Buckinghamshire has 13 grammar schools that use the shared Bucks 11+ test. The exam is administered by GL Assessment and covers Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning — notably, it does not include separate Maths or English papers.
The Bucks 11+ consists of two papers: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Parents register through the Buckinghamshire Council website. The test is sat in September across two dates. Results are given as Standardised Age Scores (SAS) and children are classified as qualifying or not qualifying. Buckinghamshire residents get priority.
May
Registration opens
16 June
Registration deadline
September (two dates)
Exam date
Mid-October
Results
1 March
National offer day
Subjects tested
Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
Answer format
Multiple choice
Total time
~1 hour 30 minutes
Typical qualifying score
~121 SAS per paper
View each school's full 11+ exam profile, including exam components, question types, and preparation guidance.
Most families start 12-18 months before the exam. Since the Bucks test focuses on Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning rather than Maths and English, early exposure to reasoning question types is important.
Buckinghamshire has historically focused on reasoning as a measure of academic potential rather than taught knowledge. This means strong readers and mathematicians still need specific reasoning practice.
The qualifying score is typically around 121 SAS per paper (combined ~242). This varies slightly each year. Achieving the qualifying score does not guarantee a place — it depends on which schools you apply to and the number of applicants.
Yes, but Buckinghamshire residents receive priority. Out-of-county applicants need to meet the qualifying score and may need a higher score in practice to secure a place. Register through Bucks Council even if you live outside the county.
We are adding Buckinghamshire grammar schools in phases. Our initial profiles cover four schools with the most complete data. The remaining nine Bucks grammar schools are coming soon.
Free unlimited practice across all four 11+ subjects. Build confidence with GL Assessment format questions.
Start Free PracticeInformation last verified: 2026-02-15. Dates, scores, and processes may change — always verify with the school or local authority.