All applicants must complete an application form.  This is enclosed with the prospectus, or can be ordered by contacting the Headmaster's Secretary on 01204 840201 (e-mail: seniorboys@boltonschool.org).  It can also be downloaded from the bottom of this page.  The form will provide us with details of contact numbers and information about the applicant's current school.  For older students, we shall also need to know which subjects he wishes to study.

All applicants will be required to sit an entrance test.  For entry to Year 7, there will be four components to the examination:

• an English paper (Creative Writing only) set by the School (examples of sample questions can be downloaded below)

A set of three tests from NFER Nelson comprising:

• a verbal reasoning test
• a non-verbal reasoning test
• a mathematical test

Each of these tests is designed to test "innate” ability.  Practice papers are available from any good bookshop (look for NFER Nelson 11+ practice papers).

As an indication of the required standard, we would normally expect your son's teacher to be predicting Level 5 in the Key Stage 2 SATs test. 

A reference will also be requested from the applicant's current school.  Headteachers' reports form an important element of the decision making process.  For this reason, it is vital that parents who wish to make an application, should discuss this with their son's current Headteacher.

Applications are considered at any time, with the intention of making a decision within a few days of the applicant sitting a test.  The Entrance Examination for Year 7 entry will take place on Thursday 15 January 2009, for which between 120 and 130 places will be available.  In agreement with the Manchester Consortium of Schools, offers are posted on 1st March. 

For all other Year Groups, the number of places available will vary according to student migration at the time.  Generally speaking, more spaces can be opened for entry to the Sixth Form.

Financial Support

This is a fee paying school, but financial support may be available through the 'Open Door' Bursary Scheme.  The School has worked hard to raise funds for the scheme, to enable access to talented youngsters where parents may find it difficult to pay fees.

Bursaries are awarded on academic merit.  They are means tested and available to a proportion of the entry at Years 7 and 12.  Financial support may also be found for current students whose parents suffer subsequent hardship.  In addition, the Headmaster's Fund, supported by the Parents' Association, is used to ensure that such students can take part in school visits and extra-curricular activities.

Enquiries about financial support can be addressed to Mr Simon Marsden, Clerk and Treasurer or the Headmaster on telephone number 01204 840201.  Mr Marsden can also be reached via email by clicking here.