Dr Challoner’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School is a highly selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational sixth form, located in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Established in 1624, the school has a rich tradition of academic excellence and is particularly strong in science and languages, complemented by a wide range of extracurricular opportunities such as robotics and Model United Nations.
Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Dr Challoner’s admits around 180 boys each year from approximately 500 applicants. Entry to Year 7 is through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), a GL Assessment exam consisting of two one-hour multiple-choice papers: English comprehension and verbal reasoning (50%), and mathematics and non-verbal reasoning (25% each). Admissions are based on test results, with oversubscription criteria prioritising looked after children, boys in receipt of Pupil Premium, siblings, sons of staff, and those living closest to the school within the catchment area.
With exceptional teaching, a broad and challenging curriculum, and a strong culture of aspiration and community, Dr Challoner’s Grammar School prepares its pupils to thrive both academically and personally, making it one of the leading grammar schools in the country.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Key Information
Contact information, school address, and parking details for Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
School Address
Full Address:
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Chesham RdAmersham
Buckinghamshire
HP6 5HA
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no on-site parking available at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
Additional parking off site
The school does not provide dedicated off-site parking. Visitors are advised to use public car parks in Amersham or park considerately in nearby residential areas where restrictions allow.
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dr Challoner’s Grammar School is rated Outstanding across all areas, with pupils flourishing academically and personally.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well, with progress well above average nationally and strong results across subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers deliver a broad, challenging curriculum that develops deep subject understanding and intellectual curiosity.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing maturity, respect, and pride in contributing to the school and wider community.
Leadership and safeguarding: Inspirational leadership ensures a united vision, staff wellbeing, and highly effective safeguarding systems that keep pupils safe.
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 is determined by the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which is administered by The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS).
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Format
GL Assessment Test
The first stage is made up of two one-hour multiple-choice papers. Paper 1 covers English comprehension and verbal reasoning, while Paper 2 assesses mathematics and non-verbal reasoning. All answers are recorded on separate answer sheets, and results are age-standardised to form part of the final score.
Subject Summary
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
To be considered for a place at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, pupils must achieve the qualifying score in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). Scores from both papers are age-standardised and combined to produce a Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS), weighted as follows: 50% verbal ability, 25% numerical ability, and 25% non-verbal ability. The qualifying score is 121, though some priority places within the 180 available may be allocated to boys in the catchment area eligible for Pupil Premium or looked after children who score 115 or above. Meeting the pass mark does not guarantee a place, as oversubscription criteria are applied if more pupils qualify than places available.
Catchment Area
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School has a defined catchment area that is used when applying its oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to eligible boys living closest to the school, particularly within local towns and villages such as Amersham, Chesham, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont Common, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden and Prestwood. While boys from outside the catchment may still apply and sit the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), living within the catchment increases the likelihood of being offered a place when the school is oversubscribed.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, your son must:
- Be registered for the Secondary Transfer Test (STT) through The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS).
- Be named as a preference on your Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF).
If more boys achieve the qualifying score than there are places available, the school applies its oversubscription criteria in the following order of priority:
- Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
- Boys living in the catchment area who are eligible for Pupil Premium.
- Brothers of current students who live in the catchment area.
- Up to 12 places reserved for boys in the catchment area who are Looked After/Previously Looked After or in receipt of Pupil Premium, achieving a standardised score of at least 115.
- Sons of staff employed at the school.
- Boys living in the catchment area, ranked by distance from the school.
- Brothers of current students living outside the catchment area.
- All other applicants, ranked by distance from the school.
Click find out more about Dr Challoner’s Grammar School’s admission policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
Here are some ways you can help your son prepare for the test.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to build skills gradually and avoid unnecessary pressure later on.
Use Exam Papers
Timed practice papers help your child get used to the test format and develop strong exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Identify the subjects or question types your child finds most difficult and dedicate extra time to improving them.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking — all vital for success in the 11 Plus at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools can provide tailored practice, instant feedback and engaging activities to make preparation more effective.
Best Chance of Success
Consistent, structured preparation will help your child feel confident, organised and ready to perform at their best in the test.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are working on setting up local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely replicate the format used by Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. These sessions will allow pupils to experience real exam conditions, helping to build both confidence and performance. Although this service is not yet available, you can register your interest using the form below, and we will get in touch as soon as mock exams are offered in your area.
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School’s Key Dates
Important dates to note when applying to Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
Registration for STT Opens
Registration Deadline
Practice Test
STT
Open Evening
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place there are three steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure to read the Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF so you and your child are fully informed about the application process and eligibility requirements.
View Admissions PolicySecondary Transfer Test (STT) Registration
You must complete the online registration between 2nd May and 13th June 2025 for your child to sit the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test. Late applications will not be accepted except in exceptional circumstances.
Visit Registration WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
The CAF must be submitted to your Local Authority by 31st October 2025, with Dr Challoner’s Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. Both the STT registration and the CAF must be completed; failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School FAQs
To apply, families must complete three steps: read the school’s Admissions Policy, register for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) during the registration window, and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to their local authority, listing Dr Challoner’s as a preference. Both the STT registration and the CAF must be submitted by their deadlines for the application to be valid.
Entry is based on the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which is set by GL Assessment. Pupils sit two one-hour multiple-choice papers: Paper 1 tests English comprehension and verbal reasoning, while Paper 2 covers mathematics and non-verbal reasoning. Scores are age-standardised and combined to produce a Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS), which determines eligibility for admission.
Entry is competitive, with around 500 applicants each year for 180 Year 7 places. Achieving the qualifying score of 121 (or 115 for certain priority applicants) is required, but offers are made according to the school’s oversubscription criteria when more pupils qualify than places are available.
Yes. The school has a defined catchment area covering towns and villages such as Amersham, Chesham, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont Common, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden and Prestwood. While pupils outside the catchment may apply, those living within it are prioritised when places are oversubscribed.