Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) is a prestigious selective grammar school for boys (with a co-educational Sixth Form) located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Known for its academic excellence, rich history, and strong emphasis on character and leadership, DCGS consistently ranks among the top state schools in the UK.
🏛️ History of the School
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Founded: 1624 by Dr Robert Chaloner, Rector of Amersham and chaplain to Queen Elizabeth I
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Originally established as a free grammar school for boys in the local community
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Moved to its current location on Chesham Road in 1905, with extensive expansion since then
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Celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2024, marking four centuries of education
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Strong traditional ethos with modern facilities and a forward-thinking educational approach
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Sixth Form became co-educational in 2016
👨🎓👩🎓 Pupil Numbers
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Total pupils: Approx. 1,300 students
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Years 7–11 (boys only): ~1,000
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Sixth Form (co-ed): ~300 (including around 90–100 girls)
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The school is highly oversubscribed and draws students from Amersham, Chesham, the wider Bucks area, and parts of North London and Hertfordshire
🎓 Academic Reputation
DCGS is renowned for its exceptional academic outcomes, with students regularly achieving some of the best results nationally at both GCSE and A-Level.
📈 Academic Performance:
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GCSE Results:
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Over 90% of grades at 9–7 (A–A)*
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Almost all students achieve at least 5 strong GCSE passes including English and Maths
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A-Level Results:
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Over 80% of grades at A–A*, with many students taking 4 A-Levels
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Top subjects include Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Computer Science
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🎯 University Destinations:
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Large numbers go on to Russell Group and top global universities
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20–30 Oxbridge offers annually
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Many students pursue competitive courses such as:
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Medicine, Engineering, Law, Economics, and Computer Science
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Support offered for US university applications, degree apprenticeships, and other international pathways
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Ofsted Rating:
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“Outstanding” in all areas (latest inspection)
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Featured in:
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The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide – consistently ranked in the Top 10 grammar schools nationally
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National success in:
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Maths Olympiad, Science Olympiads, UKMT, debating, Model UN, and robotics competitions
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🏫 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
Location: Amersham, Buckinghamshire
📍 Address:
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Chesham Road
Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP6 5HA
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1494 551408
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Twitter/X: @DCGSAmersham
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view its location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 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 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 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 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 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 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 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.
Admission to Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) 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 Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (DCGS) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School is a prestigious boys’ grammar school located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. It is consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in the UK for academic performance and university progression, particularly to Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions.
Year 7 entry is selective and managed through the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Consortium via the 11+ GL Assessment.
🎯 Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To gain entry into Year 7 at DCGS, pupils must:
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Sit and pass the 11+ Transfer Test (GL Assessment)
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Meet the eligibility score (Standardised score of 121 or above)
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Be considered under oversubscription criteria, if necessary
🧪 The 11+ Test – GL Assessment Format
The test is taken in September of Year 6 and includes two papers covering:
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Verbal Skills
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Verbal reasoning
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English comprehension and grammar
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Mathematical & Non-Verbal Skills
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Maths (based on Key Stage 2)
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Non-verbal reasoning
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Spatial reasoning
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🕒 Each paper lasts approx. 60 minutes and is multiple-choice. Practice papers are available from GL Assessment.
📍 Catchment Area & Oversubscription Criteria
DCGS gives priority to boys living within its catchment area (Amersham and surrounding postcodes).
If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated in this order:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Boys living in catchment who qualify with a score of 121+
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Siblings of current pupils
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Boys outside catchment with qualifying scores, ranked by distance to school
Proof of address is required and must be the child’s permanent residence by a set deadline.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at DCGS
| Step | Details |
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| 1. Register for the 11+ Test | Via the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools website: www.thebucksgrammarschools.org |
| Deadline: | Registration typically opens in April and closes in mid-June of Year 5 |
| 2. Sit the 11+ Test | Usually in early September of Year 6 |
| 3. Receive Results | October of Year 6 (before secondary school application deadline) |
| 4. Complete CAF | Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by 31 October |
| 5. National Offer Day | 1 March (Year 6): offers sent by local authority |
| 6. Accept Offer | Accept via your local council portal to secure your place |
📚 Number of Places Available
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Year 7 intake: Approx. 180 boys
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School is single-sex (boys) in Years 7–11, and co-educational in Sixth Form
💡 Top Tips for Applicants
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Start 11+ preparation early (end of Year 4 or start of Year 5)
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Use GL Assessment-style practice materials
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Attend DCGS Open Events to explore the school environment
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Ensure you’re aware of catchment rules and key dates
