Buckinghamshire is one of the few English counties to have retained a fully selective grammar school system and is home to a number of outstanding state-funded schools that consistently rival the independent sector for academic results. However, while this education is free at the point of access, securing a place is highly competitive and often demanding for both pupils and parents. The county is widely regarded as an environment that attracts ambitious families and academically driven children.
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school which, in the past, was sometimes perceived as elitist or overly pressurised. Current parental opinion suggests that this reputation no longer reflects the school’s ethos. This view is strongly supported by the most recent Ofsted inspection (2024), which judged the school to be Outstanding in all areas. The report highlights that the school’s excellence is rooted not only in academic outcomes, but also in the strength of its provision for personal development. Ofsted notes that, “The impressive extra-curricular programme … allows pupils to enrich their learning outside the classroom but also to develop and discover interests and talents.” Teaching was rated as exceptional, with staff commended for delivering an ambitious and broad curriculum, including strong provision for pupils with SEND.
These strengths are complemented by a distinctive and inspiring setting. Founded in 1624, the school continues to occupy its original site, where brick-and-flint cloisters, a clock tower and a chapel provide a tangible sense of history. These historic features sit alongside modern facilities, including the 2021 Sports Hall and other recent developments, creating a learning environment that successfully blends tradition with innovation.
Entry Points
Normal entry points are Years 7 and 12. The school plans to admit 150 students in Year 7. Many more external candidates should be admitted to a large sixth form, which has a nominal capacity in excess of 400.
Students looking to gain entry to the school outside of these access point should be advised that the school rarely admits into Year 8 and 9 – and never into year 10 and 11 where GCSE courses will be well established.
Admission Requirements for 11+ Entry at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
Admissions are administered by Buckinghamshire Council - the school is highly selective, based mainly on the results of 11+ tests. Most eligible students sit the test in the first term of Year 6.
Eligible students who attend Buckinghamshire primaries are automatically enrolled to take the exam, and will take tests at their own school. Children attending other schools – including those at private preps in Buckinghamshire - must register for the test, which they will sit at central testing venues across the county.
Like others in the area, the school operates a policy based largely on selective examination, but which is tempered by other factors. 20 of the estimated 150 Year 7 places are prioritised for those who in receipt of the Pupil Premium and who live in the catchment area of the school. Importantly, they receive a concession in terms of exam scores, and are require to achieve a lesser score in the 11+ (or Secondary Transfer Test). Further places are reserved for children who are the subject of an ‘adoption, residence, child arrangements or special guardianship order’, and for those who receive free school meals. There is a lottery element to admission with 15 places allocated randomly, for those living within the Priority Admission Area; there are places available for children of staff members and siblings of those already at the school. Only then are places offered in terms of distance order from the school.
What sort of questions should I expect in the Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School entrance tests?
The relevant 11+ or Secondary Transfer Test (SST) is made up of two papers of around 60 minutes duration, including introduction and practice sections. Both are sat on the same day with a short interval between. One test assesses verbal elements; the other assesses maths and non-verbal reasoning skills.
In common with other Buckinghamshire schools, children must achieve a score of 121 or higher to be considered for entry to a county grammar school.
Familiarisation and practice materials ae always available to candidates. Materials for the county tests are available to families in the summer of Year 5 preceding entry. In additional, familiarisation materials are made available (for free) on the relevant GL Assessment website.
A practice test is also available at cost. This includes two short papers and mirrors the format of the Buckinghamshire tests. Students will therefore gain the chance to become familiar with format of the Buckinghamshire STT before testing.
16+ (Sixth Form) Admission Requirements for Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
The school Sixth Form is a vibrant place with around 420 students currently on roll. Up to 150 places are prioritised for internal applicants.
All candidates, internal and external, must achieve a minimum average points score of 6.40 across GCSE subjects and meet the other relevant criteria below. They should gain a minimum Grade 5 in both English and Maths, as well as meeting minimum entry requirements for those subjects they intend to study at A Level, so typically at Grade 7 or higher.
Preparation Tips for Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
The Buckinghamshire 11+ or Secondary Transfer Test has much in common with other exams at this level, and a host of resources are available online. Students should be familiar with both content and format of the tests to give themselves the best chance of success. This means checking for any gaps in Key Stage 2 learning or both English and Mathematics, but also gaining exam practise in timed conditions. Being able to apply what you know quickly is key, as is familiarity with the multiple choice format of testing.
Keystone Tutors have a very strong record of preparing students for the 11+ exams, for both state and private schools, and they employ specialist 11+ grammar school entrance tutors who will be able to guide families across the entire entrance process. Please call the Keystone office to chat about any element of the entrance process, and one of our experienced client managers will be able to help.
View our 11+ Grammar School Entrance tutors.