How is it that a school can be historical and progressive at the same time? We only need to look at Marlborough College to find out. It was founded just under 180 years ago as an all-boys school. That's not such a big thing; many of England's schools were segregated by gender for much of formal education's history. Until Marlborough.

This independent boys' school broke the gender barrier in 1968; it was one of the first schools to do so. Granted, they only allowed girls in Sixth Form at the start. Still, the move was so revolutionary that, soon, other major schools copied it. But it wasn't until 1989 that the school finally admitted female students at all levels. It's easy to see why parents want their kids to get their education there:

  • amazing facilities: performance halls, sports facilities and the Blackett Observatory among them
  • a fully operational Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
  • a six-lane rifle range; the school's shooting team has competed since 1862
  • Memorial Hall, built initially to commemorate heroes of the First World War
  • many notable alumni, including the Princess of Wales and her sister.

One might say that Marlborough rivals Clifton College for its expansive selection of extracurricular activities. However, none of this speaks of the school's excellence in teaching and stellar track record of alumni success. It does serve to provoke curiosity, though. If you want to get into Marlborough College, then look no further. Here’s all you need to know about Marlborough College.

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About Marlborough College

The Marlborough College was founded in 1843 to educate the sons of clergymen. Today the school welcomes over 900 young women and men to its 286-acre campus each year. Located in a small market town in Wiltshire, Marlborough blends the fast-paced life of academia with a sense of community and social responsibility. Through outstanding teaching, coaching and pastoral care [the College aims] to instil and develop a genuine love of learning as preparation for life beyond Marlborough.

Marlborough College does not belong to the Rugby Group of schools,  Instead, it belongs to an informal group of international secondary schools known as G30 Schools. This group was established in 2006, with Headmaster David Wylde in South Africa and Anthony Selden in the UK spearheading the effort. This group's schools all embrace a commitment to excellence and innovation in education.

Students and their families are encouraged to attend Marlborough College's Open Day events. Should they not be able to, they may request an individual visit to meet with staff and tour the school site. To book your visit, please contact the College Admissions Department.

Marlborough Court, a green space surrounded by brick buildings
Students will choose their preferred house upon visiting the campus. Source: Wikipedia Credit Dabbler

Marlborough College Admissions Policy

Students who want to get into Marlborough College should first contact the school to arrange a visit. Should your schedule be too full to accommodate a visit, you may request a prospectus to express your interest. You may then request a registration form and register your child up to four years before their prospective entry. Marlborough recommends that you register as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the special events and Open Days offered to registered candidates.

Once 13+ applicants are registered, you may enrol your child and state your preferred houses the November two years prior to entry. Like Westminster School, Marlborough has many distinct houses for your child to select from. At this point, Marlborough will also contact your child’s current school for a reference and register their interest in the Assessment Day, scheduled for the following January.

If your child is successful on Assessment Day, the March before entry you will receive either an acceptance letter or a wait-list offer. Acceptance is conditional upon at least a 60% at Common Entrance.

Candidates who want to get into Marlborough College at 16+ will submit their registration form, enrollment form and the accompanying registration fee before 1st October the year prior to entry. Your child will then sit the Entrance Assessment and interviews the following November. Offers will be made in early December, conditional upon at least 6 B grades (including Maths and English) at GCSE.

Marlborough College Interviews and Examinations

Students entering at 13+ will write both Assessment Day and Entrance exams. On Assessment Day, your child will sit a computerized aptitude test, as well as an interview with a House Head and a House Tutor. They must also provide a reference from their current school Head (this last requirement carries the most weight).

If they are successful, students will receive a placement offer from Marlborough and go on to write their Common Entrance exam. At CE, students are expected to earn at least 55% in their English and Maths papers, and 60% in Sciences, Modern Foreign Language, History, Geography, Religious Education and, preferably, Latin.

Similarly, Sixth Form candidates will write Marlborough’s Entrance Assessment and interview with senior members of the school staff. Students offered a place at the College will also complete a questionnaire that will help determine their A-Level and pre-university (Pre-U) choices.

Two people sitting across the table from each other. One wears a black and white striped shirt and the other wears a grey business jacket over a black shirt and a watch.
Prospective Marlborough students should study the school's history and activities ahead of their interviews. Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

Preparing for Marlborough College Admissions

Unlike Charterhouse School which recommends a four-year run-up to enrolment, Marlborough College applicants have half that time.  To prepare, students are encouraged to utilize the abundance of resource centres online. Obviously, revising is important. That's why many parents set on enrolment in Marlborough College enlist a private tutor.

Like most schools, Marlborough wants to know how you will contribute to the school’s aims and ethos beyond academics. So, make sure to study up on the school before your interviews and have a clear vision of the unique impact you plan to make at Marlborough. Lastly, for an extra boost, consider working with an admissions tutor to strengthen your revising and interview skills.

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Jon

As an Englishman in Paris, I enjoy growing my knowledge of other languages and cultures. I'm interested in History, Economics, and Sociology and believe in the importance of continuous learning.