Dr Challoner's High School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Dr Challoner's High School.

How to get into Dr Challoner's High School

Dr Challoner's High School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. To get into Dr Challoner's High School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Dr Challoner's High School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school admits approximately 180 students annually [1].

Children must achieve a minimum standardised score of 121 or higher in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) to be considered for admission. This score qualifies students for grammar school places across Buckinghamshire.

Dr Challoner's High School is a fully selective grammar school for girls, with admissions administered by Buckinghamshire County Council as part of its Coordinated Admissions Scheme. The school caters for girls aged 11-18 in Buckinghamshire [1].

All images © Dr Challoner's High School.
All images © Dr Challoner's High School.

Application Process

Families must register for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) if their child attends school outside Buckinghamshire. Registration opens on Friday 2nd May 2025 and closes on Friday 13th June 2025 (see key dates).

Families must name Dr Challoner's High School on their Common Application Form (CAF) and submit it to their Local Authority by the end of 31st October 2025 (see key dates). School places for September 2026 will be confirmed on 2nd March 2026 (see key dates).

Families seeking consideration under catchment area criteria must complete the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF). The electronic link becomes available from 1st October 2025, with a deadline of 30th November 2025 for inclusion in the first round of allocations (see key dates).

  • Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically registered for the test
  • External applicants must register through Buckinghamshire Council website
  • Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) naming the school as a preference
  • Submit Supplementary Information Form if applying under catchment criteria
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Entrance Examination

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) consists of two papers, each approximately 45 minutes long. All questions are multiple-choice, with each paper lasting about 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for introduction and examples.

The Practice Test takes place on Tuesday 9th September 2025, followed by the main Secondary Transfer Test on Thursday 11th September 2025 (see key dates). Results are typically emailed to parents after 4pm on Friday 10th October 2025 (see key dates).

Paper 1 tests Comprehension, technical English and Verbal Reasoning, while Paper 2 covers Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and Mathematics. The examination is created and marked by GL Assessment.

  • Paper 1: Comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning
  • Paper 2: Mathematics, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning
  • All questions are multiple-choice format
  • Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness
  • Pass mark is 121 standardised score

Oversubscription Criteria

Since the school is popular amongst local families, it often has more successful applications than available places, requiring oversubscription criteria. When more than 180 children achieve 121 or higher, the school's additional admissions criteria determine place allocation [1].

Priority is given in the following order to qualifying students:

  • Looked after children or previously looked after children
  • Girls living in the catchment area and receiving pupil premium
  • Siblings of current students living in the catchment area
  • Girls with exceptional medical or social needs only met at the school
  • Daughters of staff members
  • Other qualifying applicants within the catchment area

Up to 12 places within the 180 available may be allocated to catchment area girls receiving pupil premium or looked after children who achieve standardised scores between 110-114. Documentary evidence must be provided for pupil premium eligibility [1].

Preparation Guidance

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test is designed to be challenging, requiring good knowledge base preparation using a 'little and often' approach for effective learning. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11.

Families should begin preparation approximately 12-18 months before the examination. Regular practice helps children become familiar with question types and time constraints. Practice papers under timed conditions are particularly beneficial for building confidence.

For comprehensive preparation resources, families should explore practice 11+ papers specifically designed for the Buckinghamshire format. Professional tutoring support is available through qualified 11+ tutors who specialise in grammar school preparation.

  • Start preparation 12-18 months before the test date
  • Use 'little and often' study approach with 20-30 minute sessions
  • Practice timed conditions to build exam confidence
  • Focus on GL Assessment style questions
  • Attend the school's Practice Test in September
  • Access preparation resources at practice 11+ papers
  • Consider professional support through 11+ tutoring

Practical Advice

On examination day, children should arrive well-rested and have eaten a nutritious breakfast. Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools will sit the test in their own school during the school day, while external candidates are invited to test centres.

All test centres provide appropriate exam conditions with quiet, organised test rooms, though normal sounds of a working school may be heard in the background. Children receive clear instructions and should raise their hand if assistance is needed.

Families should prepare backup school options as grammar school places are highly competitive. Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place, as schools consider multiple admissions factors including catchment area residence and pupil premium status.

  • Ensure children are well-rested before the examination
  • Provide a nutritious breakfast on test day
  • Arrive at the test centre with sufficient time
  • Bring required identification and any permitted materials
  • Prepare backup school choices for the CAF application
  • Consider alternative grammar schools in Buckinghamshire
  • Contact the school information section for specific queries

Dr Challoner's High School hosts Open Mornings and Evenings throughout the year with tours and activities, though places are limited and early booking is strongly recommended. These events provide valuable insight into the school's ethos and facilities before making application decisions [1].

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information

In order to get into Dr Challoner's High 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 an entrance examination for admission into Dr Challoner's High School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two separate one-hour papers that evaluate a student's abilities in various subjects.

The first paper focuses on verbal skills, which include English comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning. These sections assess a student's understanding of the English language, their ability to interpret and analyze written passages, and their capacity to solve problems using verbal logic.

The second paper concentrates on mathematical and non-verbal skills. This includes Key Stage 2 maths, which tests a student's knowledge of mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, this paper evaluates non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning skills, which involve identifying patterns, sequences, and relationships between shapes and figures. These sections assess a student's ability to think logically and solve problems using visual information.

Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)

As well as Dr Challoner's High School, several other schools also use Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). These are:

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Dr Challoner's High 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Dr Challoner's High School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Dr Challoner's High School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Dr Challoner's High School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/05/2025Registration Opens For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer TestAdd Dates to Calendar
13/06/2025Registration Closes For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
09/09/2025Buckinghamshire Practice Test
11/09/2025Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Early OctoberParents Receive Results From The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Late OctoberSecondary School Common Application Deadline
02/03/2026National School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Dr Challoner's High School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Dr Challoner's High 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 Dr Challoner's High School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School

Unfortunately, Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High 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 BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Dr Challoner's High 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High School by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Dr Challoner's High School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Dr Challoner's High School together with their admissions contact details.

Dr Challoner's High School is a girls-only grammar school.
Dr Challoner's High School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Dr Challoner's High School,
Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont,
Amersham,
Buckinghamshire
HP7 9QB
School Website
Telephone01494763296
Email Addressoffice@challonershigh.com
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1285 (1285 Girls / 0 Boys)
Head Alan Roe

Dr Challoner's High School is a girls only 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 1,285 pupils attend Dr Challoner's High School and it's led by the Head, Alan Roe.

Dr Challoner's High School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Dr Challoner's High School was last inspected by Ofsted on 21/11/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 24/01/2024, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Dr Challoner's High School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Dr Challoner's High School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
21/11/2023124/01/2024OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Dr Challoner's High School was inspected by Ofsted on 21 November 2023, and the overall outcome was Outstanding. The school received the highest rating in all areas assessed, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision.

This exceptional result demonstrates the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its students. The Outstanding ratings across all categories indicate that Dr Challoner's High School excels in delivering a well-rounded educational experience, fostering positive behaviour and attitudes, supporting personal development, and benefiting from strong leadership and management.

The Outstanding rating for the school's Sixth form provision further highlights the institution's success in preparing students for higher education and future careers. Dr Challoner's High School has proven itself to be a top-performing educational establishment, setting a high standard for other schools to follow.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Dr Challoner's High School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (183 pupils)
  • Chemistry (183 pupils)
  • English Language (183 pupils)
  • English Literature (183 pupils)
  • Mathematics (183 pupils)
  • Physics (182 pupils)
  • Geography (118 pupils)
  • Spanish (105 pupils)
  • History (92 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (66 pupils)
  • French (51 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (43 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (39 pupils)
  • German (35 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (35 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (34 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (34 pupils)
  • Music (28 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Graphics) (25 pupils)
  • Latin (18 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (104 pupils)
  • Biology (76 pupils)
  • Chemistry (60 pupils)
  • Psychology (48 pupils)
  • Geography (44 pupils)
  • English Literature (36 pupils)
  • History (35 pupils)
  • Economics (30 pupils)
  • Physics (30 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (20 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (16 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (14 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (12 pupils)
  • English Language (12 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (11 pupils)
  • French (10 pupils)
  • Spanish (8 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (6 pupils)
  • Latin (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Dr Challoner's High 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)39----177879
Art & Design (Graphics)25-----443311
Biology183---14730363174
Chemistry183---161529234366
Classical Civilisation43---1-6117612
Computer Studies/Computing34---11166910
English Language183-----726455847
English Literature183----1923464163
French51----15441225
Geography118---1-16193754
German35----24171110
History92----129213227
Latin18----116226
Mathematics183----2521358040
Music28----176653
Physics182---171029343665
Religious Studies66-----2181441
Spanish1053--6111413251617
Drama & Theatre Studies34-----3381010
Physical Education/Sports Studies35---1-285910

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology76-1510232017
Business Studies:Single11--23231
Chemistry60--61015245
Classical Civilisation16---1213-
Computer Studies / Computing6--2-13-
Drama and Theatre Studies12---147-
Economics30-1-3998
English Language12---3531
English Literature36---312138
French10---1351
Geography44--1472012
Government and Politics20----6112
History35-2-313107
Latin6--11-31
Mathematics104-3415233821
Mathematics (Further)14-1-2137
Physics30--36894
Psychology48-134131611
Spanish8---22-4

FAQ

Is Dr Challoner's High School hard to get into?

Yes, Dr Challoner's High 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 Dr Challoner's High School a private school?

No, Dr Challoner's High School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Dr Challoner's High School free?

Yes, Dr Challoner's High School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Dr Challoner's High School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Dr Challoner's High School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Dr Challoner's High 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.

Is Dr Challoner's High School a girls-only school?

Yes, Dr Challoner's High School is a girls-only school.

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