All 13 Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools: A Complete Guide for Parents

Buckinghamshire has 13 state grammar schools, all part of the Secondary Transfer Consortium, meaning a single qualifying test result opens the door to applying to all of them simultaneously. But while the entry test is the same for every school, the schools themselves differ significantly — in location, character, specialist provision, sixth form quality, and crucially in how oversubscribed they are and what distance cut-offs families realistically face.

How the Consortium Works

All 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools are members of the Secondary Transfer Consortium. A child who achieves the qualifying standardised score of 121 or above is eligible to apply to any or all of the 13 schools. The schools do not conduct their own separate entrance tests — the single Secondary Transfer Test result is the only academic gateway. Places are then allocated through the secondary school admissions process, with each school applying its own oversubscription criteria (primarily distance for most schools, with variations for sibling and faith criteria at some).

Boys' Grammar Schools

Aylesbury Grammar School

One of the highest-performing grammar schools nationally by examination results, Aylesbury Grammar School is a boys' school located in Aylesbury town centre. It consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A-level outcomes and has a strong record of university entry. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with distance cut-offs that can fall within 2-3 miles in competitive years.

Dr Challoner's Grammar School

Located in Amersham, Dr Challoner's is a highly regarded boys' grammar school serving the south of the county. It has an outstanding Ofsted rating and strong links with professional communities in the Chilterns and Chiltern district. The school is consistently heavily oversubscribed, with distance cut-offs favouring families in the Amersham, Chesham, and surrounding areas.

John Hampden Grammar School

A boys' school in High Wycombe with a long academic tradition serving the Wycombe area. John Hampden has a strong sixth form and consistent GCSE outcomes. The distance cut-off varies by year but is typically more accessible than the Amersham and Aylesbury schools.

Girls' Grammar Schools

Aylesbury High School

The girls' counterpart to Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury High is among the top-performing state schools in England by examination outcomes. It occupies a modern campus in Aylesbury and has a strong extracurricular programme. Highly oversubscribed — families need to live very close to Aylesbury to compete for places.

Dr Challoner's High School

The girls' school to Dr Challoner's Grammar School, located in Little Chalfont near Amersham. Heavily oversubscribed, drawing from the Chalfonts, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, and surrounding areas. One of the most sought-after schools in the county.

Wycombe High School

Located in High Wycombe, Wycombe High is one of the county's flagship girls' grammars with an exceptional academic record and strong sixth form provision. Distance cut-offs are competitive but typically more accessible than the Amersham schools.

Beaconsfield High School

A girls' grammar serving the Beaconsfield and south Bucks area with strong GCSE outcomes and good sixth form provision. Less oversubscribed than the Amersham and Aylesbury schools, making it a more realistic target for south Bucks families.

Mixed Grammar Schools

Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School

A co-educational mixed grammar school in Aylesbury. One of the more accessible Aylesbury-area grammars in terms of distance cut-offs due to its mixed intake drawing from a wider population. Strong across academic subjects with good sixth form provision.

Royal Latin School

One of the oldest schools in England, located in Buckingham in the north of the county. A mixed grammar serving north Bucks, the Royal Latin is typically less oversubscribed than Aylesbury and south Bucks schools, making it one of the more accessible grammars for qualifying children in its area. Strong academic tradition with a distinctive historic character.

Chesham Grammar School

Located in Chesham, serving the Chesham valley and parts of the Chilterns. Mixed sixth form provision. Less heavily oversubscribed than the nearby Amersham schools, making it a practical choice for qualifying families in the Chesham area.

The Misbourne

A mixed grammar school in Great Missenden serving the southern parts of the county. Strong community links and a well-regarded academic programme. Distance cut-offs are typically less extreme than the most oversubscribed schools.

Cottesloe School (with grammar stream)

Located in Wing, serving the Wing, Leighton Buzzard, and surrounding north Bucks areas. Cottesloe offers grammar provision within a broader school structure. Typically less oversubscribed, making it accessible for qualifying children in the north of the county.

Key Takeaways