Dr Challoner’s High School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Dr Challoner’s High School
Dr Challoner’s High School (DCHS) is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11–18, located in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. Established in 1962, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
The school offers a broad curriculum with a focus on sports and languages, reflecting its specialist status in these areas. Beyond academics, DCHS provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and various clubs, encouraging students to develop practical skills and interests outside the classroom.
Admission to Year 7 is determined by performance in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), administered by The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS).
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Dr Challoner’s High School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Dr Challoner’s High School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Dr Challoner’s High 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 High School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Dr Challoner’s High School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Dr Challoner’s High School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Dr Challoner’s High School Key Information
Listed below is key information regarding Dr Challoner’s High School. This information will be useful in the admission process and application process to the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Ln,Little Chalfont
HP7 9QB
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited parking space available on the school premises, alternative parking is listed below:
- Snells Wood, 12a Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP7 9QA (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:30-18:00, Sun All Day)
- Chalfont & Latimer Station, Station Approach, Little Chalfont HP7 9PR (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Dr Challoner’s High School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Dr Challoner’s High School is rated Outstanding across all areas, with pupils flourishing academically and personally.
Academic strength: Outstanding
Teaching and curriculum: Outstanding
Behaviour and culture: Outstanding
Leadership and safeguarding: Outstanding
The Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Format
The Secondary Transfer Test (STT) used by The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) is administered by GL Assessment. All 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools, including Dr Challoner’s High School, select pupils based on performance in the STT.
Children attending Buckinghamshire state-funded primary schools are usually registered for the test automatically, unless a parent chooses to withdraw them. Registration is required for children attending independent schools or schools outside Buckinghamshire.
The STT assesses a range of core skills, including verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning. The format may feel unfamiliar at first, as it differs from standard classroom assessments. Early preparation and regular practice can help pupils build confidence and become comfortable with the style and structure of the test.
The STT: Overview
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) is administered by GL Assessment and is used by all 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools as part of the Year 7 admissions process.
Secondary Transfer Test: Qualifying Score
Results are usually issued in October for entry the following September. Scores are age-standardised to ensure younger pupils are not disadvantaged.
There is no fixed pass mark. Instead, pupils must achieve the qualifying score to be considered for grammar school admission. The qualifying score may vary slightly each year depending on overall performance.
Paper 1
English comprehension and Verbal Reasoning.
Paper 2
Maths and Non-verbal Reasoning.
The STT for TBGS entry - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Catchment Area
Students are eligible to be considered for admission to Dr Challoner’s High School in Year 7 if they achieve the qualifying score in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), or are deemed qualified through a Selection Review process. The qualifying score is set by Buckinghamshire Council and may vary slightly from year to year.
Oversubscription Criteria:
If more qualified applicants apply than there are places available, places are allocated in the following order of priority:
- Looked After and Previously Looked After children;
- Children living in the catchment area who are eligible for Pupil Premium;
- Siblings of students currently on roll at the school;
- Children with exceptional medical or social needs supported by appropriate evidence;
- Children of staff employed at the school in accordance with the admissions policy;
- Children living in the catchment area, prioritised by distance to the school;
- All other qualified applicants, prioritised by distance to the school.
Additional Information:
Children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan that names the school will be admitted in accordance with statutory requirements and are allocated places before the oversubscription criteria are applied.
For full details of the admissions process and eligibility criteria, please refer to Dr Challoner’s High School’s official admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Dr Challoner’s High School
Here are some ways you can help your child prepare for the test.
School-specific 11 Plus revision
Prepare your child for Dr Challoner’s High School with a school-specific 11 Plus Essentials Pack, developed to reflect the school’s entrance assessment requirements.
The pack brings together carefully selected guides and 11 plus revision papers covering the subjects tested by Dr Challoner’s High School. This helps ensure your child’s 11 plus revision is focused on relevant topics and practises the question styles they are most likely to face.
Designed to support structured home study, the pack can be used independently or alongside tutoring, providing a strong and reliable foundation for confident 11 Plus preparation.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Start preparing in Year 4 or early Year 5 to gradually build skills and avoid unnecessary pressure later.
Use Exam Papers
Timed practice papers familiarise your child with the test format and build their exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Identify the subjects or question types your child struggles with and dedicate extra time to improving them.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading builds vocabulary comprehension and critical thinking – all essential for success in the 11 Plus at Dr Challoner’s High School.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools offer personalised practice instant feedback and engaging activities to enhance preparation.
Best Chance of Success
Consistent and structured preparation will boost your child’s confidence organisation and readiness to perform at their best in the test.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re setting up local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely mirror those used by Dr Challoner’s High School. These sessions will give pupils a taste of real exam conditions, boosting both their confidence and performance. While this service isn’t yet available, you can register your interest below and we’ll contact you as soon as mock exams are offered in your area.
Dr Challoner’s High 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 High 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 High 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 High School FAQs
There is no official ‘pass mark’ for Dr Challoner’s High School. Instead, results are measured against the qualifying score for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test. This is the minimum requirement for a child to be considered for admission and it is typically 121, although it can change from year to year.
- Dr Challoner’s High School is one of the 13 grammar schools that make up The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS). Admission is based on performance in the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which is administered by GL Assessment. The test is multiple choice and assesses English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning.
- Buckinghamshire Council hosts familiarisation material to allow children to get used to the format of their exams