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Introduction
Marling School is a state school for boys aged 11 to 18 with a co-educational Sixth Form. Founded in 1887, Marling School became an academy in 2011.
The school believes in a rigorous curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of subjects, cultures, and perspectives. The goal is to equip pupils with the skills they need to make their mark on the world.
The philosophy of Marling School is simple — to provide a balanced approach that gives students a solid foundation for learning across all academic fields. Marling School’s programmes of study challenge students while offering opportunities to improve their knowledge, understanding, and skills at suitable levels.
The school is proud to be endorsed as a Duke of Edinburgh award-licensed organisation. As such, it offers bronze, silver, and gold awards to students via the completion of activities related to volunteering, physical fitness skills, and expeditions. It aims to inspire its pupils to work ambitiously toward their dreams while becoming independent thinkers who can quickly adapt to change.
Working harmoniously in a lively environment characterised by tolerance and respect, staff and students foster strong relationships based on mutual support. This goes a long way in helping pupils grow as individuals and members of society, and become responsible global citizens.
Ofsted regards the school as “Outstanding” across all areas of its inspection, and its pupils regularly score highly on both GCSE and A-Level exams, which attests to the quality of the school’s educational approach. [1]
Experience life at Marling School in the brief video below:
Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2026
Address: Cainscross Road, Stroud GL5 4HE
County: Gloucestershire
Admissions info: admissions@marling.gloucs.sch.uk, 01453 762251
School type: Boys’ grammar
Number of pupils: 832 (approx.)
Number of places in Year 7: 150
Open Day date: June
Exam date: September 2026
Pass mark: Aim for 75%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Exam type / Board: GL Assessment
Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
Your son must reach the required standard in the 11 Plus exam to be in with a chance of gaining one of Marling School’s 150 Year 7 places. All of Marling’s admissions are coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council. Parents who wish their son to sit the 11+ test must complete the Gloucestershire Grammar Test Registration Form, which can be found on the school’s website, when registration is open.
Marling has an average of three applications for every place at Year 7, so in the event of oversubscription, the school will give priority to:
- Looked after, or previously looked after children of selective ability
- Children of selective ability who are in receipt of Pupil Premium
- Other children of selective ability.
To find out more about Marling School’s admissions process, please visit the school’s website. You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Apply for 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Marling School
Marling School is one of seven grammar schools in Gloucestershire that use the same 11 Plus test from GL Assessment. For your son to be considered for a place at Marling School, you must complete a Common Application Form (CAF) online via the Local Authority and a test registration form, which is available online via the school website. Marling must be stated as one of your preferred school choices on the CAF in order to be considered.
Results are communicated in October and places are allocated in March. More details about the admissions process are available in the policy document, which can be accessed through this page.
Marling School Catchment Area
Does Marling School, Stroud, have a catchment area?
The school doesn’t have a catchment area.
Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
The Marling School test consists of two multiple-choice papers that cover the following subjects:
- English Comprehension, Vocabulary and Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning (including Spatial Reasoning)
Both tests are taken on the same day and each session lasts about an hour.
How to Prepare for the Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Exam?
To support your son in preparing for the 11 Plus exam at Marling School and increase his chances of securing one of the Year 7 places, it is crucial to create a comprehensive revision timetable. By dedicating sufficient time to studying, he will be well-prepared for the tests.
To keep your son motivated, incorporate fun revision games that align with his preferred learning style. This will make the revision process more enjoyable and engaging for him, helping him adapt to any additional revision that may be required.
Practice papers are an effective tool for revising for the Marling School 11 Plus. Starting early with practice papers allows you to identify any weaker subject areas and address them in advance.
Practical and convenient, our resources will not only familiarise your son with the exam format but also enhance his time management skills, ensuring that he effectively allocates his time during the actual exam. They have been used successfully by many thousands of students and are available for immediate download, print and use after purchase.
Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores
The qualifying standardised score ranges from year to year. If there are more pupils with qualifying scores than there are places available, applicants’ results will be valued in descending order and places will be allocated accordingly.
Pupils who are able to score 75%+ consistently in our 11+ practice tests should be on track to pass the Marling School 11+ test. Whilst there are no guarantees, this is a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Marling School 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.
Marling School 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers
The Gloucestershire Pre-11+ Practice Tests are designed for Year 4 and 5 students to introduce the exam format and boost their confidence. These tests are less challenging than the Gloucestershire 11+ Exam. They offer an accurate yet more straightforward representation of the actual exam, allowing students to familiarise themselves with exam specifics. This approach provides a solid foundation for students to progress to more challenging 11+ Practice Tests.
Practice Papers
The following practice tests are specifically designed to help your child prepare for the 11 Plus Gloucestershire Test. They provide excellent mock exam preparation, highlighting your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Papers
The following 11+ resources provide full preparation for the English section of the Gloucestershire Test, maximising your child’s comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Practice Papers
Video Masterclasses
10 Minutes Test
Video Masterclasses
In order for your child to master Verbal Reasoning skills in the lead-up to the Gloucestershire Test, we recommend the following resources.
Practice Papers
10 Minutes Test
Video Masterclasses
The following 11+ resources extensively cover the Mathematics section of the Gloucestershire Test, allowing your child to thoroughly prepare for exam day:.
Practice Papers
Video Masterclasses
10 Minutes Test
Video Masterclasses
The following resources will help boost your child’s Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning abilities ahead of the Gloucestershire Test.
Practice Papers
Video Masterclasses
Video Masterclasses
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Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions have been included in Marling School 11+ past papers. The information provided about Marling School is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the article.
Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Marling School.
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Author(s)
Louise Lang
Director of Learning
