- Independent school
Bolton School: entry, assessments, dates and fees
Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4PA
Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website
Can we apply, and when?
For September 2027 entry
- Not published yet
Registration closes
- Not published
Places
Fees at 11+, day
£5,264a term
2026–27 school year, including VAT
Checked, source: Bolton School, checked
Your next steps for 11+ entry
Next: Entrance tests
Bolton School sets its own tests and decides after them and the interviews. We have not found a published pass mark, so we do not show one.
How entry works
Ways in, and how children are assessed
Bolton School takes new pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+, 11+ and 16+. Each way in has its own tests and dates.
11+ entry
How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a reasoning paper, an interview and a reference from the current school.
Other ways in: 4+, 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+ and 16+Places, tests and registration for each
4+ entry
How children are assessed: a play-based observation.
7+ entry
How children are assessed: an English paper, a reference from the current school and the CAT4 reasoning test.
8+ entry
How children are assessed: an English paper, a reference from the current school and the CAT4 reasoning test.
9+ entry
How children are assessed: an English paper, a reference from the current school and the CAT4 reasoning test.
10+ entry
How children are assessed: an English paper, a reference from the current school and the CAT4 reasoning test.
16+ entry
How children are assessed: a reference from the current school.
Source: Bolton School, checked
More about entry from our guide
The Infant School and the Junior Schools make up Bolton School's Primary Division, which is part of the school rather than a separate prep school. Their entry points, from 4+ to 10+, are shown here with entry at 11+ and 16+.
4+ (Reception)
Children joining Reception have an informal, play-based assessment rather than a test. We did not find a fixed date for it on the school's pages.
- What the school assesses: informal play-based assessmentBolton School: Play observationChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Infant School assessments are held throughout the year and are relaxed, informal and designed to help your child feel at ease.
View the official source
7+ (Year 3)
Applicants for Year 3 take the Junior School entrance assessment on Thursday 14 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source, and the school also reads a reference from their current school.
- What the school assesses: CAT4Bolton School: Cat4Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Online cognitive ability tests (CATs)
View the official source; school's own English assessmentBolton School: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:The reading test is a paper-based booklet assessing vocabulary and comprehension.
View the official source; reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Although the Entrance Examination plays a vital role in the selection process, other factors are taken into consideration, including the pupil’s school report, the Headteacher’s reference and the information provided in the application form.
View the official source - The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027Bolton School: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source
Entry in September 2027
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Thursday 14 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
Entry in September 2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | Bolton School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Assessment | Bolton School: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Offers | Bolton School: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
8+ (Year 4)
Year 4 applicants are assessed alongside the Year 3 group, on Thursday 14 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source.
- What the school assesses: CAT4Bolton School: Cat4Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Online cognitive ability tests (CATs)
View the official source; school's own English assessmentBolton School: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:The reading test is a paper-based booklet assessing vocabulary and comprehension.
View the official source; reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Although the Entrance Examination plays a vital role in the selection process, other factors are taken into consideration, including the pupil’s school report, the Headteacher’s reference and the information provided in the application form.
View the official source - The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027Bolton School: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source
Entry in September 2027
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Thursday 14 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
Entry in September 2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | Bolton School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Assessment | Bolton School: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Offers | Bolton School: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
9+ (Year 5)
Applicants for Year 5 have their own assessment day, Tuesday 12 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source, with CAT4 tests and an English assessment.
- What the school assesses: CAT4Bolton School: Cat4Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Online cognitive ability tests (CATs)
View the official source; school's own English assessmentBolton School: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:The reading test is a paper-based booklet assessing vocabulary and comprehension.
View the official source; reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Although the Entrance Examination plays a vital role in the selection process, other factors are taken into consideration, including the pupil’s school report, the Headteacher’s reference and the information provided in the application form.
View the official source - The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027Bolton School: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source
Entry in September 2027
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Tuesday 12 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
Entry in September 2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | Bolton School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Assessment | Bolton School: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Offers | Bolton School: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
10+ (Year 6)
Year 6 applicants sit the assessment with the Year 5 group on Tuesday 12 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source.
- What the school assesses: CAT4Bolton School: Cat4Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Online cognitive ability tests (CATs)
View the official source; school's own English assessmentBolton School: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:The reading test is a paper-based booklet assessing vocabulary and comprehension.
View the official source; reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Although the Entrance Examination plays a vital role in the selection process, other factors are taken into consideration, including the pupil’s school report, the Headteacher’s reference and the information provided in the application form.
View the official source - The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027Bolton School: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source
Entry in September 2027
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Tuesday 12 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
Entry in September 2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | Bolton School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Assessment | Bolton School: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
| Offers | Bolton School: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.View the official source |
11+ (Year 7)
The exam is made up of the school's own English, maths and reasoning papers, and candidates are interviewed too. Academic and sport scholarships are offered at this entry point.
- What the school assesses: interviewBolton School: InterviewChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Following the Entrance Examination, your child will be invited into school again for an interview, which allows us to meet them in person and get to know them a little better.
View the official source; school's own English assessmentBolton School: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:English (45 minutes)
View the official source; school's own maths assessmentBolton School: Own mathsChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Mathematics (50 minutes)
View the official source; school's own reasoning assessmentBolton School: Own reasoningChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Non-verbal Reasoning (20 minutes)
View the official source; reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Although the Entrance Examination plays a vital role in the selection process, other factors are taken into consideration, including the pupil’s school report, the Headteacher’s reference and the information provided in the application form.
View the official source - The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027Bolton School: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
The Boys’ Division Entrance Exam takes place on Thursday 14 January 2027.
View the official source
Entry in September 2027
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Thursday 14 January 2027 (Boys' and Girls' Divisions)Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: The Boys’ Division Entrance Exam takes place on Thursday 14 January 2027.View the official source |
Entry in September 2028
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | Bolton School: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: The Boys’ Division Entrance Exam takes place on Thursday 14 January 2027.View the official source |
| Assessment | Bolton School: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: The Boys’ Division Entrance Exam takes place on Thursday 14 January 2027.View the official source |
| Offers | Bolton School: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by Bolton School; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: The Boys’ Division Entrance Exam takes place on Thursday 14 January 2027.View the official source |
16+ (sixth form, Year 12)
The sixth form admits students from other schools each year, and the school asks for a reference. We did not find an application deadline or assessment date on the sixth-form pages we checked.
- What the school assesses: reference or report from current schoolBolton School: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
a reference will be requested upon receipt of this application form.
View the official source
Key dates
11+ dates for September 2027 entry
Bolton School
Next: Entrance tests
Dates for the other ways in7+, 8+, 9+ and 10+
7+ entry, September 2027
Next: Entrance tests
8+ entry, September 2027
Next: Entrance tests
9+ entry, September 2027
Next: Entrance tests
10+ entry, September 2027
Next: Entrance tests
A year younger? 11+ dates for September 2028 entrySome are not published yet; we show what the school has said.
Not published yet: Registration closes for 11+ entry
Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026
Not published yet: Entrance tests
Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026
Not published yet: Offers sent
Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026
At a glance
Bolton School in brief
tap a value for its source
- Ages
- 0 to 18AgesChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
A place for children aged 0-18
View the official source - The ages the school teaches, from youngest to oldest.
- Scholarships
- 2 kinds
- Awards for a talent, such as academic work, music or sport.
- Day or boarding
- day pupils only
- Whether pupils go home each day or can live at the school.
- Ways in
- 4+, 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+, 11+, 16+
- The ages at which the school takes new pupils (4+, 11+ and so on).
- Help with fees
- Yes, up to 100%
- Bursaries reduce fees for families on lower incomes, after a check of income and savings.
- Registration fee
- £50VAT not stated by the school
- Paid to the school when you register your child for its tests.
Fees
From £5,264 a term, including VAT
- 4+ entry, day
- £4,212 a term, including VAT
- 7+ entry, day
- £4,212 a term, including VAT
- 8+ entry, day
- £4,212 a term, including VAT
- 9+ entry, day
- £4,212 a term, including VAT
- 10+ entry, day
- £4,212 a term, including VAT
- 11+ entry, day
- £5,264 a term, including VAT
- 16+ entry, day
- £5,264 a term, including VAT
Fees for the 2026–27 school year, as the school publishes them. We never add or remove VAT.
the published fees include VAT
Registration fee: £50 (VAT not stated by the school).
Source: Bolton School, checked
Fees for 2026–27Bolton School: Academic yearChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Whole School Fees - 2026-27
View the official source come in two bands: one termly fee from Reception to Year 6 and a higher one from Year 7 to the sixth form. As the school states, the published fees include VATBolton School: Vat treatmentChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: All of our quoted fees include VAT where VAT is applicable.
View the official source.
| Joining at | Day |
|---|---|
| 4+ | £4,212 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Infant School - Beech House | £4,212 per termView the official source |
| 7+ | £4,212 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Junior School | £4,212 per termView the official source |
| 8+ | £4,212 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Junior School | £4,212 per termView the official source |
| 9+ | £4,212 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Junior School | £4,212 per termView the official source |
| 10+ | £4,212 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Junior School | £4,212 per termView the official source |
| 11+ | £5,264 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Senior School (including the Sixth Form) | £5,264 per termView the official source |
| 16+ | £5,264 per term (including VAT)Bolton School: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Senior School (including the Sixth Form) | £5,264 per termView the official source |
- Registration fee: £50 (Girls' Division Sixth Form application form)Bolton School: Registration feeChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
for the registration fee of £50 or contact our Finance Department on 01204 434729 to arrange payment.
View the official source
Bursaries and scholarships
Bursaries up to 100% of fees
- Bursaries (help with fees)
- Available, up to 100% of the fees. They depend on a check of household income and savings. Income guide: £80,000 income.
- Scholarships
- For academic and sport, at 11+ entry.
Source: Bolton School, checked
Bursaries are means-tested and can pay up to 100%Bolton School: Max percentChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Parents whose income is less than circa £20,000 may be offered full remission of fees.
View the official source of fees. Scholarships, for academic and sporting ability, are offered for Year 7 entry.
- Largest bursary: up to 100%Bolton School: Max percentChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Parents whose income is less than circa £20,000 may be offered full remission of fees.
View the official source of fees, means-tested - Income guide: £80,000 (income, maximum)Bolton School: Income thresholdChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
Those parents whose income exceeds circa £80,000 will not qualify for assistance.
View the official source - Scholarships offered: academicBolton School: AcademicChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
The Scholarships are offered at the discretion of the Head of Girls’ Division or Head of Boys’ Division and are based on exceptional performance in the Entrance Examination and interviews, as well as information from the school reference and application form.
View the official source, sportBolton School: SportChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:Upon entry to the School, we offer a limited number of scholarships to academically able pupils who demonstrate an exceptional talent in sport and who we believe have the potential to benefit from our all-round education and to contribute to the active life of our community.
View the official source - Scholarship entry points: 11+Bolton School: 11 plusChecked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says:
A number of Scholarships are available to pupils entering either the Girls’ or Boys’ Division in Year 7.
View the official source
Open days
Not published yet
The open morning on the school's homepage is printed without a year, so we have not listed it, and the school's events list showed no dates when we checked. Ask the admissions team about visits.
What is distinctive about applying to Bolton School
Junior School applicants are assessed on two different days according to age: those applying for Years 3 and 4 on Thursday 14 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source, and those applying for Years 5 and 6 earlier that week, on Tuesday 12 January 2027Bolton School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against Bolton School.The source says: Entrance Assessments for the Junior Schools take place on Thursday 14 January 2027 for pupils currently in Years 2 and 3, and on Tuesday 12 January 2027 for those currently in Years 4 and 5.
View the official source.
We have not shown exam results for Bolton School: its results page gives no figures, and the results documents it links to were not among the pages we captured.
Official documents and sources
8 sources, each kept as an archived copy
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
PDF document · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
- Bolton School
Web page · copy archived by ExamKind on 10 Oct 2026
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