The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

How to get into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. To get into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 192 places annually, comprising 182 day places and 10 boarding places [1].

Boys must achieve a minimum score of 121 in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) to qualify for admission see key dates. The school operates within a catchment area that includes priority areas for certain applicants [1].

  • Boys only admission for Years 7-11
  • Sixth Form becomes co-educational from September 2025 (see key dates)
  • Both day and boarding places available
  • No application fees required for state education

Application Process

Families must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through their local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates). The application period runs from early September to 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically registered for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) at their current school. Those attending schools outside Buckinghamshire must register separately between 2nd May and 13th June 2025 (see key dates).

  • Name The Royal Grammar School as a preferred choice on the CAF
  • Submit applications through the relevant local authority website
  • Boarding applicants complete additional Boarding Registration Form for Year 7 only
  • Provide proof of address and birth certificate as required
  • Contact the school information section for specific enquiries

The Examination Process

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) consists of two papers, each lasting approximately 45 minutes with multiple-choice questions. Both papers are taken on the same day with a short break between sessions in September.

The practice test takes place on Tuesday 9th September 2025 (see key dates). The main examination is held on Thursday 11th September 2025 (see key dates). Results are released by 4pm on 10th October 2025 (see key dates).

  • Paper 1: English, Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning (weighted at 50%)
  • Paper 2: Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning (weighted at 25% each)
  • All scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness for younger candidates
  • Qualifying score of 121 or above required for grammar school eligibility across Buckinghamshire

Admission Criteria and Priority Areas

When qualified applicants exceed available places, the school applies oversubscription criteria in priority order based on specific rules. The school operates priority areas within its catchment boundary [1].

Children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) naming the school receive places before other applicants reducing remaining availability accordingly. Priority B areas apply where families have access to multiple grammar schools within reasonable distance [1].

  • Children with EHCP plans naming the school
  • Children eligible for Free School Meals within catchment area
  • Children with siblings already attending the school
  • Children living within the designated catchment area
  • All remaining places allocated by distance from school closest first
  • Boarding places require additional interviews with Head of Boarding

School Open Events

The school hosts multiple open events for prospective families during the application period. Open Evening takes place on Thursday 3rd July 2025 from 5.30pm to 8pm, with school tours starting at 5.30pm and Headmaster presentations at 6.30pm, 7.00pm and 7.30pm in the Queen's Hall [1].

Open Mornings are scheduled for Tuesday 14th October and Thursday 16th October 2025, running from 9.30am to 11.30am with Headmaster presentations at 10am followed by school tours [1]. Families interested in boarding places should contact the Admissions Office directly to book specialist boarding tours.

  • Thursday 3rd July 2025 - Open Evening (5.30pm-8pm)
  • Tuesday 14th October 2025 - Open Morning (9.30am-11.30am)
  • Thursday 16th October 2025 - Open Morning (9.30am-11.30am)
  • Book boarding tours separately through the Admissions Office

Preparation Guidance

Effective preparation should begin 12-18 months before the examination date. Educational experts recommend using a 'little and often' approach with regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. This method helps children encode information more effectively than intensive cramming sessions.

Families can access preparation resources through various channels. For practice papers and preparation materials, visit the practice papers section. Professional tutoring support is available through the 11+ tutor directory. Students consistently scoring 75% or above in practice tests typically demonstrate readiness for the actual examination.

  • Start preparation in Year 5 for optimal results
  • Focus on core subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Use GL Assessment practice materials as the official test provider
  • Practice multiple-choice techniques and time management
  • Familiarise children with separate answer sheets and question booklets
  • Regular mock examinations under timed conditions

Practical Advice for Exam Day

On examination day, children should arrive at their designated test centre well-rested and prepared. Children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools take the test at their current school, while others attend central testing venues within Buckinghamshire. Families should ensure children have appropriate stationery and arrive punctually.

The examination environment follows strict protocols with practice tests available beforehand to familiarise students with exam conditions and test layout. Parents should maintain calm, supportive attitudes and avoid placing excessive pressure on children. Regular sleep patterns and healthy nutrition in the weeks leading up to the test contribute significantly to optimal performance.

  • Arrive 15 minutes early at the designated test venue
  • Bring required identification documents as requested
  • Pack pencils, erasers and other permitted stationery
  • Ensure children have a good breakfast on test day
  • Maintain regular bedtime routines throughout the preparation period
  • Stay calm and encourage positive thinking

Alternative School Options

Families should research backup options within Buckinghamshire's education system. Buckinghamshire operates a fully selective system with 13 grammar schools and 31 upper schools available. Upper schools provide excellent education for children who do not qualify for grammar school places or prefer non-selective environments.

Children scoring below 121 in the Secondary Transfer Test typically attend upper schools rather than grammar schools. Families can appeal decisions through official channels and may access Selection Review Panels for borderline cases. The comprehensive range of schools ensures suitable educational pathways for all children regardless of test outcomes.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information

In order to get into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, 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 students seeking admission to The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, consists of two separate one-hour papers that evaluate a range of skills and knowledge essential for success in secondary education.

The first paper focuses on verbal skills, assessing the candidate's proficiency in English comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning. These sections aim to gauge the student's ability to understand and analyze written text, grasp complex language concepts, and draw logical conclusions based on given information.

The second paper concentrates on mathematical and non-verbal skills. This includes questions based on Key Stage 2 maths curriculum, non-verbal reasoning tasks that test the student's ability to identify patterns and solve problems using visual cues, and spatial reasoning exercises that assess their understanding of shapes, space, and position. Success in this entrance exam requires a well-rounded knowledge base and strong critical thinking skills.

Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)

As well as The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/05/2025Registration Opens For The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

Unfortunately, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe

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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

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

11+ Practice Papers for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe together with their admissions contact details.

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a boys-only grammar school.
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe,
Amersham Road,
High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire
HP13 6QT
School Website
Telephone01494524955
Email Addressadmin@rgshw.com
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 PlacesUnknown
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1424 (0 Girls / 1424 Boys)
Headmaster Mr Philip Wayne

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a boys 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).

Notably, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is one of very few English grammar schools to also offer boarding facilities.

In total 1,424 pupils attend The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Philip Wayne.

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe Location

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

Ofsted Information

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe was last inspected by Ofsted on 09/10/2019 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 28/11/2019, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
09/10/2019128/11/2019GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe underwent an Ofsted inspection on 9 October 2019, receiving an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated outstanding performance in several areas, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth form provision.

The quality of education and leadership and management were both rated as good. These ratings indicate that the school provides a high-quality educational experience for its students, with effective leadership and management supporting the school's success.

The Royal Grammar School's outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth form provision highlight the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing students for success in their future endeavors.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (203 pupils)
  • Biology (202 pupils)
  • English Language (202 pupils)
  • English Literature (201 pupils)
  • Physics (201 pupils)
  • Chemistry (200 pupils)
  • Geography (151 pupils)
  • History (122 pupils)
  • French (105 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (81 pupils)
  • Spanish (71 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (60 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (52 pupils)
  • German (29 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (25 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Graphics) (24 pupils)
  • Music (23 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (19 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (12 pupils)
  • Latin (8 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (125 pupils)
  • Economics (81 pupils)
  • Biology (51 pupils)
  • Chemistry (48 pupils)
  • Physics (47 pupils)
  • History (46 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (44 pupils)
  • Geography (35 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (31 pupils)
  • Psychology (31 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (23 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (20 pupils)
  • English Literature (13 pupils)
  • French (12 pupils)
  • Ancient History (9 pupils)
  • Spanish (9 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (7 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (6 pupils)
  • German (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 (Graphics)24-----57534
Art & Design (Fine Art)19----162613
Biology202----61644355051
Chemistry200---141226414472
Classical Civilisation12---11-5221
Computer Studies/Computing81---33510252015
Design & Technology52------132424
English Language202----41337615532
English Literature2011-1-52442445529
French105---141014301926
Geography151----4618434832
German29----184646
History122---26710203443
Latin8----1-2-23
Mathematics203-----1012346087
Music23---11-1776
Physics201----8927405067
Religious Studies25---1--64113
Spanish71---121212161612
Physical Education/Sports Studies60---2411169153

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Ancient History9--1224-
Art and Design (Fine Art)6----1-5
Biology51-45411179
Business Studies:Single31-24101113
Chemistry48--1411229
Computer Studies / Computing20-2-23112
Design and Technology (Product Design)7----115
Economics81-472521213
English Literature13----724
French12--21261
Geography35--1612115
German6---123-
Government and Politics23-134762
History46---611236
Mathematics125-178213552
Mathematics (Further)44---132416
Physics47---2101916
Psychology31-278722
Spanish9---3114

FAQ

Is The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe hard to get into?

Yes, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe a private school?

No, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe free?

Yes, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe 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 The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe a boys-only school?

Yes, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a boys-only school.

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