About Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
Buckinghamshire has 13 grammar schools, which work together as The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) and all use the single Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (the 11+), provided by GL Assessment. Your child sits the test once for all 13.
Children at a state-funded Buckinghamshire primary school are entered automatically (you opt out via the headteacher if you don’t want them tested); children at out-of-county, partner or independent schools must register with TBGS (for 2027 entry, the window runs early May to mid-June 2026).
The test is sat in September of Year 6 and results follow in mid-October; the qualifying score is 121. You then list your preferred grammars on the Common Application Form by 31 October, and offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March). Qualifying does not guarantee a place — each school applies its own catchment and oversubscription rules.
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
All 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools use the same Secondary Transfer Test. Click any school for its detailed admission guide, catchment and key dates:
All Buckinghamshire grammars share the same test result, but each sets its own catchment and oversubscription criteria, so check the policy of every school you list.
About the Secondary Transfer Test
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (still widely called the 11+) is the single test used by all 13 grammar schools, provided by GL Assessment and managed by TBGS. It assesses verbal reasoning, mathematics (numerical reasoning) and non-verbal reasoning.
Scores are standardised for age and the qualifying benchmark is 121. Reaching 121 means your child has qualified for a Buckinghamshire grammar school place; above that, each school’s own admissions criteria (not extra marks) decide allocation.
Your child sits the test once in September of Year 6 — in their own school if they attend a Buckinghamshire state primary or partner school, otherwise at a grammar test centre. There is a separate familiarisation Practice Test a couple of days before. Results are released in mid-October.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools
Buckinghamshire runs a single, fully coordinated Secondary Transfer Test through TBGS. If your child attends a state-funded Buckinghamshire primary school they are entered automatically (opt out via the headteacher); otherwise register with TBGS during the window (for 2027 entry, early May to mid-June 2026). Your child sits the test once in September; results arrive in mid-October with a qualifying score of 121. You then list your preferred grammars on the Common Application Form by 31 October, and offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March). Qualifying does not guarantee a place — each school then applies its own catchment and oversubscription criteria.
What the Secondary Transfer Test Covers
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test assesses verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning in standardised, multiple-choice papers. Practising realistic GL-style papers across these areas, alongside the official familiarisation materials, is the most effective preparation.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools
Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Buckinghamshire (Bucks) Grammar Schools 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are in Buckinghamshire?
Thirteen, all part of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) and all using the same Secondary Transfer Test.
What is the Secondary Transfer Test?
Buckinghamshire's 11+, provided by GL Assessment — standardised papers in verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
Do I need to register?
If your child attends a state-funded Buckinghamshire primary school they are entered automatically (opt out via the headteacher). Children at other schools must register with TBGS, usually early May to mid-June.
Do I sit a separate test for each school?
No — you sit the Secondary Transfer Test once and the result is used by all 13 grammar schools.
What is the qualifying score?
121. A child scoring 121 or above has qualified for a Buckinghamshire grammar school; above that, each school's admissions criteria decide allocation.
When is the test and when are results?
The test is sat in September of Year 6 (with a practice test a couple of days before); results are released in mid-October.
How do I apply for a place?
List your chosen grammars on your local authority's Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are made on National Offer Day (1 March).
Does qualifying guarantee a place?
No — each school applies its own catchment and oversubscription criteria, so qualifying children are then ranked by those rules.