Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire 11+
Amersham Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6QT
A selective boys grammar school in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, serving ages 11-18 with a sixth form and around 1,409 pupils on roll.
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
1
On this page
At a glance
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a selective boys' grammar school on Amersham Road, with day places, weekly boarding and a co-educational sixth form from September 2025. Its heritage is unusually deep: the school traces more than 450 years of history and holds a Royal Charter granted in 1562. The current headmaster's welcome frames that history as tradition that evolves, with an all-round education aimed at leadership, collaboration and meaningful contribution.
Academically, RGS is demanding and broad. The curriculum and enrichment structure includes classics or Latin, modern languages, computer science, creative arts and a substantial sixth form. The school is also clear that results are only part of the offer: its character framework is intended to help pupils speak up, step forward and shape their own path. Public outcomes support the academic reputation, with +1.13 Progress 8 and 98.6% grade 5+ in English and maths recorded by GOV.UK.
The co-curricular life is a defining part of the school. RGS signposts arts, careers provision, character, Combined Cadet Force, co-curricular trips, Duke of Edinburgh, music, pastoral care and sport, while boarding adds another layer through Fraser Youens House and boarding activities. The school describes itself as a place where pupils are known as individuals, whether they are day students or boarders.
Year 7 admission has 182 published places and uses the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test. The test has two multiple-choice GL Assessment papers, with the final standardised score weighted 50% verbal, 25% mathematical and 25% non-verbal; a score of 121 or above qualifies a child for Buckinghamshire grammar-school consideration, but higher scores do not bring extra priority under Buckinghamshire rules. Public benchmarks record Ofsted Good in October 2019, 47.7% AAB or better at A level and 74% of 16 to 18 leavers progressing to higher education in the latest destinations data.
Latest 2024/25 KS4 measures compared with Buckinghamshire and England.
Recent published Attainment 8 scores compared with Buckinghamshire and England.
Latest 2024/25 Year 11 destination mix compared with Buckinghamshire and England.
January 2025 school census
Whole-school roll of 1,409 pupils; 1,372 had a recorded ethnic group.
| Recorded group | Share | Category | Pupils |
|---|---|---|---|
| White British | 37.9% | White | 534 |
| Indian | 18.3% | Asian | 258 |
| Pakistani | 14.3% | Asian | 201 |
| Any other Asian background | 7.9% | Asian | 111 |
| White and Asian | 4.7% | Mixed | 66 |
| Any other White background | 4% | White | 57 |
| Unclassified | 2.6% | Unclassified | 37 |
| Any other mixed background | 2.4% | Mixed | 34 |
| African | 1.9% | Black | 27 |
| Chinese | 1.9% | Asian | 27 |
| Any other ethnic group | 1.3% | Other | 18 |
| White and Black Caribbean | 0.9% | Mixed | 12 |
| White and Black African | 0.7% | Mixed | 10 |
| Bangladeshi | 0.4% | Asian | 6 |
| Irish | 0.4% | White | 6 |
| Any other Black background | 0.2% | Black | 3 |
| Caribbean | 0.1% | Black | 2 |
Qualified applications are prioritised through catchment priority areas, with Priority Area A before Priority Area B and straight-line distance used within those groups.
Looked-after and previously looked-after children
Qualified looked-after and previously looked-after applicants are prioritised first.
Reserved Pupil Premium places below 121
Up to six in-catchment applicants who are looked-after, previously looked-after or eligible for Pupil Premium may be considered with a score of 115 to 120.
Pupil Premium in catchment
Qualified Pupil Premium applicants living in the catchment area are prioritised after the reserved-place rule.
Siblings
Qualified applicants with a sibling on roll as a day student receive priority.
Catchment area
Qualified applicants living in catchment from 1 September before entry are prioritised, with Priority Area A before Priority Area B and straight-line distance within each area.
Children of staff
Qualified children of eligible staff are considered after catchment applicants.
The Secondary Transfer Test has two multiple-choice GL Assessment papers. The standardised score is weighted 50% verbal skills, 25% mathematical skills and 25% non-verbal skills; 121 or above qualifies.
Shared exam route
Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe uses the shared Buckinghamshire route. Use these common practice resources for the route, then check the full consortium guide for the complete set and current test guidance.
View all Buckinghamshire practice papersPaper 1
English, Verbal reasoning
Verbal skills paper
One GL Assessment paper covers comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning.
Paper 2
Maths, Non-verbal reasoning
Mathematical and non-verbal skills paper
The second GL Assessment paper covers mathematics, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning.
English, Maths, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning are included in the published format.
Science is not listed in the current published format.
English
Maths
Verbal reasoning
One GL Assessment paper covers comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning.
Non-verbal reasoning
The second GL Assessment paper covers mathematics, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning.
Science
Secondary Transfer Test registration opens
1 May 2026, 10am
PastSecondary Transfer Test registration closes
2 June 2026, 3pm
PastPractice test
8 September 2026
Secondary Transfer Test
10 September 2026
Secondary Transfer Test results
9 October 2026
Secondary application deadline
31 October 2026
National Offer Day
1 March 2027
Check the 2027 admissions policy
Review the PAN, catchment rules and oversubscription order before registration opens.
Read policyRegister for the Secondary Transfer Test
Out-of-county and non-partner-school families register with Buckinghamshire Council by 3pm on 2 June 2026.
View registration datesSit the practice test and transfer test
The practice test is on 8 September 2026 and the Secondary Transfer Test is on 10 September 2026.
View test timetableSubmit the secondary application
List the school by the 31 October 2026 secondary application deadline after results are issued.
View application timelineLatest official destinations data currently covers 2022/23 study leavers.
Recent trend
This follows the school's published overall GCSE score across the subjects pupils take. Higher is better.
| Year | This school | Grammar schools | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 76.5 | 74.2 | 49.4 |
| 2022/23 | 76 | 71.8 | 47.0 |
| 2023/24 | 75.1 | 72.1 | 46.7 |
| 2024/25 | 73.9 | 72.3 | 46.8 |
Recent trend
This follows the published average A-level result for the school's sixth form. Higher is better.
| Year | This school | Grammar schools | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | A- average (47.2 points) | 44.0 points | 37.5 points |
| 2022/23 | B+ average (44.2 points) | 40.5 points | 33.7 points |
| 2023/24 | B+ average (42.7 points) | 41.3 points | 34.5 points |
| 2024/25 | A- average (46.2 points) | 41.8 points | 35.0 points |
Recent trend
This follows the share of pupils moving into a sustained destination after Year 11, such as education, apprenticeships, or employment.
| Year | This school | Grammar schools | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 100% | 99.1% | 94.1% |
| 2022/23 | 100% | 98.9% | 93.9% |
| 2023/24 | 100% | 99.0% | 93.3% |
| 2024/25 | 99% | 98.7% | 91.8% |
Latest year breakdown
| In education | 98% |
|---|---|
| In apprenticeships | 0% |
Latest inspection: 10 October 2019
Local rivals appear first, followed by nearby alternatives where the journey and admissions route are still comparable.
Same Buckinghamshire area and similar boys' selective route
Same Buckinghamshire area and similar boys' selective route
Same Buckinghamshire area and similar boys' selective route
Same wider selective region with a comparable travel distance
Closest comparable alternatives with a similar academic profile, so parents can weigh local fit and results together.
Similar Attainment 8 and Progress 8
Similar Attainment 8 and Progress 8
Similar Attainment 8 and Progress 8
Best Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
Compare 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools for 2026: GCSE ranking table, Ofsted, Buckinghamshire route, admissions rules, competition, and school profiles.
Best Boys' Grammar Schools in the UK
Explore the best boys grammar schools in the UK with a national ranking parents can filter by county and Ofsted before comparing schools by route and journey.
Best Grammar Schools in the UK
Explore the best grammar schools in the UK with a national ranking that can be filtered by county, school type, and Ofsted before moving into local admissions detail.
Best Grammar Schools by A-level Results
Explore the best grammar schools by A-level results in the UK, ranked by the published share of students achieving AAB or better at A level.
Best Grammar Schools in Buckinghamshire
Compare 13 Buckinghamshire grammar schools for 2026: GCSE ranking table, Ofsted, Buckinghamshire route, admissions rules, competition, and school profiles.
Best Boys' Grammar Schools in the UK
Explore the best boys grammar schools in the UK with a national ranking parents can filter by county and Ofsted before comparing schools by route and journey.
Best Grammar Schools in the UK
Explore the best grammar schools in the UK with a national ranking that can be filtered by county, school type, and Ofsted before moving into local admissions detail.
Best Grammar Schools by A-level Results
Explore the best grammar schools by A-level results in the UK, ranked by the published share of students achieving AAB or better at A level.
Guide
Grammar School CAF Strategy
A clear guide to ordering grammar school preferences on the Common Application Form without relying on myths about first choice, pass marks, or tactical ranking.
Guide
Grammar School Pass Marks Explained
Explains grammar school pass marks, qualifying scores, selective standards, ranked places, and why passing the 11 plus is not always enough for an offer.
Guide
How to Read a Grammar School Admissions Policy
A practical guide to reading grammar school admissions policies, including PAN, eligibility, oversubscription, distance, priority areas, waiting lists, and appeals.
FAQ
Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe currently uses GL Assessment.
1. Check the 2027 admissions policy: Review the PAN, catchment rules and oversubscription order before registration opens. 2. Register for the Secondary Transfer Test: Out-of-county and non-partner-school families register with Buckinghamshire Council by 3pm on 2 June 2026. 3. Sit the practice test and transfer test: The practice test is on 8 September 2026 and the Secondary Transfer Test is on 10 September 2026. 4. Submit the secondary application: List the school by the 31 October 2026 secondary application deadline after results are issued.
Secondary Transfer Test registration opens: 1 May 2026, 10am. Secondary Transfer Test registration closes: 2 June 2026, 3pm. Practice test: 8 September 2026. Secondary Transfer Test: 10 September 2026. Secondary Transfer Test results: 9 October 2026. Secondary application deadline: 31 October 2026. National Offer Day: 1 March 2027
Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is currently rated Good following the latest published inspection dated 10 October 2019.