Complete List of Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
There are 13 grammar schools currently part of the Buckinghamshire Grammar School Consortium:
-
Aylesbury High School
-
Wycombe High School
-
The Royal Latin School
-
Beaconsfield High School
-
Dr Challoner’s High School
-
Burnham Grammar School
-
Chesham Grammar School
-
Aylesbury Grammar School
-
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
-
John Hampden Grammar School
-
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
-
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
-
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire 11+ (11 Plus) Exam Overview
The Buckinghamshire 11+, also known as the Secondary Transfer Test, is the shared entrance assessment used by all grammar schools in the consortium. Sitting one exam allows pupils to be considered for several grammar schools, increasing their chances of securing a selective school place.
Key Dates and Information
-
Registration deadline: June
(for pupils attending private schools, partner schools, or schools outside Buckinghamshire) -
Supplementary Information Form (SIF) deadline: October
-
Exam month: September
-
Exam provider: GL Assessment
-
Results released: October
-
School allocation day: March
-
Admissions authority: Buckinghamshire Council
Admissions to Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
Entry into Year 7 at Buckinghamshire grammar schools is based on performance in the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test, which assesses academic ability.
All Year 7 admissions are administered centrally by Buckinghamshire Council, ensuring a consistent process across the county.
Each grammar school also hosts open days and evenings, typically during the summer term. These events give families the chance to tour the school, meet senior staff, and speak with current pupils about school life.
How to Register for the Buckinghamshire 11+
-
Pupils attending a Buckinghamshire primary school are automatically registered for the 11+.
-
Children who live outside Buckinghamshire or attend schools outside the county must be registered via the Bucks online application portal.
Buckinghamshire 11+ Exam Format
The Buckinghamshire 11+ is set by GL Assessment and consists of two multiple-choice papers:
Paper Content
Paper 1:
-
Reading comprehension
-
Technical English (grammar, punctuation, spelling)
-
Verbal reasoning
Paper 2:
-
Non-verbal reasoning
-
Spatial reasoning
-
Mathematics
Each paper lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Weighting of the Test
-
Verbal ability – 50%
-
Non-verbal ability – 25%
-
Numerical ability – 25%
All answers are recorded on a separate answer sheet, with one raw mark awarded per correct answer.
The test is taken in September of Year 6, with all pupils sitting the exam on the same day. Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness for younger candidates.
Achieving the required score confirms eligibility but does not guarantee a place, as individual schools apply their own oversubscription criteria.
Before the official exam, pupils are given the chance to sit a practice test, usually two days beforehand. This helps familiarise them with exam conditions and the test layout.
Buckinghamshire 11+ Pass Mark and Target Scores
Scores in the Secondary Transfer Test are standardised, taking age into account.
-
Pupils who achieve a standardised score of 121 or above meet the qualification threshold for Buckinghamshire grammar schools.
While meeting the pass mark confirms eligibility, it does not guarantee an offer, so aiming for the highest possible score is always advisable.
If your child’s early practice scores are lower than expected, don’t panic. With focused preparation and targeted support, significant improvement is often achievable in a relatively short time.
