Buckinghamshire 11+:
what 121 means.

What the Buckinghamshire score is

The Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS) combines verbal, mathematical and non-verbal skills. GL Assessment marks the papers; the results are standardised for age before the weighted scores are combined. The council’s marking guide explains the calculation.

50%25%25%

Verbal skills

50%

Mathematical skills

25%

Non-verbal skills

25%

121 is not a percentage or a raw mark. Applying these weights to a practice-paper percentage will not reproduce the official STTS. Read more about standardised scores if the numbers on different test reports look unfamiliar.

Why 121 changes the question

There are two decisions to keep separate. Buckinghamshire’s allocation guidance explains why a qualifying result leaves the school-place question open.

Example

These three fictional results show how the same qualifying rule applies. Choose a score to see the distinction.

Illustrative results

Same test. What changes?

3 example scores

Score 121Score 129Score 118

Example STTS121121 or above

The qualifying standard is met

This child has qualified through the test. A school place still depends on the application and the school’s admission rules.

Check the school’s policy

Fictional results explaining Buckinghamshire’s rules. This does not estimate the chance of a place.

If the score is below 121

The score has not met the automatic qualification standard. The council lists other possible routes, each with its own requirements:

Selection Review

A written case about academic suitability. Speak to the primary headteacher about relevant evidence. For a result received on 9 October 2026, the full review case is due 30 October. Later results have different instructions.

Pupil premium provision

Read the named school’s policy for its score, eligibility and other conditions. A pupil premium route is not a blanket exception for everyone below 121.

Admission appeal

This concerns a refused school place. An earlier review can affect the panel’s starting point, so understand both routes before choosing how to proceed.

A successful Selection Review gives qualified status; it does not itself allocate a school. Use the Buckinghamshire review and appeal guide for the evidence, deadlines and effect of a previous review.

What parents should check

The CAF school application is separate from the test and any review. Apply through your home local authority, including if you live outside Buckinghamshire. The 2027 timetable and the school’s policy are the documents to keep beside your result.

1. The result communication

   Save the complete email and student ID. Most results are due after 4pm on 9 October 2026. Check any specific arrangements if your child was tested later.

2. Each school’s entry-year policy

   Check the relevant category, address requirements and how distance is measured. A nearby school is not necessarily your catchment school. The Buckinghamshire school directory links to individual profiles.

3. The application by 31 October

   Include the schools you want considered and realistic alternatives. If considering a review or appeal, the council says to keep the preferred grammar schools on the application. Read how CAF preference order works.

4. The offer on 1 March 2027

   This is the allocation outcome, separate from October’s qualification result. Read the offer-day and waiting-list guide if a preferred school does not offer.