Dr Challoner's Grammar School

Dr Challoner's uses the standard Buckinghamshire 11+ exam, which consists of two GL Assessment papers covering Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (the latter includes some spatial and numerical elements). However, the exact timings and number of questions per paper aren't consistently published, so it's worth checking the school's admissions information closer to the test date. You'll need to register through Buckinghamshire Council, typically by late June or early July for September testing — exact dates change each year, so check the council's website annually.

The exam is noticeably harder than a standard GL paper, so your child will need preparation pitched above the baseline. Vocabulary is a particular challenge: expect less common words in synonym and antonym questions, so building vocabulary well in advance (through reading and targeted vocabulary work) is important. Maths questions also stretch beyond typical Key Stage 2 work, with multi-step problems and questions requiring reasoning about ratio, proportion and algebraic thinking rather than just practising formulas.

Your child will face noticeable time pressure, though it's not extreme — well-prepared children can finish, but there's little room for hesitation. Verbal reasoning questions test careful, methodical thinking rather than quick pattern-spotting, and comprehension passages require children to read between the lines and understand implied meaning, not just recall facts. Starting timed practice early in your preparation will help your child build the pace and confidence needed.

#### Key dates — checked October 2026 - Bucks Secondary Transfer Test 2026 (for September 2027 entry): practice test 8 September, main test 10 September 2026; results emailed 9 October 2026. - Qualifying standard: a Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS) of 121 or above qualifies for a Buckinghamshire grammar school (unchanged for 2028 entry). Below 121, entry is only via selection review or appeal. - Next cycle (September 2028 entry): registration May–June 2027 (Bucks state-primary pupils entered automatically); test early September 2027; results mid-October 2027. - CAF deadline: 31 October; National Offer Day: 1 March.