The Complete Parent’s Guide to the Buckinghamshire 11+ (Secondary Transfer Test) Page last updated: July 2025
Introduction: Welcome to the definitive elevenplus.com guide to the Buckinghamshire 11+ exam. We understand that this journey can feel complex and high-stakes. As experts who have guided countless families through this exact process, our mission is to provide you with a clear, authoritative, and reassuring roadmap.
This page is your central hub for everything you need to know about the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). Here, you will find our expert guides, key dates, answers to common questions, and links to the best resources, all designed to help you and your child navigate the path to grammar school with confidence.
The Buckinghamshire 11+ Journey: A Timeline
| Stage | Key Milestones | Our Expert Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Year 4 / Early Year 5 | Discovery & Diagnosis: Understand the test format and identify your child’s baseline strengths and weaknesses. | Start by reading our Complete Maths Topic Checklist and taking our Free 11+ Diagnostic Test. |
| May – June of Year 5 | Registration: If your child is not at a Bucks primary school, you must register them for the test. | See our “How to Register” section below and mark the key dates in your calendar. |
| Summer of Year 5 | Consolidation & Stamina: Use the holiday to consolidate Year 5 knowledge and begin practising under timed conditions. | Follow our proven 11+ Summer Holiday Revision Plan to balance rest and preparation. |
| September of Year 6 | The Test: Children sit the Practice Test and then the final Secondary Transfer Test. | Use our Exam Day Checklist to ensure a calm and organised morning. |
| October of Year 6 | Results & Application: You receive the results and must submit your Common Application Form (CAF). | Our guide to Life After the 11+ will help you manage results and make smart choices. |
The Buckinghamshire 11+ Test at a Glance:
- Official Name: The Secondary Transfer Test (STT)
- Exam Board: GL Assessment
- Qualifying Score: 121 (age-standardised)
- Weighting: 50% Verbal Skills, 25% Mathematical Skills, 25% Non-Verbal Skills
- Number of Schools: 13 (one test for all)
- Key Feature: Catchment area is a critical factor in admissions.
Our Expert Guides for Buckinghamshire:
(This section should be a visually appealing grid of cards, each with an image, title, and short description, linking to the full blog post.)
- How to Prepare for the Buckinghamshire 11+ Test
- Our definitive 4-step strategy covering the exam format, timings, and a clear plan for preparation.
- The “Bucks Transfer Test” Explained in Plain English
- Demystifying the official terminology and explaining what the Secondary Transfer Test really is.
- A Guide to the Aylesbury Grammar Schools 11+ Test
- A deep dive into the test and admissions process for Aylesbury Grammar, Aylesbury High, and Sir Henry Floyd.
- Parent Q&A: Your Top Questions about Applying to Wycombe High or RGS
- Answering the most common questions about two of the UK’s most sought-after grammar schools.
- Understanding Grammar School Catchment Areas in Bucks & Berks
- Explaining the critical importance of your postcode in the Buckinghamshire admissions process.
Success Story from a Buckinghamshire Parent
“The
elevenplus.comguides were our single source of truth. The breakdown of the GL test format and the advice on catchment areas was spot on. We followed the 4-step preparation strategy, and my daughter walked into the test feeling calm and confident. She achieved a score of 132 and secured a place at Beaconsfield High!” – Chloe R., Beaconsfield
Expert Q&A: Your Buckinghamshire 11+ Questions Answered
- Is the Practice Test marked? No, the Practice Test is for familiarisation only. It helps your child get used to the format, the audio instructions, and the experience of working under timed conditions. The results are not used in the selection process.
- What happens if my child is ill on the test day? You must inform the school or test centre as soon as possible and provide a doctor’s note. An alternative test date is usually offered in such genuine circumstances.
- My child scored 121. Are they guaranteed a place? No. A score of 121 means they are eligible to be considered for a place. Due to high competition, places are then allocated based on each school’s specific oversubscription criteria, in which the catchment area is the most significant factor.
Practice Resources for Buckinghamshire: Prepare your child for success with our practice materials, specifically designed to mirror the format and style of the GL Assessment test used in Buckinghamshire.
➡️ Explore our Buckinghamshire (GL) Practice Packs
Official Resources: For the most up-to-date admissions policies, catchment area maps, and key dates, we always recommend checking the official sources.