Aylesbury Grammar School 11 plus: 2024 entry guide

Are you considering Aylesbury Grammar School for your son? We've collated all the information you need to know about 2024 entry to Year 7. Keep reading to learn about key dates, the admissions process, and how to prepare for the Buckinghamshire 11 plus exam.

About Aylesbury Grammar School

Aylesbury Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire, founded in 1598, for boys aged 11–18. The school is committed to remaining true to its foundation as a 'free school for Aylesbury', allowing every child – irrespective of their background and circumstance – to have the opportunity to flourish. It has a close partnership with the local girls' grammar school, Aylesbury High School.

The school prides itself on its house system, which provides a sense of ownership, belonging, healthy competition and camaraderie. It's also well-known for its sports provision, with an array of outstanding facilities and national success in an admirable range of sports. In 2019, Aylesbury Grammar School was ranked third in the country for state school sports by the School Sport Magazine.

Aylesbury Grammar School consistently achieves high academic standards and is ranked firmly within the top 100 grammar schools in the country. It's rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

• Address: Aylesbury Grammar School, Walton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RP

• Local authority: Buckinghamshire Council

• School type: boys' grammar

• Headteacher: Mark Sturgeon

• Number of pupils: 1,300+

• National rank (Sunday Times Parent Power): 73

• A level results: 78.9% A*–B

• GCSE results: 77.2% 9/8/7

Key info for Year 7 admissions

• Admissions contact: [email protected], 01296 484545

• Number of places in Year 7: 186

• Open evening: 14th July 2023

• Exam registration opens (out-of-county applications): 5th May 2023

• Exam registration closes (out-of-county applications): 16th June 2023

• Exam date: 14th September 2023

• Exam type: Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

• Common application form (CAF) deadline: 31st October 2023

• National school offer day: 1st March 2024

How to apply to Aylesbury Grammar School

1. Secondary Transfer Test registration

Aylesbury Grammar School is a member of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS). This consortium administers the 11 plus exam (Secondary Transfer Test) for all 13 grammar schools in the county.

Buckinghamshire’s 11 plus registration process is unique as they operate an ‘opt-out’ system. If your child attends a Buckinghamshire primary school, they will automatically be registered to take the test.

If your child's primary school is not in Buckinghamshire and you would like to apply for a place at Aylesbury Grammar School, you will need to register for the Secondary Transfer Test separately. Registration will be open on the Buckinghamshire Council website between 5th May 2023 and 16th June 2023.

2. Apply for a school place

You will receive your child's results in the Secondary Transfer Test on 13th October 2023. If your child has achieved the pass mark in the exam, they will be eligible for a place at the school. You will then be able to name Aylesbury Grammar School on your common application form.

Before listing Aylesbury Grammar School as a preference on your form, check its admissions policy and make sure your child is eligible. Passing the Secondary Transfer Test will not be a guarantee of a place as more boys reach the qualifying standard each year than there are places available.

The application form must be submitted to your home local council by 31st October 2023. The form must be completed for your home local authority – i.e. if you live in Buckinghamshire you will need to complete the form on the Buckinghamshire Council website. If you live in a different local authority, make sure to apply through the relevant website for that council.

What is the pass mark for Aylesbury Grammar School?

Your child's test papers will be marked and weighted. The English and verbal reasoning test will have a weighting of 50% applied, while the non-verbal reasoning and maths sections will be weighted at 25% each. The total of all scores will then be age-standardised to avoid any potential disadvantage for younger children. This overall mark will be your child's Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS).

The qualifying score in the Secondary Transfer Test is 121. If your child achieves a score of 121 or higher, they will be eligible for entry to Aylesbury Grammar School.

Unlike other grammar schools in the country, children in Buckinghamshire are not ranked in order of their scores. Grammar school entry is entirely dependent on whether or not the child has scored 121, and whether they meet the individual school's admission criteria. We've included the admission criteria for Aylesbury Grammar School below.

Aylesbury Grammar School admission criteria

There are 186 places available in Year 7 at Aylesbury Grammar School. Boys who achieve the qualifying score and who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school will be allocated places as a priority. If the number of eligible children then exceeds the number of places available, the school will apply oversubscription criteria in order:

1. Looked after and previously looked after boys

2. Up to 6 places are allocated to boys who are eligible for free school meals and whose standardised score in the test is between 115 and 120, and who have not been deemed to have qualified according to a selection review

3. Boys eligible for free school meals

4. Siblings of boys at Aylesbury Grammar School

5. Siblings of girls at Aylesbury High School

6. Siblings of former pupils at Aylesbury Grammar School

7. Children of staff at Aylesbury Grammar School (who have been employed for at least two years)

8. Boys who have exceptional medical or social needs which can only be met at Aylesbury Grammar School

9. Boys living within the catchment area

10. All other boys who have met the qualifying score

Aylesbury Grammar School catchment area

Aylesbury Grammar School operates a catchment area to prioritise eligible boys living close to the school. The catchment area includes Aylesbury, Princes Risborough, Long Crendon, Ludgershall, Stewkley and Edlesborough. A map is available on the school website.

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