Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Buckinghamshire operates one of the largest fully selective education systems in England, with 13 grammar schools across the county. All schools are state-funded, academically selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ test as part of the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) for Year 7 entry.
🧠 GL Assessment in Buckinghamshire
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Test format:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Mathematics
- English comprehension
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Age-standardised scoring
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Administered in September of Year 6
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Pupils attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically entered for the test (opt-out model), others must register (opt-in)
🏫 List of Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (GL Assessment)
📍 Aylesbury
- Aylesbury Grammar School (Boys)
- Aylesbury High School (Girls)
📍 Amersham / Chesham
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (Boys)
- Dr Challoner’s High School (Girls)
- Chesham Grammar School (Co-ed)
📍 High Wycombe
- Royal Grammar School (Boys)
- Wycombe High School (Girls)
- John Hampden Grammar School (Boys)
📍 Beaconsfield / Burnham
- Beaconsfield High School (Girls)
- Burnham Grammar School (Co-ed)
📍 Other areas
- Royal Latin School (Co-ed, Buckingham)
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (Co-ed, Aylesbury)
- The Buckingham School (not a grammar school – non-selective)
🔍 Individual Highlights
🔹 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS)
- Type: Boys’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Location: Amersham
- Founded: 1624
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Top 20 grammar schools nationally
- Known for STEM, leadership, debating, and sport
- ~90% A*-B at A-Level; strong Oxbridge and medicine placement
🔹 Dr Challoner’s High School (DCHS)
- Type: Girls’ grammar
- Location: Little Chalfont
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Top-tier girls’ grammar nationally
- Strong results in humanities, sciences, and modern languages
- Extensive enrichment: MUN, debating, DofE
🔹 Aylesbury Grammar School
- Type: Boys’ grammar
- Founded: 1598
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Prestigious, historic school with strong STEM outcomes
- Excellent Oxbridge and Russell Group record
- Top achiever in national STEM competitions
🔹 Aylesbury High School
- Type: Girls’ grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Outstanding academic and pastoral performance
- High number of girls go on to study medicine, law, languages
- Offers music, debating, sports, and overseas trips
🔹 Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Type: Boys’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Founded: 1562
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Elite academic profile
- Excellent performance in Maths, Physics, and Classics
- Large Sixth Form with strong Oxbridge placement
🔹 Wycombe High School
- Type: Girls’ grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Inclusive, high-performing school with strong pastoral care
- Known for creativity and innovation alongside academic success
- Strong in English, Arts, and Modern Languages
🔹 Chesham Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Highly inclusive and balanced curriculum
- Strong outcomes across all subjects
- Great for music, art, and sport as well as academics
🔹 Royal Latin School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Location: Buckingham
- Founded: c.1423
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,250
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- One of the oldest schools in England
- Outstanding across the board – especially in science and languages
- Emphasis on community, sustainability, and leadership
🔹 Burnham Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational grammar
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- High-achieving and inclusive ethos
- Strong Sixth Form and academic progress
- Emphasis on character development and enrichment
📈 Academic Performance Summary
| School Name | GCSE (7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Oxbridge/Top Uni Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Challoner’s Grammar | ~90%+ | ~85–90% | High Oxbridge, STEM, Medicine |
| Aylesbury Grammar | ~85–90% | ~80–85% | Strong STEM and leadership |
| Wycombe High | ~85–90% | ~80% | Strong Arts and Languages |
| Royal Latin School | ~85%+ | ~80–85% | Classics, Humanities, STEM |
| Chesham Grammar | ~80–85% | ~75–80% | Balanced, inclusive profile |
🏆 Awards & Enrichment
- Ofsted “Outstanding” status for most schools
- High participation in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Science Olympiads
- Debating & Public Speaking
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Model United Nations
- Top-level sport, music, arts, and global outreach programmes
The Buckinghamshire grammar schools are among the best-performing state schools in the UK, combining academic excellence, heritage, and character education. With their use of the GL Assessment 11+ and a county-wide selection process, they provide a rigorous, free alternative to private education, with outstanding outcomes in STEM, arts, and university success.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools – Entry)
Buckinghamshire operates a fully selective grammar school system, with 13 grammar schools and entry into Year 7 based on performance in the 11+ Transfer Test, provided by GL Assessment.
🏫 Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
| School Name | Location | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Aylesbury Grammar School | Aylesbury | Boys |
| Aylesbury High School | Aylesbury | Girls |
| Beaconsfield High School | Beaconsfield | Girls |
| Burnham Grammar School | Burnham | Co-educational |
| Chesham Grammar School | Chesham | Co-educational |
| Dr Challoner’s Grammar School | Amersham | Boys |
| Dr Challoner’s High School | Little Chalfont | Girls |
| John Hampden Grammar School | High Wycombe | Boys |
| Royal Grammar School | High Wycombe | Boys |
| Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School | Aylesbury | Co-educational |
| Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School | Marlow | Co-educational |
| The Royal Latin School | Buckingham | Co-educational |
| Wycombe High School | High Wycombe | Girls |
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria – Overview
🔹 1. GL Assessment 11+ Transfer Test
To be eligible for a grammar school place in Bucks, pupils must sit the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, which includes:
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Paper 1 (Verbal Skills):
- Comprehension
- Technical English (grammar, spelling)
- Verbal Reasoning
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Paper 2 (Mathematical & Non-Verbal Skills):
- Mathematics
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
📝 Both papers are multiple-choice, and each section is standardised.
🔹 2. Qualifying Score
- Minimum standardised score of 121 (out of approx. 200) is required to qualify for grammar school consideration.
- Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness.
🎯 Automatic Entry for Buckinghamshire Pupils
- If your child attends a state primary school in Buckinghamshire, they are automatically registered to take the test unless you opt out.
📝 How to Apply for Bucks Grammar Schools
✅ Step 1: Register for the Transfer Test
- In-county pupils: Automatically registered
- Out-of-county pupils: Must register manually
- Registration opens: Early May
- Closes: Mid-June
🔗 Register at: www.thebucksgrammarschools.org
✅ Step 2: Take the Test
- Practice test: September
- Transfer Test: September
- Test is taken at your child’s primary school (in-county) or at a test centre (out-of-county)
✅ Step 3: Receive Results
- Results released: October
- You’ll know whether your child has met the qualifying score
✅ Step 4: Submit Common Application Form (CAF)
- List your grammar school preferences via your local authority
- Deadline: October
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers made: 1st March
📌 Oversubscription Criteria
If more pupils qualify than places available, schools apply their own admissions policies. Common criteria include:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals
- Siblings at the school
- Living within a defined catchment area
- Distance from the school (used as a tie-breaker)
🗺️ Most Bucks grammar schools have catchment areas, but some (like Dr Challoner’s Grammar or Sir William Borlase’s) also consider out-of-county applications.
🔗 Useful Links
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🔹 Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Info:
www.thebucksgrammarschools.org -
🔹 Bucks County Council School Admissions:
www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk
