Buckinghamshire is one of the last fully selective counties in England, so grammar schools play a central part in secondary education here. For families in and around Aylesbury, knowing how the grammar schools work, and which are within reach, is an important part of planning your child’s education. This guide introduces the county’s grammar schools, explains how places are allocated and sets out what to think about when choosing.
What Is a Grammar School?
A grammar school is a state-funded secondary school that selects pupils by academic ability. There are no fees. In Buckinghamshire, entry is decided by the Secondary Transfer Test, known locally as the 11 plus, which children sit in September of Year 6. Our parent’s guide to the Buckinghamshire 11 plus explains the test in detail.
Grammar Schools in Aylesbury
Aylesbury has three grammar schools, all popular with families across the Vale of Aylesbury and the villages below the Chiltern Hills.
Aylesbury Grammar School
A boys’ grammar school in the centre of Aylesbury with a long history and a strong academic reputation.
Aylesbury High School
A girls’ grammar school in Aylesbury, known for high academic standards and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
A co-educational grammar school in Aylesbury, which appeals to families who want boys and girls to be educated together.
Other Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire has 13 grammar schools in total. Beyond Aylesbury, families in the Princes Risborough, Wendover and Great Missenden areas often look at schools in High Wycombe and the Chilterns.
- High Wycombe: John Hampden Grammar School (boys), Royal Grammar School (boys) and Wycombe High School (girls)
- Amersham and Little Chalfont: Dr Challoner’s Grammar School (boys) and Dr Challoner’s High School (girls)
- Chesham: Chesham Grammar School (co-educational)
- Beaconsfield: Beaconsfield High School (girls)
- Marlow: Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School (co-educational)
- Burnham: Burnham Grammar School (co-educational)
- Buckingham: Royal Latin School (co-educational)
How Are Grammar School Places Allocated?
Qualifying through the Secondary Transfer Test
A standardised score of 121 or above in the Secondary Transfer Test qualifies a child for a Buckinghamshire grammar school. Children who do not reach 121 may be considered through the selection review process.
Oversubscription criteria
Qualifying does not guarantee a place at a particular school. When a school has more qualified applicants than places, it uses its own oversubscription criteria, which often include catchment area and distance from home. These rules vary, so read each school’s admissions policy carefully and check whether your address falls within its catchment.
Applying for a place
You apply through your home local authority’s secondary school application, usually by 31 October of Year 6. Test results are released in early October, so you know whether your child has qualified before you submit your preferences.
How to Choose the Right Grammar School
Visit on open days
Most grammar schools hold open evenings in the summer and early autumn of Year 5 and Year 6. Visiting gives you a feel for the atmosphere, pastoral care and how pupils talk about their school.
Think about the journey
A daily journey to High Wycombe or Amersham is very different from a short trip into Aylesbury. Check travel times and transport options before adding a school to your list.
Consider single-sex and co-educational options
Some children flourish in single-sex schools, while others prefer a mixed environment. Think about your child’s personality and friendships.
Include a range of options
Put a mix of grammar and non-grammar schools on your application, so your child has a good choice whatever the test result.
From Prep School to Grammar School
Many prep school pupils in Buckinghamshire go on to grammar schools. Because children at independent schools are not entered for the 11 plus automatically, parents must register them during the summer term of Year 5.
At Griffin House School in Little Kimble, our pupils regularly move on to Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury High School, Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, John Hampden Grammar School and Wycombe High School, as well as to independent and state schools. Our small classes and broad curriculum build the skills and confidence children need, and every Year 6 pupil has one-to-one time with our Headteacher to prepare for secondary school interviews. Read what a prep school is to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three: Aylesbury Grammar School (boys), Aylesbury High School (girls) and Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (co-educational).
There are 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, all using the Secondary Transfer Test for entry.
No. Grammar schools are state-funded, so there are no tuition fees.
No. A score of 121 or more means your child qualifies, but places are allocated using each school’s oversubscription criteria, such as catchment area.
Yes. Many prep school pupils go on to grammar schools. Parents simply need to register their child for the Secondary Transfer Test during Year 5.
