County-Wide Grammar Excellence: The Buckinghamshire 11+ Framework

All 13 state grammar schools in Buckinghamshire (including Dr Challoner's, Aylesbury High, RGS High Wycombe, and Sir William Borlase's) use a single standardised entrance exam: the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), produced by GL Assessment.

Key Exam Facts

• Target Audience: Top 30% of the cognitive ability range.

• Format: Two 45–50 minute multiple-choice papers sat on a single morning.

• Qualifying Benchmark: Standardised score of 121 or higher.

Secondary Transfer Test Score Breakdown

The exam evaluates three core skill areas, with a heavy emphasis on verbal ability:

• 50% - Verbal Skills: English comprehension, technical English grammar, and GL-style verbal reasoning.

• 25% - Mathematical Skills: Key Stage 2 maths curriculum, numerical fluency, and multi-step logic problems.

• 25% - Non-Verbal Skills: Non-verbal reasoning, 2D pattern recognition, and 3D spatial logic.

Admissions Pipeline & Key Dates

• May – June (Year 5): Registration (automatic for Bucks primary pupils; online sign-up for out-of-county applicants).

• Early September (Year 6): Full familiarisation practice paper sat under test conditions.

• Mid-September (Year 6): Secondary Transfer Test day.

• Mid-October (Year 6): Results released (Qualifying Standard score is 121).

How Exceptional Academics Prepares Your Child

• GL Exam Mechanics: Optical mark sheet accuracy, rapid elimination tactics, and pacing strategy.

• Targeted Verbal Mastery: High-tier vocabulary expansion and advanced comprehension to maximise the 50% verbal weighting.

• Spatial & Non-Verbal Logic: Dedicated visual manipulation coaching for 3D spatial folding and matrix patterns. Preparing for entry into a Buckinghamshire Grammar School? Contact our  specialists at info@exceptionalacademics.com.