Chesham Grammar School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Chesham Grammar School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Chesham Grammar School

Chesham Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. For children to get into Chesham Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Chesham Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the heart of White Hill, Chesham, lies Chesham Grammar School, a beacon of educational excellence for students aged 11 to 18. This co-educational grammar school has earned a stellar reputation for its unwavering commitment to providing a well-rounded and comprehensive education that prepares its pupils for the ever-evolving challenges of the modern world. With its status as an Academy, Specialist, and Humanities College, Chesham Grammar School stands at the forefront of educational innovation.

At Chesham Grammar School, students embark on an enriching educational journey guided by the national curriculum. The school takes great pride in striking a harmonious balance between classical academic subjects and creative pursuits, ensuring that pupils receive a diverse and stimulating learning experience. From the moment they step through the doors, students are encouraged to explore their passions and cultivate new interests through a wide array of extracurricular activities. Whether it's honing their filmmaking skills in the film club, showcasing their musical talents in the various choirs, or delving into the world of computer programming, there is something for every student to embrace and enjoy.

The ethos of Chesham Grammar School is firmly rooted in the values of kindness, aspiration, and respect. These guiding principles permeate every aspect of school life, fostering an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. The school's vision is clear: to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically accomplished but also possess the strength of character and resilience necessary to thrive in the face of life's challenges. This commitment to excellence is evident in the exceptional performance of Chesham Grammar School's students, who consistently achieve outstanding results at both GCSE and A-levels.

Recognized as an "Outstanding" institution by Ofsted, Chesham Grammar School continues to set the standard for educational excellence. The school's dedicated staff work tirelessly to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that encourages students to push the boundaries of their abilities and embrace their unique talents. With its rich history, vibrant community, and unwavering commitment to student success, Chesham Grammar School is undoubtedly a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and educational excellence come together.

Chesham Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).
Chesham Grammar School is a mixed gender grammar school (i.e. both girls and boys).

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
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:

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
  • English Language (179 pupils)
  • Physics (178 pupils)
  • Biology (178 pupils)
  • Chemistry (178 pupils)
  • English Literature (178 pupils)
  • Mathematics (178 pupils)
  • Geography (109 pupils)
  • History (104 pupils)
  • French (84 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (59 pupils)
  • Spanish (57 pupils)
  • German (46 pupils)
  • Applied Engineering (42 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (42 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (36 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (33 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (31 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (21 pupils)
  • Music (20 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Textiles) (18 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (120 pupils)
  • Psychology (64 pupils)
  • Economics (57 pupils)
  • Biology (46 pupils)
  • History (45 pupils)
  • Chemistry (42 pupils)
  • Geography (41 pupils)
  • Sociology (39 pupils)
  • Physics (33 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (33 pupils)
  • English Literature (30 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (23 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (13 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (13 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (12 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Photography) (11 pupils)
  • Spanish (10 pupils)
  • Music (10 pupils)
  • French (10 pupils)

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:

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.

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 Chesham Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) tests (to get into Chesham Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

Date Event Calendar Link
03/05/2024 11+ Registration Opens
14/06/2024 11+ Registration Closes
12/09/2024 11+ Exam Date
11/10/2024 11+ Results Released
31/10/2024 Secondary School Application Deadline
03/03/2025 School Allocations

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.

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.

Chesham Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.
Chesham Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.

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 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 -

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Chesham Grammar School has not made any of their past 11+ papers publicly available.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

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.

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
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. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

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.

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