Royal Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 182
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Royal Grammar School
Royal Grammar School High Wycombe (RGS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18, located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Established in 1551, 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 languages and mathematics, reflecting its specialist status in these areas. Beyond academics, RGS provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and various clubs, encouraging students to develop practical skills and interests outside the classroom.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Royal Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Royal Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Royal 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 Royal Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Royal Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Royal Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Royal Grammar School Key Information
Below, we keep up to date, key information for Royal Grammar School, to be used by prospective students and their parents in the admissions and application process.
School Address
Full Address:
Royal Grammar School, Amersham Rd,High Wycombe
HP13 6QT
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There are parking spaces on the school premises, known as the Sixth Form car park. Further, there are plenty of parking spaces on adjoining roads. Alternative parking is listed below, within a half hour walk of the school:
- Terriers End Parking, High Wycombe HP13 7DB (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Totteridge Road Parking, High Wycombe HP13 6DR (Opening Times: Mon-Sun 07:00-19:00)
Royal Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good
Academic strength: Outstanding
Teaching and curriculum: Outstanding
Behaviour and culture: Good
Leadership and safeguarding: Outstanding
The Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Format
Common to all of TBGS, Royal Grammar School allocates places to students based on their performance in the STT. The STT is a GL 11 Plus under the GL exam board. If your child attends a state-funded grammar school, they will automatically be entered into the STT for the appropriate year; registration for the STT is therefore only required where your child attended an independent school, or one outside Buckinghamshire. The content of the assessment tests beyond what is taught at primary education level; the test is designed to push candidates with the question difficulty and formatting. The unfamiliar format of the test and its difficulty can seem daunting. The 11 Plus Hero is here to help. We understand and are accustomed to the content of the test; its methodology and method of marking. We can provide a toolkit to your child, familiarising them with the test format and ensuring they have the best chance to succeed.
The STT: Overview
There are four key components to the STT, which is overseen and marked by the GL Exam Board, making it a GL 11 Plus Exam. The STT will assess candidates competency in English, Verbal Reasoning (VR), Non-verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Maths. For an in depth breakdown of the GL 11 Plus in Buckinghamshire, please visit our article ‘Selective Tests in Buckinghamshire – The GL 11 Plus Test’.
Overview:
The test consists of two exam papers, each taking approximately 60 minutes in length.
- Paper One: Verbal Reasoning (VR) & English: VR and English each have their own section.
- Paper Two: Non-verbal Reasoning (NVR) & Mathematics: NVR will include Spatial Reasoning (SR) too, and will have its own section. Maths will have its own section.
TBGS GL 11 Plus Test: Pass Criteria
Test scores are received by October for the following year of entry. For example, for entry in 2023, test scores will be received in October 2022. It is notable that younger children are not penalised for their age, the results are statistically standardised to compare any child’s score average to the average score of their school year. Further, there is no ‘pass mark’, for the STT; instead, admission is based on whether a candidate has met a ‘qualifying score’. This is the minimum aggregate score received upon sitting the STT that a child must receive in order to be eligible for admission to Royal Grammar School. The qualifying score in Royal Grammar School’s 2023 admission policy is stated as 121. However, the ‘qualifying mark’ can vary from year to year. Although the qualifying mark cannot be predicted, it is estimated that the top 25% of students will achieve the qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Test in Buckinghamshire – GL 11 Plus”
Paper 1:
English and Verbal Reasoning (each with their own section)
Paper 2:
Maths and Non-verbal Reasoning (each with their own section)
The STT for TBGS entry - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n/an/a |
Catchment Area
As a prerequisite, a child must achieve the qualifying score (currently 121) in order to be eligible for admission to Royal Grammar School. The school does operate on a catchment area; a map of this is found on their school website – https://www.rgshw.com/_site/data/files/documents/admissions%20policies/F7FCEAF26CE58E9350DCDB631DDB8078.pdf – it is notable that the catchment area is subject to change every year, so please check for the most updated version of the catchment area.
- What is defined as residing in the catchment area is subject to very specific rules, contained under section 3.0, on page 1 of the Day School Admissions Policy 2023 – https://www.rgshw.com/_site/data/files/documents/admissions%20policies/ACB248606F12BF02C43B45CAB18E6454.pdf
Oversubscription Criteria – Day School:
Where the number of eligible admissions exceeds the number of places at Royal Grammar School, offers for a place at the school are made on a tiered basis. The prerequisite to meet the “qualifying score” of 121 still must be met.
- Looked After and Previously Looked After boys*;
- Boys living in the catchment area of the school who qualify for Free School Meals, i.e. meeting the Pupil Premium**;
- Brothers of boys who are on the roll of the school at the time an application is made, and who are expected to be on the roll of the school at the time of the proposed admission;
- Boys living in the catchment area of the school;
- Sons of a member of staff where they:
- Have been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made; or
- The member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for which there is a demonstrable skills shortage;
- Once the rules have been applied, any further places will be offered in distance, using straight line distance between the family’s normal home address and the nearest pupil entrance to the school offering the closest first.
*A Looked After or Previously Looked After child is one who is in or has previously been in state authority care.
**A child in receipt of the Pupil Premium is eligible for free school meals must be eligible for them from 31st October of the preceding year of entry, and must remain eligible at the date of entry.
For a full and detailed breakdown of the admissions process and eligibility criteria, please visit the Royal Grammar School 2023 Admission Policy (Day Places) at https://www.rgshw.com/_site/data/files/documents/admissions%20policies/ACB248606F12BF02C43B45CAB18E6454.pdf
Oversubscription Criteria: Boarding School:
Where eligible applications (i.e. a child whose aggregate standardised score in the STT was 121 or above, or deemed qualified following a selection review) for admission exceed the number of places available, the following criteria will be applied in the order set out below to decide which student to admit:
- Looked after and Previously Looked After boys;
- Sons of members of the UK Armed Forces who qualify for Ministry of Defence financial assistance with the cost of boarding school fees;
- Boys with a boarding school need, defined for the purposes of this Policy as:
- Boys at risk or with an unstable home environment; and/or
- Boys whose parents are members of the UK Armed Forces, Crown Servants, or key workers (e.g. charity workers, people working for voluntary service organisations, teachers, law enforcement officers and medical staff working abroad) whose work dictates that they spend much of the year overseas or working unsocial hours;
- 11 Plus score by highest to lowest.
Additional Eligibilities:
- Boys who qualify and have a statement of Special Educational Needs that names the school will be admitted prior to the application of the oversubscription criteria.
The admission criteria is heavily detailed. To check for particular circumstances and to understand oversubscription criteria in more detail please visit Royal Grammar School (Boarding Places) Admissions Policy – https://www.rgshw.com/_site/data/files/documents/policies/5DB7475A5F7680099FE92129FDD109B5.pdf
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Royal 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 Royal 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 Royal 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.
Royal Grammar School Key Dates and Information
The admissions and application process to Royal Grammar School, and all of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) requires adherence to application and registration deadlines. We understand these are difficult to keep to, when parents and children are already occupied with exam preparations and decisions regarding schooling. For this reason, 11 Plus Hero regularly updates in key information to Royal Grammar School, helping prospective students and parents, giving them the best chance at success.
Applications for Secondary School intake 2023
Open mornings
Open evenings
Registration for The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)
Request Form for Reasonable Adjustments - deadline for requesting reasonable adjustments to allow your child to access the paper, for example if they have a disability. Requests should be submitted along with all relevant evidence.
Buckinghamshire STT Date:
Buckinghamshire STT Results Date:
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline :
School Offer
Royal Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place there are three steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure to read the Royal 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 Royal 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.
Royal Grammar School FAQs
- There is no official ‘pass mark’ for Royal Grammar School. Instead, results are compared against the “qualifying score”. This is the minimum requirement for admission to Royal Grammar School. The qualifying score contained in the schools 2023 admission policy was an aggregate standardised score of 121.
- For more details see section ‘Pass Mark and catchment area’. LINK
- Royal Grammar School is one of the 13 grammar schools which make up TBGS in Buckinghamshire; students are selected based on their performance in the Secondary School Transfer Test (STT). This entrance test is sat under the GL 11 Plus exam board; GL 11 Plus exam papers are multiple choice, and test a child’s competence in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning.
- For more details see ‘Section 4: The Secondary Transfer Test Format’ LINK
Your child must apply to Royal Grammar School using the Common Application Form (CAF), common and compulsory to all of TBGS. The additional requirements for weekly boarding are listed below.
- In addition, applicants wishing to board must complete the school’s Boarding Registration Form, available on the schools website – https://www.rgshw.com/page/?title=Year+7+Weekly+Boarding+Registration+for+September+2022&pid=211 – a letter must be written along with this and handed into the school’s admissions office along with the Boarding Registration Form.
- Applicants wishing to board will additionally be invited to an interview, assessing whether the child is suitable for boarding school.
- Following the offer of a place at the school, parents will be asked to send written confirmation of acceptance and a non-refundable deposit. Parents should also withdraw their son from other school choices on the CAF.
- Evidence of withdrawal and confirmation of acceptance should be sent to the school by the date prescribed on the offer letter.