School

As the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Sir William Borlase's Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Sir William Borlase's Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School

Unfortunately, Sir William Borlase's Grammar School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Ensure you double-check with Sir William Borlase's Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) to get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT).

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Sir William Borlase's Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Sir William Borlase's Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Address
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School,
West Street,
Marlow,
Buckinghamshire
SL7 2BR
School Website
Telephone01628816500
Email Addressenquiries@swbgs.com
GenderMixed (both girls and boys)
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1165 (570 Girls / 595 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Ed Goodall

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,165 pupils attend Sir William Borlase's Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Ed Goodall.

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 27/06/2012 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 19/07/2012, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
27/06/2012119/07/2012OutstandingFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (140 pupils)
  • Mathematics (140 pupils)
  • English Literature (137 pupils)
  • Biology (122 pupils)
  • Chemistry (122 pupils)
  • Physics (122 pupils)
  • History (99 pupils)
  • Geography (70 pupils)
  • Spanish (57 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (46 pupils)
  • German (45 pupils)
  • French (41 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (38 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (34 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (34 pupils)
  • Music (31 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (25 pupils)
  • Dance (22 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (18 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (116 pupils)
  • Biology (69 pupils)
  • Chemistry (55 pupils)
  • Physics (51 pupils)
  • Psychology (49 pupils)
  • English Literature (48 pupils)
  • Economics (45 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (39 pupils)
  • History (37 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (23 pupils)
  • Geography (21 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (18 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (14 pupils)
  • Music (13 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (13 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (9 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (9 pupils)
  • Spanish (8 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Sir William Borlase's Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)25-----211147
Biology122------8203955
Chemistry122-----111244442
Computer Studies/Computing46----231610411
Design & Technology34-----158911
Dance22-----32458
English Language140----2536503314
English Literature137----21034502912
French41---13145918
Geography70----13791238
German45---4778397
History99----6822252315
Mathematics140-----68403749
Music31------271012
Physics122-----317313041
Spanish571--2513111078
Drama & Theatre Studies34------651211
Physical Education/Sports Studies38-----2571410
Science: Double Award18----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)9---2-52
Biology69-11982921
Business Studies:Single23---41252
Chemistry55--385327
Computer Studies / Computing14---3551
Drama and Theatre Studies9---1413
Economics45---916119
English Literature48--11120106
Geography21---2577
Government and Politics18---2763
History37--498106
Mathematics116-1411214534
Mathematics (Further)39-1335225
Music13--2344-
Physical Education / Sports Studies13---1363
Physics51-321216125
Psychology49--4523107
Spanish8----422

FAQ

Is Sir William Borlase's Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is Sir William Borlase's Grammar School a private school?

No, Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Sir William Borlase's Grammar School free?

Yes, Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Sir William Borlase's Grammar School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Sir William Borlase's Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Sir William Borlase's Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

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