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If you’re considering a grammar school in Buckinghamshire, you have plenty of options. There are 13 grammar schools – four for boys, four for girls, and five which are mixed.
Keep reading to find out more about the best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire and how to help your child prepare for the 11 plus exam.
What are grammar schools?
A grammar school is a secondary school in the UK that admits pupils based on their academic ability. All children applying for a place at a grammar school take an entrance exam in Year 6 known as the 11 plus. The pupils with the highest scores are then eligible for a place in Year 7.
You do not need to pay school fees if your child attends a grammar school. Grammar schools are funded by the state (government). They are also the only state-funded schools in England that can select pupils based on academic ability.
In Buckinghamshire, the 11 plus is known as the Secondary Transfer Test. Most grammar schools in the area use the same test set by a consortium known as the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Consortium (TBGS).
How many grammar schools are there in Buckinghamshire?
There are 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire:
The 5 best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire
1. Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
©character-education.org
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School was founded in the 17th century. It provides a grammar school education in Amersham for boys aged 11–18 with a mixed sixth form. It is consistently listed among the best Buckinghamshire grammar schools. Beyond exam results, the school has a ‘School of Character’ kitemark and it was recently named the best sporting state school in the country.
Town: Amersham
Local council: Buckinghamshire County Council
Gender: boys 11–16, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,300+
GCSE results (2023): 76% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 83.2% A*–B
National rank: 35
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School 11+ guide
2. Beaconsfield High School
©beaconsfieldhigh.bucks.sch.uk
Beaconsfield High School is a girls’ grammar school in the market town of Beaconsfield. It's one of only 45 schools in the country that is recognised as an Exceptional School. Ofsted rate Beaconsfield High School 'outstanding'. Reports praise the range of extracurricular activities and the high priority given to pupils' mental health.
Town: Beaconsfield
Local council: Buckinghamshire County Council
Gender: girls
Number of pupils: 1,250+
GCSE results (2023): 76.1% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 82.8% A*–B
National rank: 37
Beaconsfield High School 11+ guide
3. Dr Challoner's High School
©wikipedia.org
Dr Challoner’s High School is a grammar school for girls in Little Chalfont. Almost all students go on to university, with destinations including Oxford and Cambridge. Ofsted rate the school 'outstanding' and describe the environment as "challenging but highly supportive".
Town: Little Chalfont
Local council: Buckinghamshire County Council
Gender: girls
Number of pupils: 1,250+
GCSE results (2023): 77.6% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 81.6% A*–B
National rank: 38
Dr Challoner’s High School 11+ guide
4. Chesham Grammar School
© linkedin.com
Chesham Grammar School is a grammar school for boys and girls aged 11–18. A house system and vertical tutoring mean students get to mix with other year groups, giving the school a family feel. Ofsted rate the school 'outstanding', praising students' achievement and the quality of teaching.
Town: Chesham
Local council: Buckinghamshire County Council
Gender: boys and girls
Number of pupils: 1,300+
GCSE results (2023): 74.9% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 81.4% A*–B
National rank: 41
Chesham Grammar School 11+ guide
5. Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
©tes.com
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School is a 400-year-old grammar school in Marlow for boys and girls. The school is well-known for its national achievements in rowing and hockey. Ofsted praise students' exemplary behaviour and an inspirational learning culture.
Town: Marlow
Local council: Buckinghamshire County Council
Gender: boys and girls
Number of pupils: 1,100+
GCSE results (2023): 76.4% A*/A/9/8/7
A level results (2023): 80.3% A*–B
National rank: 44
How to get into a grammar school in Buckinghamshire
If you would like your child to be considered for a place at a Buckinghamshire grammar school, they will need to pass the Secondary Transfer Test.
Children take the test in September while they’re in Year 6. There are two papers which test verbal, mathematical, and non-verbal skills.
All-in-one platform for 11 plus prep
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Atom's algorithm keeps children on their ideal learning path, tailored to their unique learning style and pace to keep them challenged and motivated.
Buckinghamshire 11+ mock tests
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