Buckinghamshire 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Buckinghamshire Test?
The Buckinghamshire Transfer Test is an 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment and is used by all grammar schools in Buckinghamshire. The test is designed to identify pupils working at a level suitable for grammar school entry and forms part of the schools’ admissions process. It consists of multiple-choice papers in verbal skills, maths, and non-verbal reasoning.
Each year, thousands of Year 6 children take the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus, competing for limited places across the 13 grammar schools in the consortium. All applicants sit the same test for all schools. The exam is usually held in September, either at the child’s primary school or at an assigned test centre, depending on their school or home location.
Key Information About the Buckinghamshire Test
Applies To:
The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools group consists of 13 grammar schools situated throughout the county.
Test Format:
GL Assessment sets the test, which covers maths, verbal skills, and non-verbal reasoning. There is no creative writing task in the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus.
Admissions Criteria
There are no formal entry requirements for the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test. Most Year 6 pupils in Buckinghamshire are automatically registered by their primary school, while parents of children living outside the area need to register them manually.
Places Available:
Each year, there are around 2,300 to 2,400 grammar school places available across the 13 schools in the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) group.
Applications:
Each year, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 children take the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus Test. Most are automatically registered pupils from Buckinghamshire primary schools, with additional candidates from outside the county.
The format of the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus (Transfer Test)
The Buckinghamshire Transfer Test consists of multiple-choice papers in maths, verbal skills, and non-verbal reasoning. There is no creative writing task. The test is designed to assess your child’s academic ability and reasoning skills, and to compare their performance with other applicants.
Paper 1: Verbal Skills (GL Assessment)
Verbal Skills section
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Approximately 60 minutes in length, which includes instructions and practice questions which won’t be marked
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Assessed English comprehension, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning
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All questions are multiple choice
Paper 2: Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Paper also lasts approximately 60 minutes, including instructions and practice questions which do not count towards their final score. Both sections are multiple-choice format.
Maths section
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Covers Key Stage 2 maths topics, such as problem-solving and applying knowledge to unfamiliar questions
Non-Verbal Reasoning section
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Includes visual and spatial reasoning questions
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Designed to assess logic and pattern recognition skills
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
Buckinghamshire Test Pass Mark
Which Schools Use the Buckinghamshire Test?
Here are the 13 grammar schools that use the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test—aka the 11 Plus—across the county, all part of the TBGS consortium:
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Consortium (TBGS)
Aylesbury Grammar School
Aylesbury High School
Beaconsfield High School
Burnham Grammar School
Chesham Grammar School
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Dr Challoner’s High School
John Hampden Grammar School
The Royal Grammar School
The Royal Latin School
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
Wycombe High School
Admissions Criteria for the Buckinghamshire Test
Buckinghamshire Transfer Test Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions requirements to take the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, but a few practical points should be noted. The test is intended for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place in Buckinghamshire
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In Year 5 and looking to start Year 7 in September 2026
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Working at or above age-related expectations academically
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Able to handle additional practice in verbal, non-verbal, and mathematical reasoning under timed conditions
Most children attending Buckinghamshire state primary schools are registered automatically. Those from outside the area must be registered manually.
Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) Admissions Criteria
Once a child meets the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test pass mark, each grammar school applies its own admissions criteria, which may include:
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Distance from the school
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Sibling priority
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Pupil premium eligibility
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Children of staff
For specific details, refer to the link in the table above for each school’s individual admissions policy and application process.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | Friday 2nd May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Friday 13th June 2025 |
| Practice test Practice test | Tuesday 9th September 2025 |
| Test date Test date | Thursday 11th September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Friday 10th October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the 11 Plus Buckinghamshire Test
How to Apply for the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test
- Automatic registration: Most children at Buckinghamshire state primary schools are automatically registered for the Transfer Test by their school.
- Manual registration: If your child attends a school outside Buckinghamshire, you must complete the online application on the Buckinghamshire Council website during the registration window. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and current school information.
- Test centre allocation: The council will assign a test centre for children who do not attend a Buckinghamshire primary school.
- Confirmation: After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
Once your child achieves the qualifying score, each grammar school applies its own admissions criteria. These may include distance from the school, sibling priority, pupil premium eligibility, or children of staff. Check the relevant school’s website for details on their admissions policy and application process.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Buckinghamshire Transfer Test
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test can make a significant difference. Here are some practical steps to help them succeed:
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give your child plenty of time to develop key skills.
Use Practice Papers
Work through Buckinghamshire-style 11 Plus practice papers under timed conditions. This helps your child become familiar with the exam format and improve their test technique.
Focus on Weak Areas
Monitor your child’s progress to identify topics that need extra attention.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, supporting both verbal skills and reasoning papers.
Try Online Tools
Use online resources that offer Buckinghamshire-specific practice questions and provide personalised feedback to make revision more effective and engaging.
Consistent, structured, and positive preparation can help your child feel confident and ready for the test.
Buckinghamshire Transfer Test 11 Plus FAQs
Who is eligible to take the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus (Transfer Test)?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is looking to start Year 7 at a Buckinghamshire grammar school can sit the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus. There are no formal eligibility requirements, but children should be working at or above age-related expectations.
How many grammar school places are available through the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test each year?
Across the 13 schools in the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Consortium, there are approximately 2,300 to 2,400 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus (Transfer Test)?
The Buckinghamshire Transfer Test includes multiple-choice papers in maths, verbal skills, and non-verbal reasoning. There is no creative writing component.
What is the pass mark for the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus?
To qualify for a grammar school place, your child must achieve a Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS) of 121 or above. This score usually represents about the top 30–35% of test-takers each year. There is no minimum score required for individual sections.
How do I register my child for the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test?
You can register your child on the Buckinghamshire Council website. Registration must be completed during the specified window.
Can my child use their Buckinghamshire Transfer Test score to apply to more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to take the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test once. Their score can be used to apply to any of the 13 grammar schools within the Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools Consortium.