Dr Challoner's High School 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

Dr Challoner’s High School is a prominent selective grammar school for girls, located in Little Chalfont in Buckinghamshire and surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. The school ranks among the top 200 in the country and is currently the top-performing school for progress in Buckinghamshire. In this ‘OFSTED Outstanding’ learning community, 100% of students achieve Grade 5 or above at GCSE.

Dr Challoner’s High School became the ninth school in the country to receive the Exceptional Schools Award in July 2014. Almost all students choose to attend university and most go to world-class institutions including Oxford and Cambridge.

11 plus information for Dr Challoner’s High School

• Address: Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9QB

• County: Buckinghamshire

• Admissions info: [email protected], 01494 763296

• School type: girls’ grammar school

• Number of pupils: 1248

• Number of places in Year 7: 180

• Open day date: 29th April and 29th June 2022

• 11+ exam date: September (two papers on the same day)

• Exam board type: Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools 11 plus, administered by GL assessment

Dr Challoner’s High School term dates

The term dates for Dr Challoner’s High School 2022-23 are:

• Autumn term: 5th September - 16th December

• Half term: 24th October – 4th November

• Spring term: 4th January - 31st March

• Half term: 13th February - 17th February

• Summer term: 18th April – 19th July

• Half term: 29th May – 2nd June

How and when to apply to Dr Challoner’s High School

Buckinghamshire primary school pupils are automatically enrolled for the Buckinghamshire Council 11 plus. Applications for a particular school place must be made through the Buckinghamshire Council website.

Children who attend schools outside of Buckinghamshire or independent schools can register for the test between 6th May 2022 and 24th June 2022. Applicants also need to notify their home local authority of their school preference.

Dr Challoner’s High School 11 plus admissions process

Dr Challoner’s High School is one of 13 schools belonging to The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) company. Prospective students sit two 11 plus exams on the same day to secure a Year 7 place.

Attaining the required qualifying score determines successful admission. Each applicant's score will be based on an age-standardised scoring system to ensure all candidates have a fair chance. The total of the age-standardised scores produces an overall Secondary Transfer Score (STTS). Students must score at least 121 on the STTS to be admitted to the school.

Should there be more applicants than available spaces, priority is given to:

• Looked after girls and those that have been looked after previously

• Students who are currently eligible for free school meals at the time of the application deadline

• Girls who are within the catchment area of the school (20 miles from the school address)

• Those with siblings currently enrolled at the school

• Girls with exceptional medical or social needs that can only be met by the school

The oversubscription criteria ranking (above) will be followed if the number of candidates obtaining the STTS exceeds the number of places available.

The waiting list at Dr Challoner's High School is also ranked based on the above criteria. More information is available from the Dr Challoner’s High School admissions policy.

Dr Challoner's High School 11 plus exam format and content

Applicants for Dr Challoner’s High School are assessed through two multiple-choice papers:

• Paper 1 (60 minutes, including 20 minutes for introduction and examples): comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning.

• Paper 2 (60 minutes, including 20 minutes for introduction and examples): non-verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning and mathematics.

The qualifying pass mark is 121. Buckinghamshire County Council uses age-standardisation to ensure children born later in the school year will not be at a disadvantage.

How to prepare your child for the Dr Challoner's High School 11 plus

By starting early and breaking the different sections of the 11 plus into smaller, practical chunks, you will be able to prepare most effectively. Celebrate any progress your child makes and work with them to enhance any areas for development. You could also use online mock tests to help your child practice time management as exam day approaches.

Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools publish a familiarisation booklet and GL Assessment have released free familiarisation materials. These can be useful resources as your daughter looks to gain experience of the format and likely content of the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test.

How Atom can help your child prepare for the Dr Challoner’s High School 11 plus

Atom Nucleus supports 11 plus preparation by combining cutting-edge technology with the expertise of experienced teachers. We’ve built over 90,000 practice questions, live prep courses, pre-recorded video tutorials and unlimited mock tests in the style and format of the Buckinghamshire 11 plus exam.

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We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any questions you may have about Dr Challoner's High School or the Buckinghamshire 11 plus:

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