Chesham Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Chesham Grammar School.
How to get into Chesham Grammar School
Chesham Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. To get into Chesham Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Chesham Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers 180 places annually and is oversubscribed [1].
All applications for Year 7 admission are handled by Buckinghamshire Council as part of its coordinated admissions scheme [1]. Children must achieve a qualifying score of 121 or higher in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test.
Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically registered for the test. Families living outside Buckinghamshire must register their child separately for the 11+ test at an earlier date [1].
Application Process
Registration for the 2025 exam opens on Friday 2nd May 2025 and closes on Friday 13th June 2025 (see key dates) for children attending schools outside Buckinghamshire. The practice test takes place on Tuesday 9th September 2025 (see key dates).
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) will be held on Thursday 11th September 2025 (see key dates). Results are released on Friday 10th October 2025 (see key dates).
Families must complete the Common Application Form through their local authority from early September and submit it by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). School places are confirmed on 2nd March 2026 (see key dates).
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority
- Register for the 11+ examination if living outside Buckinghamshire
- Attend the practice test on 9th September 2025
- Take the main exam on 11th September 2025
- Contact details available in the school information section
Examination Details
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) consists of two papers lasting approximately 45 minutes each. The test papers are supplied by GL Assessment. All questions are multiple-choice format.
Paper One tests comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning. Paper Two tests non-verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning and mathematics. The assessments are age-weighted to ensure fair consideration for all candidates.
Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools take both tests at their school, while others attend designated test centres. The pass mark is 121 for entry to Buckinghamshire grammar schools.
Oversubscription Criteria
Chesham Grammar School has a catchment area to prioritise eligible children living close to the school [1]. The catchment includes Amersham, Chesham, Prestwood, Great Missenden, Asheridge, Lye Green, Little Chalfont, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont Common, Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross.
If more than 180 children achieve a score of 121 or higher, the school applies oversubscription criteria. The school operates a waiting list with pupils ranked according to oversubscription criteria.
- Looked after and previously looked after children receive highest priority
- Children with siblings at the school receive second priority
- Children in the catchment area receive third priority
- Distance from school determines final allocation for remaining places
- Appeals are handled by Buckinghamshire Council
Preparation Guidance
Building a good knowledge base is essential before the test using a 'little and often' approach. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11.
Implementing a well-structured revision strategy focusing on regular, bite-sized study sessions makes all the difference. Families should start preparation at least 12 months before the exam date to build confidence and familiarity with test formats.
Free preparation resources are available through practice 11-plus papers. Professional tutoring support can be found through 11-plus tutoring services.
Practical Advice
On exam day, children should arrive well-rested and have eaten a good breakfast. Families can request a Selection Review if their child doesn't meet the score criterion due to exceptional circumstances. Regular practice with timed papers helps build confidence and exam technique.
Managing exam stress involves maintaining regular routines, ensuring adequate sleep, and discussing expectations openly with children. Families should consider backup options including other Buckinghamshire grammar schools and high-performing comprehensive schools in the area.
For specific contact information about admissions, test arrangements, or school visits, families should consult the school information section for current details.
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information
In order to get into Chesham Grammar School, children need to pass the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Subjects & Structure
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English comprehension
- Technical English
- Verbal reasoning
- Key Stage 2 maths
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Spatial reasoning
The Secondary Transfer Test is a crucial assessment for students seeking admission to Chesham Grammar School. This exam, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates a range of skills across two distinct one-hour papers. The first paper focuses on verbal abilities, assessing proficiency in English comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning. These skills are essential for understanding complex texts, expressing ideas effectively, and drawing logical conclusions.
The second paper concentrates on mathematical and non-verbal skills. Students are tested on their grasp of Key Stage 2 maths concepts, their capacity for non-verbal reasoning, and their aptitude for spatial reasoning. These skills demonstrate a student's problem-solving abilities, pattern recognition, and understanding of mathematical principles.
Success in the Secondary Transfer Test requires a well-rounded academic foundation and the ability to apply knowledge in various contexts. Chesham Grammar School seeks students who excel in both verbal and non-verbal domains, showcasing their potential for further academic growth and achievement.
Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)
As well as Chesham Grammar School, several other schools also use Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). These are:
- Aylesbury Grammar School
- Aylesbury High School
- Beaconsfield High School
- Burnham Grammar School
- Dr Challoner's Grammar School
- Dr Challoner's High School
- John Hampden Grammar School
- Royal Latin School
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
- Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
- The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Wycombe High School
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Chesham Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Chesham Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Chesham Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Chesham Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 02/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 13/06/2025 | Registration Closes For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test | |
| 09/09/2025 | Buckinghamshire Practice Test | |
| 11/09/2025 | Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test | |
| Early October | Parents Receive Results From The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test | |
| Late October | Secondary School Common Application Deadline | |
| 02/03/2026 | National School Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Chesham Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Chesham Grammar School
As the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Chesham Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Chesham Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Chesham Grammar School
Unfortunately, Chesham Grammar School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Ensure you double-check with Chesham Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) to get into Chesham Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Chesham Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT).
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Chesham Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Chesham Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Chesham Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Chesham Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Chesham Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Chesham Grammar School, White Hill, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 1BA |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.cheshamgrammar.org/ |
| Telephone | 01494782854 |
| Email Address | office@cheshamgrammar.org |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1313 (660 Girls / 653 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Miss Annmarie McNaney |
Chesham Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,313 pupils attend Chesham Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Miss Annmarie McNaney.
Chesham Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Chesham Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 12/03/2014 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 04/04/2014, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 12/03/2014 | 1 | 04/04/2014 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Chesham Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Chesham Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 31 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Art & Design (Textiles) | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Biology | 178 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 10 | 27 | 43 | 39 | 55 |
| Chemistry | 178 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 10 | 23 | 44 | 49 | 48 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 33 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Applied Engineering | 42 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| English Language | 179 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 19 | 43 | 36 | 49 | 27 |
| English Literature | 178 | - | 1 | - | - | 5 | 11 | 29 | 54 | 45 | 32 |
| D&T Food Technology | 59 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 26 |
| French | 84 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 31 |
| Geography | 109 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 29 | 25 | 38 |
| German | 46 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 4 | 9 |
| History | 104 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 13 | 20 | 38 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 178 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 15 | 41 | 66 | 48 |
| Music | 20 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
| Physics | 178 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 8 | 32 | 34 | 48 | 52 |
| Religious Studies | 42 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 6 |
| Spanish | 57 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 12 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 21 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 36 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 7 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 12 | - | - | - | 2 | - | 7 | 2 | |||
| Art and Design (Photography) | 11 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 | |||
| Biology | 46 | - | 1 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 19 | 7 | |||
| Chemistry | 42 | - | - | 1 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 13 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 13 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | - | |||
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 13 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 7 | 1 | - | |||
| Economics | 57 | - | - | - | 5 | 23 | 22 | 7 | |||
| English Literature | 30 | - | - | - | 2 | 14 | 8 | 6 | |||
| French | 10 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | |||
| Geography | 41 | - | - | 4 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 5 | |||
| Government and Politics | 33 | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 7 | 3 | |||
| History | 45 | - | - | 4 | 7 | 17 | 15 | 2 | |||
| Mathematics | 120 | - | 3 | 3 | 20 | 25 | 39 | 29 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 23 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 7 | 10 | |||
| Music | 10 | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 4 | - | |||
| Physics | 33 | - | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 8 | |||
| Psychology | 64 | - | - | 3 | 14 | 24 | 19 | 4 | |||
| Sociology | 39 | - | - | - | 7 | 17 | 10 | 5 | |||
| Spanish | 10 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | - | |||
FAQ
Is Chesham Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Chesham Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Chesham Grammar School a private school?
No, Chesham Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Chesham Grammar School free?
Yes, Chesham Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Chesham Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Chesham Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Chesham Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
