Burnham Grammar School 11 plus: 2024 entry guide

About Burnham Grammar School

Burnham Grammar School is a selective state school in Burnham, Buckinghamshire for boys and girls aged 11–18. The school has a friendly but purposeful environment where students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of co-curricular events and dedicate time to their community through volunteering and mentoring.

Burnham Grammar School is the lead and sponsor school of the Beeches Learning and Development Trust (BLDT) and works with local primary schools to broaden the experiences and opportunities available for younger pupils. The school's quality of training and support is recognised by its Champion Status and Investors in People Gold Award.

• Address: Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, SL1 7HG

• Local authority: Buckinghamshire Council

• School type: mixed grammar

• Headteacher: Andy Gillespie

• Number of pupils: 1,100+

• National rank (Sunday Times Parent Power): 139

• A level results: 73% A*–B

• GCSE results: 67.7% 9/8/7

Key info for Year 7 admissions

• Admissions contact: [email protected], 01296 395000

• Number of places in Year 7: 180

• Open evening: TBC

• 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 Burnham Grammar School

1. Secondary Transfer Test registration

Burnham 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 Burnham 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 Burnham Grammar School on your common application form.

Before listing Burnham 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 children 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 Burnham Grammar School?

Your child's test papers in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test 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 Burnham 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 Burnham Grammar below.

Burnham Grammar School admission criteria

There are 180 places available in Year 7 at Burnham Grammar School. Children who achieve the qualifying score and who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school will be allocated places before the admission criteria is applied.

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 children

2. Children who live in the catchment area and who qualify for pupil premium

3. Other children living within the catchment area

4. Siblings of children currently at Burnham Grammar School

5. Children who have exceptional social or medical needs that can only be met by the school

6. Children who qualify for pupil premium

7. All further places will be allocated to children in order of those living closest to the school

Burnham Grammar School catchment area

Burnham Grammar School operates a catchment area to prioritise eligible children living close to the school. This includes the areas of Burnham, Taplow, Egypt, Hedgerley, Fulmer and Middle Green. A map is available on the school website.

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