Schools and Education in Marlow: A Comprehensive Guide
Marlow, a picturesque town in Buckinghamshire, is renowned for its exceptional educational institutions. Families considering a move to Marlow will find a variety of outstanding schools catering to different age groups and educational needs.
Primary Schools
Spinfield School
A top-rated school with a nurturing environment and exceptional academics. Known for its innovative teaching approach and strong emphasis on student well-being, Spinfield consistently achieves excellent results. It fosters a sense of community among pupils and parents.
Type
Community Primary School
Age Range
4–11 years
Address
Terrington Hill, Marlow, SL7 2RE
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Catchment Area
Central Marlow and nearby areas. Living close to the school significantly increases admission chances.
School Size
Approximately 210 pupils
Website
Burford School
A large and vibrant primary school focused on creativity and community. Offers an excellent balance of academic rigour and creative development, with plenty of extracurricular activities. The school is especially popular with families in Marlow Bottom.
Type
Community Primary School
Age Range
4–11 years
Address
Marlow Bottom, Marlow, SL7 3PQ
Ofsted Rating
Good
Catchment Area
Marlow Bottom and surrounding villages. Proximity to the school is important for admission.
School Size
Approximately 420 pupils
Website
Holy Trinity Church of England (Aided) School
Combining academic excellence with Christian values and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its caring ethos and supportive environment, Holy Trinity encourages pupils to excel academically while fostering kindness and respect. It has strong ties to the local church and community.
Type
Voluntary Aided Primary School
Age Range
7–11 years
Address
Wethered Road, Marlow, SL7 3AG
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Catchment Area
Central Marlow. Families in nearby areas benefit from living close to the school.
School Size
Approximately 360 pupils
Website
Marlow Church of England Infant School (Sandygate School)
A nurturing start to your child’s educational journey.
This charming infant school provides a strong foundation in reading, writing, and numeracy. Its small size creates a family-like atmosphere where every child is known and valued.
Type
Voluntary Aided Infant School
Age Range
4–7 years
Address
Sandygate Road, Marlow, SL7 3AZ
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Catchment Area
Central Marlow and nearby streets. Living locally is advantageous for securing a place.
School Size
Approximately 180 pupils
Website
Little Marlow Church of England School
A small village school with a big heart.
With a close-knit community feel, this school prioritises individual attention and strong partnerships with parents. Children enjoy small class sizes and plenty of outdoor learning opportunities.
Type
Voluntary Controlled Infant School
Age Range
4–7 years
Address
School Lane, Little Marlow, SL7 3SA
Ofsted Rating
Good
Catchment Area
Little Marlow and nearby areas. Families living in the village have a higher chance of securing places.
School Size
Approximately 60 pupils
Website
Foxes Piece School
An inclusive and welcoming school with a strong focus on creativity and community.
Foxes Piece School is known for its focus on fostering independent and creative learners in a supportive environment. It has excellent outdoor facilities, including spacious play areas, and offers a well-rounded curriculum. The school also values strong links with parents and the wider community.
Type
Community Primary School
Age Range
4–11 years
Address
Newfield Road, Marlow, SL7 1JW
Ofsted Rating
Good
Catchment Area
East Marlow and surrounding areas. Proximity to the school is a key factor for admissions.
School Size
Approximately 210 pupils
Website
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School
A faith-based school offering academic excellence and a nurturing environment.
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School combines academic achievement with a strong sense of community and Catholic values. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum enriched with extracurricular opportunities. It also maintains close ties with the local parish, offering pupils a caring and faith-filled environment.
Type
Voluntary Aided Catholic Primary School
Age Range
4–11 years
Address
Prospect Road, Marlow, SL7 2PJ
Ofsted Rating
Good
Catchment Area
Catholic families in Marlow and surrounding areas. Priority is often given to families active in the local parish.
School Size
Approximately 180 pupils
Secondary Schools
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
A prestigious grammar school with a long tradition of academic excellence. Offers an exceptional academic programme alongside music, drama, and sports opportunities. It’s a top choice for high-achieving students, with many graduates going to top universities.
Type
Grammar School with Academy Status
Age Range
11–18 years
Address
West Street, Marlow, SL7 2BR
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Catchment Area
Covers Marlow and extends to surrounding villages. Admission is based on 11+ exam performance.
School Size
Approximately 1,200 pupils (450 in sixth form)
Great Marlow School
A modern secondary school with a focus on inclusivity and opportunity. Offers a broad curriculum with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated Sixth Form Centre. It’s well-regarded for its inclusive ethos and strong pastoral care.
Type
Academy Converter
Age Range
11–18 years
Address
Bobmore Lane, Marlow, SL7 1JE
Ofsted Rating
Good
Catchment Area
Primarily Marlow, Marlow Bottom, and Bourne End. Local residency improves admission chances.
School Size
Approximately 1,446 pupils
Website
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Marlow?
Spinfield School and Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School are consistently rated among the best, with Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
How do I find my catchment school?
Catchment areas play a significant role in securing a place at most state-funded schools in Marlow. Families are advised to use the Buckinghamshire Council School Finder tool to determine which schools their address qualifies for.
Use the Buckinghamshire Council Catchment Tool.
Are there private school options near Marlow?
Yes, top options include Wycombe Abbey for girls and St. Piran’s for younger children. See our guide to private Schools in Marlow
What are the Key Admissions Dates for Marlow schools?
– Primary School Applications: Open in November, closing mid-January.
– Secondary School Applications: Open in September, closing late October.
– For grammar schools, ensure your child is registered for the 11+ test by the required deadline.
These dates are general and you should check each school website for exact admission dates and procedures