---
type: "Article"
title: "Bolton School Entrance Exam: Year 7 Guide"
description: "A clear guide to the Bolton School Year 7 entrance exam: the non-verbal reasoning, maths and English papers, interviews, references and how to prepare."
resource: https://pip11plus.com/bolton-school-entrance-exam
tags: ["pip"]
timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:42:37Z
image: https://pip11plus.com/og-image.png
---

School Admissions

# Bolton School Entrance Exam: Year 7 Guide

A clear guide to the Bolton School Year 7 entrance exam, subjects, interviews, support and preparation.

[Get the short answer](#quick-answer) [See the table](#checklist)

![Pip progress report showing scores and focus areas](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-progress-report.jpg)

_Clear progress for parents._

**TL;DR**

-   Bolton School's Year 7 exam has **three** multiple-choice papers: non-verbal reasoning (**20 minutes**), maths (**50 minutes**) and English (**45 minutes**).
-   The Boys' and Girls' Divisions both use the same three papers.
-   The school also reads the school report, headteacher reference and application form, and interviews can form part of the choice.
-   There is **no fixed public pass mark**, and places are competitive.
-   Prepare by securing English and maths first, then adding short non-verbal sets and regular reading.

## The short answer

**Bolton School’s Year 7 entrance exam has three multiple-choice papers: non-verbal reasoning for 20 minutes, maths for 50 minutes and English for 45 minutes. The school also considers reports, references, the application and interviews.**

Entry

Year 7 Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions

Papers

NVR, maths and English

Times

20, 50 and 45 minutes

Decision

Exam plus wider application information

## What the exam covers

Both senior divisions use three papers. The school says they are designed to test ability and potential. There is a short break between papers.

## There is more than one result

The exam matters, but the school also reads the child’s school report, headteacher reference and application form. Interviews can also form part of the choice.

A clear next step

## Turn what you learn into a simple practice plan

Pip gives short English, maths and reasoning practice. Parents can see scores, focus areas and recent work.

-   Free daily practice
-   Instant answers and clear feedback
-   Progress that is easy to check

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

![An English question in Pip](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-homophones-question.jpg)

_Short, focused practice._

![A progress report in Pip](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-progress-report.jpg)

_Useful facts for parents._

## There is no fixed public pass mark

Places are competitive. The level can change with the group and paper. Do not plan around a guessed mark.

## How to prepare

Build secure English and maths first. Add short non-verbal sets and careful multiple-choice marking. Keep reading part of the week.

Tell the school about a diagnosed disability or special need when applying if your child may need exam support.

## A simple parent checklist

| Paper | Time | Practice focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Non-verbal reasoning | 20 minutes | Patterns and changes |
| Maths | 50 minutes | KS2 fluency and problems |
| English | 45 minutes | Reading, words and grammar |
| Interview and reports | Varies | Be honest and prepared |

Small steps add up

## Keep practice calm, short and useful

Pip helps children practise a little each day. It helps parents see what to do next without another long paper.

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

![Pip practice hub](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-practice-hub.jpg)

## Sources and checks

Rules and dates can change. Check the official source before you act.

-   [Bolton School entrance exam FAQs](https://www.boltonschool.org/admissions/entrance-examination-faqs)
-   [Bolton School bursaries and scholarships](https://www.boltonschool.org/admissions/bursaries-and-scholarships)

## Questions parents ask

**Is Bolton School a grammar school?**

No. It is an independent day school with an entrance process.

**Is there a set pass mark?**

The school does not publish one fixed mark. Entry is competitive.

**Are bursaries and scholarships available?**

Yes. Rules and awards can change, so check the school’s current bursary and scholarship pages.

## Read next

[best schools in greater manchester](https://pip11plus.com/best-schools-in-greater-manchester) [best private schools uk](https://pip11plus.com/best-private-schools-uk) [11 plus non verbal reasoning papers](https://pip11plus.com/11-plus-non-verbal-reasoning-papers)