The Royal Grammar School (RGS) and Wycombe High School (WHS) are two of the most prestigious and sought-after grammar schools in the United Kingdom. For parents in and around High Wycombe, securing a place for their son at RGS or their daughter at WHS is a major goal of their 11+ journey.
With such high standards and intense competition, it’s natural for parents to have a lot of questions. The application process can seem complex, and there is a great deal of information to navigate.
At elevenplus.com, we believe in providing clear, direct answers to your most pressing questions. We’ve compiled this Q&A guide to address the most common queries we receive from parents targeting these two exceptional schools.
In this definitive guide, we will answer:
- A brief overview of each school’s unique character.
- Do RGS and Wycombe High use the same 11+ test?
- What is the “pass mark,” and how are places allocated?
- How should preparation differ when targeting these specific schools?
A Snapshot of the Schools
Before diving into the exam details, it’s important to understand the unique character of each school.
- The Royal Grammar School (RGS): Founded in 1551, RGS is one of the country’s leading state grammar schools for boys, offering both day and boarding places for its 1,300+ students. Beyond its strong academic tradition, the school places a significant emphasis on character development, leadership, and independence. Its Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and strengths in national-level sport (especially rugby and cricket) are standout features.
- Wycombe High School (WHS): A forward-thinking grammar school for girls, WHS is renowned for its outstanding academic results and its focus on empowering young women. The school’s ethos is built on creativity, innovation, and well-being, with a vast range of extracurricular opportunities and a strong, supportive community. It consistently ranks among the very top state schools in the UK.
Your Top Questions Answered
1. Do RGS and Wycombe High use the same 11+ test?
Yes, they do. This is the most important starting point. Both the Royal Grammar School and Wycombe High School are part of the Buckinghamshire grammar school consortium (TBGS). This means they both use the exact same 11+ exam: the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test.
Your child will sit one test, and their results can be used for their application to either school (depending on whether you are applying for a boy’s or girl’s place).
2. What is the format of the test?
Since both schools use the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, the format is identical for both. It is an exam provided by GL Assessment and consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 (Verbal Skills): Covering English Comprehension, Technical English (SPaG), and Verbal Reasoning.
- Paper 2 (Maths & Non-Verbal Skills): Covering Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning.
The questions are all multiple-choice, and your child will mark their answers on a separate answer sheet.
➡️ For a full breakdown of the test, read our definitive guide: How to Prepare for the Buckinghamshire 11+ Test.
3. How are places allocated? Understanding the Pass Mark and Admissions Criteria
This is a crucial point of clarification. The process has two stages.
Stage 1: The Qualifying Score The official “qualifying score” for any Buckinghamshire grammar school is 121. Any child who scores 121 or above is deemed to be of grammar school standard and is eligible to be considered for a place.
Stage 2: Applying the Admissions Criteria Achieving a score of 121 does not guarantee a place. Because RGS and WHS are so heavily oversubscribed, they then apply their specific oversubscription criteria to the pool of qualified children. Places are allocated in the following order of priority:
- Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children.
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium.
- Children living within the school’s defined catchment area.
- Siblings of current students.
- Children of staff members.
- Children living outside the catchment area, ranked by distance from the school.
The Bottom Line: The catchment area is critically important. In recent years, almost all of the 192 places at each school have been offered to children living inside the defined catchment area. It is extremely difficult to secure a place if you live outside this area, regardless of how high your child’s score is. You must check the latest admissions policy on each school’s website to confirm the rules and check your address.
[Image: A stylised map graphic showing the approximate catchment areas for the High Wycombe grammar schools.]
4. How should our preparation differ if we are targeting these specific schools?
While the test is the same for all Bucks grammars, the level of competition for RGS and WHS means your child needs to be aiming for the highest possible score. Preparation should be exceptionally thorough.
- Aim for Mastery, Not Just a Pass: The goal isn’t just to scrape over the 121 qualifying score. Your child should be aiming for a deep understanding of all topics to maximise their mark in every section.
- Focus on Speed and Accuracy: With such high competition, every single mark counts. Your child needs to be able to work quickly and accurately under timed conditions. Regular practice with timed papers is essential to build this skill.
- Don’t Neglect Any Area: The final score is a weighted combination of all sections. A balanced preparation plan that addresses Verbal, Maths, and Non-Verbal skills is vital.
A Clear Path Forward
Applying to RGS and Wycombe High can feel daunting, but the process is manageable with a clear strategy. The keys to success are understanding the importance of the catchment area and preparing your child to achieve the highest possible score they are capable of on the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test.
Ready to start your focused preparation?
➡️ Our GL Assessment Practice Packs are specifically designed to mirror the format and style of the Buckinghamshire 11+ Test, giving your child the perfect platform to build their skills and confidence.
