Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School: 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (SHFGS), located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is a renowned co-educational selective grammar school for students aged 11–18. Known for its academic excellence, innovative approach to education, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, the school has a rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and a long list of awards and achievements. This article delves into the school’s history, pupil numbers, facilities, and accolades that make it one of the most sought-after grammar schools in the region.
History of Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Founding and Early Years
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School was established in 1948, originally as the Aylesbury Technical College and School of Arts. Named after Sir Henry Floyd, a former Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire who was instrumental in promoting education in the county, the school gradually evolved into a grammar school. It gained its grammar school status in 1963, offering a broad curriculum for academically gifted students.
Over the decades, SHFGS has expanded both its academic offerings and its physical footprint, adapting to the changing demands of education while maintaining its core values of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1948: Founded as Aylesbury Technical College and School of Arts.
- 1963: Became a co-educational grammar school and renamed Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School.
- 1993: Became a Grant-Maintained School, offering greater independence in managing its curriculum.
- 2001: Gained Foundation School status, retaining control over admissions and operations.
- 2011: Converted to Academy status, giving it further autonomy and freedom to innovate in education.
- 2023: Celebrated its 75th anniversary, reflecting on its legacy of academic success and development.
Pupil Numbers and Admissions
Student Enrolment
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School currently caters to approximately 1,350 students aged 11 to 18, including a thriving Sixth Form of around 400 students.
Co-Educational Environment
As one of the three grammar schools in Aylesbury, SHFGS is the only co-educational grammar school in the area, welcoming both boys and girls into its diverse and inclusive learning community.
Admissions Process
- Entry to SHFGS in Year 7 is determined by performance in the 11+ exam, part of the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools system.
- The school also accepts applications for Sixth Form, where students are required to meet specific GCSE grade thresholds for their chosen subjects.
Catchment Area
Students from across Buckinghamshire and nearby counties apply for admission, with priority given to those within the school’s designated catchment area.
Awards and Recognition
Academic Achievements
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, with exceptional results at GCSE and A-level:
- GCSE Results: Over 85% of students achieve grades 7–9 (A*/A equivalent).
- A-level Results: A high percentage of students achieve A*/A grades, with many securing places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Ofsted Rating
- The school has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, reflecting its commitment to high-quality teaching, student outcomes, and leadership.
STEM Excellence
- Recognised as a leader in STEM education, with students regularly excelling in national and international competitions such as the UKMT Maths Challenge and Science Olympiads.
Sports Achievements
- The school has an excellent reputation for sports, with teams competing at regional and national levels in rugby, hockey, athletics, and netball.
Performing Arts Recognition
- Award-winning drama productions and music ensembles, with students regularly performing at prestigious events and venues.
Eco-School Awards
- The school has received the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for its sustainability initiatives and commitment to environmental education.
You can view school location on the map below:
🏫 Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (SHFGS)
Type: Co-educational Grammar School
📍 Address:
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Oxford Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP21 8PE
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1296 424781
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.sirhenryfloyd.co.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @SHFloyd_Grammar
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Facebook: Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
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Instagram: @shfloydgrammar
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 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 Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 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 Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 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 Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 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.
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School 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 Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
If you want to gain further insight into the school and its practices, you can watch this video:
To get a better understanding of the school’s environment and culture, watch this video:
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School Year 7 Admissions: How to Apply for Year 7
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (SHFGS) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is one of the region’s leading co-educational selective grammar schools. Admission to Year 7 is highly competitive, with students required to perform well in the 11+ entrance exam, which is administered as part of the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools system.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the Year 7 admissions process at SHFGS, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and tips to help your child succeed.
Overview of Year 7 Admissions at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to Year 7 at SHFGS:
- Age Requirements:
- Students must be aged 11 on or before 31st August in the year they start Year 7. For example, for September 2025 entry, students must have been born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014.
- Catchment Area:
- SHFGS prioritizes students who live within its designated catchment area, but students from outside the area are also welcome to apply.
- You can check your address using the Catchment Area Checker available on the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools website.
- Academic Selection:
- Students must pass the 11+ entrance exam, achieving a standardized score of 121 or higher to qualify for admission.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Year 7 at SHFGS
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Exam
The first step to applying for Year 7 at SHFGS is registering for the 11+ exam, which is the selection test used by all Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools.
Who Needs to Register?
- Automatic Registration: If your child attends a Buckinghamshire primary school, they are automatically registered for the 11+ exam.
- Manual Registration: If your child attends a school outside of Buckinghamshire, you must register them for the exam yourself.
Registration Window
- Registration typically opens in May and closes in June of the year before entry.
How to Register
- Visit the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) website and complete the online registration form.
Step 2: Prepare for the 11+ Exam
The 11+ exam, designed by GL Assessment, evaluates a student’s abilities in the following areas:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary, logic, and problem-solving using words.
- Mathematics: Assesses problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on patterns, shapes, and spatial reasoning.
Tips for Preparing
- Use GL Assessment-style practice papers, such as those available on ExamTutor, which include video explanations to help students understand challenging questions.
- Practice under timed conditions to build confidence and improve speed.
- Encourage regular reading to enhance vocabulary and comprehension for the verbal reasoning section.
- Take full-length mock exams to simulate real test conditions.
Step 3: Take the 11+ Exam
Exam Structure
The 11+ exam for SHFGS consists of:
- Two Multiple-Choice Papers:
- Paper 1: Verbal reasoning and English comprehension.
- Paper 2: Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
- Time Limit: Each paper lasts approximately 45–50 minutes.
Qualifying Score
- Students must achieve a standardised score of 121 or above to qualify for admission.
Exam Date
- The exam typically takes place in September of Year 6.
- A practice test is administered a few days before the actual exam to familiarize students with the question format and test environment.
Step 4: Submit Your Secondary School Application
After receiving the 11+ results in mid-October, you will need to submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to indicate your school preferences.
Key Information
- Deadline:
- The CAF must be submitted by 31st October of the year preceding entry (e.g., October 2024 for September 2025 entry).
- How to Apply:
- For Buckinghamshire residents: Apply through the Buckinghamshire Council online portal.
- For residents outside Buckinghamshire: Apply via your local council and include Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School as one of your preferred schools.
- Preference Ranking:
- List Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School as your first choice if it is your preferred school, as places are allocated based on your ranking.
Step 5: National Offer Day
- On 1st March (National Offer Day), you will be notified whether your child has been offered a place at SHFGS. Notifications are sent via email or letter by your local council.
If Your Child Receives an Offer:
- You must formally accept the place by the specified deadline (usually mid-March).
If Your Child Does Not Receive an Offer:
- Your child may be placed on a waiting list if they meet the qualifying score but the school is oversubscribed.
- You can appeal the decision through the Buckinghamshire Council appeals process.
Oversubscription Criteria
If the number of students who achieve the qualifying score exceeds the number of available places, SHFGS allocates places based on the following criteria:
- Looked-After or Previously Looked-After Children (LAC).
- Students who live within the catchment area.
- Students eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
- Siblings of current SHFGS students.
- Distance from the school, measured in a straight line.
Special Considerations
Pupil Premium Priority
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium funding may receive priority in the admissions process if they meet the qualifying score.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Students with recognised SEN are entitled to reasonable adjustments during the 11+ exam. Contact Buckinghamshire Council or the SHFGS admissions team to discuss your child’s needs.Appeals Process
If your child does not receive a place at SHFGS, you can appeal the decision through the Buckinghamshire Council’s appeals system.
- How to Appeal:
- Submit your appeal online, outlining why your child should be considered for admission.
- What to Include:
- Evidence of academic potential, mitigating circumstances, or other relevant factors.
- Outcome:
- Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel, though success rates vary.
Tips for Success in the SHFGS Admissions Process
- Start Early: Begin preparing for the 11+ exam at least 12 months in advance.
- Practice Regularly: Use GL Assessment-style resources like our ExamTutor to ensure your child is familiar with the test format.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and target your child’s weak spots through regular practice and review.
- Mock Exams: Take timed mock tests to simulate the real exam environment and build confidence.
- Stay Positive: Encourage your child and celebrate small wins to keep them motivated throughout the preparation process.
The Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School Year 7 admissions process is competitive, but with careful preparation, timely registration, and the right resources, your child can succeed. By preparing thoroughly for the 11+ exam and submitting your application on time, you’ll give your child the best chance of gaining a place at this outstanding co-educational grammar school.
