Best Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire in 2026
If you are trying to find the best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire in 2026, you are in the right place. Buckinghamshire is one of the few remaining fully selective counties in England, which means grammar schools here are genuinely competitive and the preparation process matters more than most parents initially realise.
Whether you are just starting your research or already planning your child's preparation, this guide covers everything you need to know. From how the selection process works to a detailed look at the top 10 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire and what makes each one worth considering.
If you are thinking about getting structured support in place, our 11+ tuition is a great starting point. We work with children from Year 3 all the way through to Year 6 and we know exactly what Buckinghamshire grammar schools are looking for.
How many Grammar Schools are there in Buckinghamshire?
There are 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire in total. Here is the complete list of grammar schools in Buckinghamshire: four are for boys, four are for girls, and five are mixed.
All children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically registered for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test, which is the local version of the 11 plus. The test consists of two multiple-choice papers covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Children with the highest scores are offered places at their preferred grammar school for Year 7.
The full list of grammar schools in Buckinghamshire is as follows:
Aylesbury Grammar School (boys)
Aylesbury High School (girls)
Beaconsfield High School (girls)
Burnham Grammar School (boys and girls)
Chesham Grammar School (boys and girls)
Dr Challoner's Grammar School (boys)
Dr Challoner's High School (girls)
John Hampden Grammar School (boys)
The Royal Grammar School (boys)
Royal Latin School (boys and girls)
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (boys and girls)
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (boys and girls)
Wycombe High School (boys and girls)
Top 10 Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
1. Dr Challoner's High School, Little Chalfont
Consistently regarded as the best grammar school in Buckinghamshire, Dr Challoner's High School is a girls' school based in Little Chalfont with over 1,300 pupils. Ofsted rates it outstanding and describes the environment as challenging but highly supportive. In 2025, 82.9% of students achieved grades 9 to 7 at GCSE, and 84.2% achieved A* to B at A level. Almost every student goes on to university including Oxford and Cambridge. It is nationally ranked 25th, making it one of the highest performing state schools in the entire country.
2. Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Amersham
Dr Challoner's Grammar School is a boys' school with a mixed sixth form, founded in the 17th century and based in Amersham. Nationally ranked 39th, it has over 1,300 pupils and consistently features among the best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire year after year. What sets it apart beyond its strong academic results is its School of Character kitemark and its recognition as the best state school for sports in the country. A genuinely well-rounded school in every sense.
If your son is aiming for Dr Challoner's, starting 11 plus preparation in year 4 gives him the best possible foundation before the transfer test.
3. Chesham Grammar School, Chesham
Chesham Grammar School is a mixed school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18 based in Chesham. With over 1,300 pupils it is rated outstanding by Ofsted. What makes Chesham distinctive is its house system and vertical tutoring structure, which means students mix across year groups and the school has a genuinely warm community feel. In 2025, 85.7% of students achieved A* to B at A level and it is nationally ranked 42nd.
4. The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
The Royal Grammar School is one of the most recognisable boys' grammar schools in the country. Based in High Wycombe with over 1,400 pupils, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence particularly in Mathematics and the Sciences. Girls have been welcomed into the sixth form since September 2025. In 2025, 85.5% of students achieved A* to B at A level. It is jointly ranked 42nd nationally and remains one of the most competitive schools on this list of grammar schools in Buckinghamshire.
5. Beaconsfield High School, Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield High School is a girls' grammar school in the market town of Beaconsfield with over 1,200 pupils. It is one of only 45 schools in the entire country recognised as an Exceptional School. Ofsted rates it outstanding and particularly praises the range of extracurricular activities and the high priority given to pupils' mental health. In 2025, 71.2% of students achieved grades 9 to 7 at GCSE, nationally ranked 56th.
Our 11+ tutor team works with girls aiming for schools like Beaconsfield and tailors preparation specifically to the demands of the Buckinghamshire transfer test.
6. Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury
Aylesbury Grammar School is a boys' grammar school based in the county town of Aylesbury with around 1,336 pupils aged 11 to 18. Rated outstanding by Ofsted, the school has a strong academic reputation with 72.8% of students achieving grades 9 to 7 at GCSE and a 100% A level pass rate. Beyond academics, the school offers an impressive extracurricular programme covering sport, music, drama, and debating. It consistently attracts strong applications from across the county every year.
7. Aylesbury High School, Aylesbury
Aylesbury High School is the girls' counterpart to Aylesbury Grammar and is equally well regarded. Based in Aylesbury with around 1,300 pupils, it is consistently praised for its supportive culture and excellent pastoral care. 74.1% of students achieved grades 9 to 7 at GCSE, making it one of the top performing girls' schools in the country. Competition for places is fierce and preparation needs to start early.
Children aiming for Aylesbury High School benefit greatly from structured early preparation. Our 11 plus year 5 programme is designed for children in the critical final stretch before the transfer test.
8. Wycombe High School, High Wycombe
Wycombe High School is a co-educational grammar school based in High Wycombe rated outstanding by Ofsted. 68% of all GCSE results achieved by students were grades 9 to 7, and over three quarters of all A level results were A* to B grades. The school has a particularly strong track record in English and the Humanities and is a popular choice for families across the High Wycombe area.
9. Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, Marlow
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School is a co-educational school in the riverside town of Marlow, founded in 1624, making it one of the oldest schools on this top 10 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire list. The school's GCSE results show 76% of students achieving grades 9 to 7, placing it among the top performing co-educational state schools in the country. It has a strong creative arts programme alongside excellent academic results and is consistently well regarded by parents and students alike.
10. John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe
John Hampden Grammar School is a boys' grammar school in High Wycombe with approximately 1,220 pupils, rated outstanding by Ofsted. 40.3% of pupils achieve A* or A grades at A level, and 99% of pupils gain grade 5 or above in English and Maths at GCSE. Named after the 17th century parliamentarian John Hampden, the school has a proud history dating back to 1893 and is known for its strong academic culture and genuine commitment to developing the whole child.
How to get into a Grammar School in Buckinghamshire
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning in two multiple-choice papers. It is set in September of Year 6, which means preparation ideally begins well before that point.
All children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools are automatically registered for the test, so the question is not whether your child will sit it but how well prepared they will be when they do.
The earlier you start the better. Our 11 plus year 3 programme introduces children to the format and question types gradually, building genuine understanding rather than last-minute familiarity. By year 6 the focus shifts to exam technique, timed practice, and the confidence that makes the real difference on test day.
Whether you are targeting the best grammar schools in Buckinghamshire or narrowing it down to one specific school, preparation is what separates the children who get in from the ones who narrowly miss out. Our expert tutors have helped hundreds of families navigate this process successfully and we would love to help yours too.
Get in touch with us today and we will help you build a preparation plan that works for your child and your timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best grammar school in Buckinghamshire?
Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham consistently ranks as the top grammar school in Buckinghamshire, though Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont is equally impressive for girls, with a strong history of high exam results.
What is the pass mark for Buckinghamshire grammar schools?
Children who achieve a standardised score of at least 121 are eligible to be considered for a Buckinghamshire grammar school place.
Do all Buckinghamshire grammar schools use the same 11 plus test?
There are 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire and they all use the same 11 plus test, known as the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test.
Jag Singh
Founder, Pass 11 Plus Grammar
Mr Singh is the founder of Pass 11 Plus Grammar, with over 30 years of teaching experience. Having overcome academic setbacks himself, he is passionate about ensuring no child struggles alone. His approach focuses on personalised support, strong foundations, and building confidence. He has helped students achieve outstanding results in 11+ and GCSE examinations
