This week marks the date of the Buckinghamshire 11+ Secondary Transfer Test.
Sat by all children in Year 6 at state schools and the majority of children at private ‘partner’ primary schools. The test determines which students will secure a place at local selective grammar schools.
The grammar schools in Bucks are highly sought after. Promising a high-quality education with all the extracurricular activities on offer. Due to strict catchment areas, many students are also within walking distance or a short bus ride away making the schools a very attractive option.
Schooling is often the driving force behind so many of our relocation enquiries. Families with preschool children in London seek our help as they find that the London schooling system is fiercely competitive. Chiltern Relocation moves many clients into Bucks with the goal of getting a grammar school place. However, these families also wish to enjoy a larger house and garden and a better quality of life, whilst being within an easy commute into London.
Entry requirement for Bucks grammar schools
In order to gain a place at a grammar school, students must attain a score of 121 or higher on the Secondary Transfer Test. The test is a combination of maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning consisting of two papers each 60 minutes in length. Many children are tutored for the exam however the content is changeable and the exam providers focus is on setting an exam which is ‘non-tutorable’ to make the system as fair as possible.
Where are the grammar schools in Bucks?
- Aylesbury Grammar School (boys)
- Aylesbury High School (girls)
- Beaconsfield High School (girls)
- Burnham Grammar School (co-ed)
- Chesham Grammar School (co-ed)
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham (boys)
- Dr Challoner’s High School in Little Chalfont (girls)
- John Hampden Grammar School in High Wycombe (boys)
- Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe (boys)
- Royal Latin School in Buckingham (co-ed)
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in Aylesbury (mixed)
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow (co-ed)
- Wycombe High School (girls)
How to apply for a grammar school place – timeline
- Register for the 11+ exam – deadline is in June (Bucks CC website confirms date)
- If your child is at a state registered Bucks primary school they will automatically be entered
- If your child is at a Partner School (see list) you will need to enter them for the exam by the deadline
- The Secondary Transfer Test is sat on second week of September. The practice test is on Tuesday and the actual test is Thursday (12th Sept 2023 and 14th Sept 2023)
- If you live out of county you can apply to sit the exam at one of the grammar schools
- Results are mid-October on a Friday (13th October 2023)
- 31st October is the deadline to submit a secondary school application in conjunction with evidence of catchment
- National Offer Day is on 1st March
Catchment
If your child is successful in scoring 121 or higher the next criteria is catchment area. Given the increasing desire for places, you can no longer feel secure that you live within catchment based on previous years’ data. It is essential to consult the Bucks County Council catchment maps but also take note of the changing landscape. The closer you are to the school, the better your chances.
Is a grammar school the right school for your child?
The grammar schools are amazing, with fantastic results and often seen as the equivalent of a ‘free’ private school experience. However, not all children are suited to the often-intense work ethic and work load. Children at grammars need to be self-starters and students are encouraged to work independently. The homework load can be heavy.
Need help?
If you would like to explore the grammar school system for your child and would like help with your home search and be confident that you live within catchment of a grammar school then Chiltern Relocation can help. Call us on 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit: www.chilternrelocation.com
