Monday 3rd March is a big day for parents across the country as they find out which school their Year 6 child has been allocated for their secondary school education. This is the conclusion of a long process that starts many months ago when parents and children view different schools and most importantly focus on catchment area maps to help with their decision-making process.
Last year’s results showed that 83% of applicants in England secured their first choice and if for those that didn’t there is the opportunity to appeal.
Today many children in Buckinghamshire will find out if they have secured a place at their preferred grammar school. To be in this position the child will have needed to secure a mark of 121 of higher in the 11+ Transfer Test which is sat at the start of September.
However, for those not waiting for a grammar place there is a huge range of excellent state secondary schools in the area, and again parents will be keen to see if their child has secured a place as a result of catchment restrictions.
Moving to the area for schools
Chiltern Relocation receives many enquiries from families keen to move to the area to benefit from the excellent schooling, with many having a grammar school place in their sights. In particular, families with preschool children in London seek our help as they find that the London schooling system is fiercely competitive. However, these families also wish to enjoy a larger house and garden, a better quality of life and an easy commute into London.
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)
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.
How Chiltern Relocation can help with securing a place
Whilst we can’t help with sitting the 11+ Transfer Test for your child, Chiltern Relocation can help with sourcing and securing a property within catchment. As mentioned, catchment areas do fluctuate year on year, but we know which roads are ‘safe bets’ and where to avoid. Properties within catchment of excellent schools will carry a higher price tag but given location will also retain their value long term.
How to apply for a grammar school place – timeline
- 2nd May – 13thJune – register for the 11+ exam
- 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 (9th Sept 2025 and 11th Sept 2025)
- If you live out of county you can apply to sit the exam at one of the grammar schools
- 1st Sept is deadline to provide confirmation of home address
- 10th October – results of 11+ Transfer Test
- 31st October – deadline to submit a secondary school application
- 2nd March – National Offer Day
Is a grammar school the right school for your child?
The grammar schools are very much sought-after 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.
Need help?
If you would like to explore the grammar school system for your child – or other schooling options – both state and private – 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
