About Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
Buckinghamshire is one of England's 11 remaining fully-selective Local Authority areas. The 13 Bucks grammar schools are coordinated through the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Partnership (formerly TBGSP), which administers a common test for all county schools. Famous Bucks grammars include Aylesbury Grammar (boys), Aylesbury High (girls), Beaconsfield High, Chesham Grammar, Dr Challoner's (boys and girls — separate), Royal Grammar High Wycombe (boys), and Wycombe High School (girls). The Bucks grammars consistently rank among England's top selectives.
History & Tradition
Buckinghamshire retained its grammars when most counties abolished selection in the 1960s-70s — political resistance to comprehensive reform was strong in the Conservative-leaning county. Royal Latin School Buckingham dates from 1423. Aylesbury Grammar from 1593. The TBGSP partnership was formed in 2013 to coordinate the regional 11+ across Bucks.
The Entry Test
The Bucks Test (TBGS) uses GL Assessment papers in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. From 2013, Bucks primary pupils are auto-registered — parents must opt out rather than in. Out-of-county candidates register manually via the Bucks portal.
Buckinghamshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Buckinghamshire is one of England's 11 fully-selective LAs — all county grammars use a single common test (TBGS) administered through the Bucks Partnership.
- 2Bucks primary school pupils are automatically registered for the Bucks Test — parents must opt out by the registration deadline. This significantly increases test participation rates (typically 70-80% of Bucks Year 6 children sit the test).
- 3The Bucks Test qualifying mark is 121 standardised — children scoring 121+ in the overall test are deemed eligible for a grammar place (though oversubscription criteria still determine which school).
- 4Dr Challoner's High School (Little Chalfont, girls) is Buckinghamshire's top-ranked grammar at #25 in the UK, followed by Dr Challoner's Grammar (boys, #39), Chesham Grammar (#42), and Royal Grammar Wycombe (#47) — strong placements across the county.
- 5Royal Grammar School High Wycombe (RGS HW) is one of the oldest grammar schools in the country (founded 1562 by royal charter from Elizabeth I) — distinct from the independent Royal Grammar School Newcastle.
- 6Beaconsfield High School (girls) and Chesham Grammar (mixed) are highly oversubscribed — often 4-5 applicants per place. Sibling and distance priority become decisive.
- 7Wycombe High School (Tudor founding 1593) is a girls-only grammar known for strong languages and humanities — sister school to Royal Grammar Wycombe and shares some 6th form arrangements with it.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #25 | Dr Challoner's High School (DCHS)#25 | Girls | 180 | GL Assessment | 82.9% | 84.2% |
| #39 | Dr Challoner's Grammar School (DCGS)#39 | Boys | 180 | GL Assessment | 64.8% | 87.5% |
| #42 | Chesham Grammar School#42 | Mixed | 210 | GL Assessment | 66.9% | 85.7% |
| #47 | Royal Grammar School High Wycombe (RGSHW)#47 | Boys | 182 | GL Assessment | 65.4% | 85.5% |
| #55 | The Royal Latin School (RLS)#55 | Mixed | 180 | GL Assessment | 67.2% | 83.2% |
| #56 | Beaconsfield High School#56 | Girls | 180 | GL Assessment | 71.2% | 80.9% |
| #58 | Sir William Borlase School#58 | Mixed | 186 | GL Assessment | 65% | 65% |
| #74 | Aylesbury High School (AHS)#74 | Girls | 186 | GL Assessment | 70% | 76% |
| #93 | John Hampden Grammar School (JHGS)#93 | Boys | 186 | GL Assessment | 62.1% | 75.1% |
| #96 | Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School#96 | Mixed | 180 | GL Assessment | 65.8% | 72.4% |
| Burnham Grammar School (BGS) | Mixed | 155 | GL Assessment | 56.4% | 70.7% | |
| Chesham Prep School | Boys | — | Independent | — | — | |
| Wycombe High School | Girls | 224 | GL Assessment | 70% | — | |
| Aylesbury Grammar School (AGS) | Boys | 186 | GL Assessment | 69.5% | 75.8% |
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Buckinghamshire?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Buckinghamshire grammar schools include Dr Challoner's High School (DCHS), Dr Challoner's Grammar School (DCGS), Chesham Grammar School. Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Buckinghamshire grammar schools use?
Most Buckinghamshire grammar schools admit pupils through the GL Assessment 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Buckinghamshire grammar schools distinctive?
Buckinghamshire is one of England's 11 fully-selective LAs — all county grammars use a single common test (TBGS) administered through the Bucks Partnership.
What else should families know about the Buckinghamshire 11+?
Bucks primary school pupils are automatically registered for the Bucks Test — parents must opt out by the registration deadline. This significantly increases test participation rates (typically 70-80% of Bucks Year 6 children sit the test).
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: