The school does not have a formal catchment area, but distance from the school may be used as a tiebreaker if there are more qualifying candidates than available places. Offers are made in line with the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School 11 Plus Guide
If you’re thinking about Sir Thomas Rich’s School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide provides all the essential details. It explains the school’s background, how the 11 Plus entrance test works, and offers useful guidance to help your child prepare successfully.
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
Introduction to
Sir Thomas Rich’s School
Sir Thomas Rich’s School, commonly known as Tommies, is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, located in Longlevens, Gloucester. Established in 1666, the school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral support and a long-standing tradition of achievement. Girls are admitted into the co-educational sixth form.
The school offers a rich and balanced education that combines high academic standards with a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Students are encouraged to develop independence, confidence and teamwork through academic study, sport, music and leadership activities.
As part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium, Sir Thomas Rich’s School uses the same 11 Plus entrance exam as the other grammar schools in the region, allowing pupils to be considered for multiple schools through one test.
1
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Sir Thomas Rich’s School
2
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Sir Thomas Rich’s School
3
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Sir Thomas Rich’s School
4
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
5
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Sir Thomas Rich’s School
6
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Sir Thomas Rich’s School
7
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Sir Thomas Rich’s School
8
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Sir Thomas Rich’s School Key Information
In this section, we regularly update information for Sir Thomas Rich’s School for students and prospective parents.
School Address
Full Address:
Sir Thomas Rich’s School, OakleazeGloucester
Gloucestershire
Gl2 0LF
Contact Information
Email Address
info@strs.org.uk
Telephone (Main Office)
01452 338400
Website Address
https://strschool.co.uk
Parking in the school
There is a limited amount of parking at Sir Thomas Rich’s School. It is recommended to park on adjoining roads or to use public transport.
Additional parking off site
- Tesco (Customers Only), 2-4 Old Cheltenham Road, Gloucester GL2 0AE (Opening Times: 06:00 – 22:00)
- Sainsburys (Customers Only), Barnett Way, Gloucester Gl4 3RT (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:00-22:00 & Sun 10:00-16:00)
Sir Thomas Rich's School Ofsted Report
The quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth-form provision
Good
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across subjects, supported by a broad and ambitious curriculum that enables many to gain the English Baccalaureate.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have strong subject knowledge, but in some subjects, they need to focus more on how content is taught to ensure pupils retain knowledge effectively.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exceptional, with a culture of respect and maturity where bullying is rare and pupils value equality and inclusion.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and trustees support staff well, ensure safeguarding is effective, and work closely with external agencies to keep pupils safe.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School 11+ Format
Admission to Year 7 at Sir Thomas Rich’s School is determined by results in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test, which is shared by all grammar schools in the county and administered by GL Assessment.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School 11+: Overview
Each paper lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes and both are sat on the same day, with a short break in between. Pupils are given time before each paper to review example questions and instructions.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary, comprehension and logical thinking.
Paper Two
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths: Assesses numerical reasoning and the ability to identify visual and spatial patterns.
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools CEM 11+ - CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Numerical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark. Instead, pupils are ranked by their standardised scores, and places are allocated according to the school’s admissions policy.
Catchment Area
Sir Thomas Rich’s School does not have a set catchment area, but distance from the school may be used as a tie-breaker when places are limited. Most successful applicants live within travelling distance of Gloucester.
Additional Eligibility
Sir Thomas Rich’s School does not have a formal catchment area, though distance may be used as a deciding factor if there are more qualifying applicants than available places. Typically, candidates need to achieve a score within the top 25% to be considered for entry.
If the number of qualified pupils exceeds available places, offers are made in this order:
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Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
-
Looked after or previously looked after children
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Boys eligible for Pupil Premium
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All other applicants, ranked by score in the qualifying standard
For full details, families should consult the Sir Thomas Rich’s School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Sir Thomas Rich’s School
Supporting your child through early and consistent preparation can make a big difference. Here are some useful tips:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
COMING SOON
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Sir Thomas Rich’s School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School Key Dates and Application Information
Under this section, we outline key deadlines in regard to the application and admissions process of the school, to ensure prospective students and parents are up to date.
Test Registration Opens
Monday 19th May 2025
Date passed
Registration Deadline
Friday 27th June 2025
Date passed
Entrance Examination
Saturday 13th September 2025
Date passed
Results Issued
Mid October 2025
Date passed
Common Application Form Deadline
Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed
Offer Day
Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply
Sir Thomas Rich’s School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Sir Thomas Rich’s School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
1
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Sir Thomas Rich’s School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions Policy
2
Entrance Test Entry Form
Register for the entrance exam through the Gloucestershire County Council website. Registration usually opens in spring and closes shortly before the September test date.
Visit Council Website
3
Common Application Form (CAF)
Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) via the Gloucestershire Local Authority website, listing Sir Thomas Rich’s School among your preferences.
Sir Thomas Rich’s School FAQs
To apply, parents must register their child for the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test via the Sir Thomas Rich’s School website. After registration, you must also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31 October, listing Sir Thomas Rich’s as one of your preferences. Both steps must be completed for the application to be valid.
The entrance test is made up of two multiple-choice papers set by GL Assessment. These cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning. Each paper lasts around 45 to 50 minutes, and both are taken on the same day with a short break between them.
Entry is very competitive. Candidates are ranked by their standardised scores, and typically, those scoring within the top 25% of applicants are considered for a place. The qualifying score varies each year based on overall performance and demand.
Schools Nearby
7 schools found within 25 miles of Gloucester
Denmark Road High School
Denmark Road High School, Denmark Road, Gloucester
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Ribston Hall High School
Ribston Hall High School, Stroud Road, Gloucester
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Sir Thomas Rich's School
Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Oakleaze, Gloucester
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
1.5 Miles Away
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The Crypt School
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Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
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Pate's Grammar School
Pate’s Grammar School, Princess Elizabeth Way,, Cheltenham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
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Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Stroud High School
Stroud High School, Beards Lane, Caincross Road, Stroud
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
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Marling School
Marling School, Cainscross Road, Stroud
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
8.2 Miles Away
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