Wycombe High School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Wycombe High School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Wycombe High School

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

Wycombe High School is an exceptional all-girls grammar school located in the heart of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. From its humble beginnings with just a handful of students and staff, the school has flourished into a thriving educational institution, now accommodating over 1,300 pupils. Admission to this prestigious school is based on girls' performance in the Secondary Transfer Test, ensuring a community of academically gifted students.

All images © Wycombe High School.
All images © Wycombe High School.

At Wycombe High School, the curriculum is carefully crafted to be both comprehensive and adaptable, catering to the unique interests and aspirations of each student. The school recognizes that its students are the future leaders and innovators, and thus, the syllabus is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. While core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science form the foundation of the curriculum, the school also places great emphasis on creative and digital learning, offering a wide array of subjects and activities to foster well-rounded development.

All images © Wycombe High School.
All images © Wycombe High School.

Beyond the classroom, Wycombe High School offers an impressive range of extracurricular activities, with over 100 clubs and societies available for students to explore their passions and develop essential life skills. From the performing arts and sports to philosophy and politics, there is something for every student to engage in. The school also actively promotes STEM subjects, providing numerous opportunities for girls to delve into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through captivating clubs, competitions, and educational visits.

All images © Wycombe High School.
All images © Wycombe High School.

Wycombe High School prides itself on nurturing an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school's dedication to providing high-quality pastoral care and maintaining a safe and serene atmosphere has been recognized by Ofsted, which has awarded the school an 'outstanding' rating. With a focus on fostering limitless ambition and an insatiable curiosity for learning, Wycombe High School encourages its students to pursue their dreams fearlessly, empowering them with the belief that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve.

The success of Wycombe High School is evident in the achievements of its students, who go on to pursue higher education at prestigious universities, secure respected apprenticeships, and embark on successful careers. As a beacon of educational excellence, Wycombe High School continues to inspire and empower young women to become the trailblazers of tomorrow.

Wycombe High School is a girls-only grammar school.
Wycombe High School is a girls-only grammar school.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Wycombe High School together with their admissions contact details.

Address
Wycombe High School,
Marlow Road,
High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire
HP11 1TB
School Website
Telephone 01494523961
Email Address admissions@whs.bucks.sch.uk
Gender Girls only
Total Year 7 Places 192
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1321 (1321 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Mrs Nicola Renyard

Wycombe 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 1,321 pupils attend Wycombe High School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Nicola Renyard.

Wycombe High 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 Wycombe High School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (188 pupils)
  • Chemistry (188 pupils)
  • English Language (188 pupils)
  • English Literature (188 pupils)
  • Mathematics (188 pupils)
  • Physics (188 pupils)
  • History (121 pupils)
  • Spanish (111 pupils)
  • Geography (93 pupils)
  • French (80 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (79 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (68 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (48 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (44 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (35 pupils)
  • Ancient History (29 pupils)
  • Music (23 pupils)
  • Latin (15 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (83 pupils)
  • Psychology (74 pupils)
  • Biology (68 pupils)
  • Chemistry (58 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (45 pupils)
  • English Literature (42 pupils)
  • History (41 pupils)
  • Physics (25 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (20 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (19 pupils)
  • Economics (17 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (16 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (16 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (14 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (13 pupils)
  • Geography (10 pupils)
  • Spanish (9 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (7 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (7 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (6 pupils)

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information

In order to get into Wycombe 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 a crucial assessment for students seeking admission to Wycombe High School. This exam, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates a range of skills across two distinct one-hour papers. Verbal abilities, including comprehension, technical proficiency, and reasoning, are thoroughly assessed in one paper. The other paper focuses on mathematical aptitude, along with non-verbal and spatial reasoning skills.

To excel in the Secondary Transfer Test, students must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Key Stage 2 maths concepts and exhibit strong problem-solving abilities. Additionally, a solid grasp of the English language, including technical vocabulary and comprehension skills, is essential for success in the verbal section.

By assessing a diverse set of skills, the Secondary Transfer Test aims to identify students who possess the academic potential to thrive at Wycombe High School. Those who perform well in both papers showcase a balanced skill set and the ability to adapt to the rigorous educational environment offered by this prestigious institution.

Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)

As well as Wycombe 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 Wycombe 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 Wycombe High 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 Wycombe High 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 Wycombe High School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Wycombe High School was last inspected by Ofsted on 27/06/2012 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 19/07/2012, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Wycombe High School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.
Wycombe High School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
27/06/2012 1 19/07/2012 Outstanding Full Report

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Wycombe 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)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ancient History 29 - - 1 1 - 4 6 7 5 5
Art & Design (Fine Art) 48 - - - - 3 7 7 18 4 9
Biology 188 1 - - 1 6 13 41 34 42 50
Chemistry 188 - - - 3 10 16 41 32 40 45
Design & Technology 68 - - - - - 4 13 13 18 20
English Language 188 - - - 3 3 11 39 37 41 53
English Literature 188 - 1 - - 3 7 27 49 48 53
French 80 4 - - 5 9 10 8 17 10 15
Geography 93 - - - - 3 3 13 19 35 20
History 121 - - 1 2 4 9 14 23 38 30
Latin 15 - - - - - - 1 4 5 5
Mathematics 188 - - - - 3 17 46 38 49 34
Music 23 - - - 1 - 2 2 3 7 8
Physics 188 1 - - - 6 18 48 35 41 38
Religious Studies 79 - - - - 1 3 7 23 20 25
Spanish 111 4 - - 9 10 15 14 26 20 12
Drama & Theatre Studies 44 - - - - - 6 6 16 6 10
Physical Education/Sports Studies 35 - - - - 1 1 6 10 11 6

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) 16 - - 1 - 4 7 4
Biology 68 - - 9 5 21 24 8
Business Studies:Single 20 - 1 - 3 8 6 2
Chemistry 58 - 3 6 14 13 14 7
Classical Civilisation 13 - - - 1 7 3 2
Computer Studies / Computing 16 - - 2 3 5 5 1
Design and Technology (Product Design) 7 - - - - 1 2 4
Drama and Theatre Studies 6 - - - - 3 3 -
Economics 17 - - - 3 5 8 1
English Literature 42 - - 1 3 11 13 14
Geography 10 - - - 2 4 3 1
Government and Politics 45 - - - 6 16 16 7
History 41 - 1 2 3 13 20 2
Mathematics 83 - 5 5 19 14 28 11
Mathematics (Further) 19 - - 2 1 6 8 1
Physical Education / Sports Studies 7 - - - - 1 2 4
Physics 25 - 1 1 6 8 7 2
Psychology 74 - 1 - 4 19 32 18
Religious Studies 14 - - - - 7 3 4
Spanish 9 - 1 1 - 3 2 2

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Wycombe High 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 Wycombe High 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 Wycombe High School hard to get into?

Yes, Wycombe 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 Wycombe High School a private school?

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

Is Wycombe High School free?

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

How do I get my child into Wycombe High School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Wycombe 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 Wycombe High School a girls-only school?

Yes, Wycombe High School is a girls-only school.

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