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Wycombe Abbey was founded in 1896 by Dame Frances Dove to create a girls’ education that was every ounce as good as boys’, through pursuit of excellence, development of talents, and an understanding of the needs of others. It has become one of the leading girls’ schools in the UK, renowned for its long-standing academic excellence and outstanding results. A formidable full-boarding school at the forefront of educating young women, it appeals to the brightest, liveliest go-getters with a passion and drive for brilliance. Wycombe Abbey educates 660 girls and has three entrance points, in Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12.

What is the Quest Assessment?

The Quest Assessment is an online entrance assessment used by an increasing number of schools in the UK as part of their admissions process, most commonly for students applying for Year 7 entry at 11+. The assessment is designed to measure academic potential, problem-solving skills and reasoning ability, rather than testing students’ ability to memorise the curriculum.

Unlike traditional entrance exams, where all candidates sit the same paper, the Quest Assessment uses adaptive technology. As pupils answer questions, the level of difficulty is adjusted in response to their performance. Candidates answering correctly are given more challenging questions, while those answering incorrectly receive easier ones. This allows schools to establish a more accurate picture of each pupil's ability.

The assessment is completed entirely on a computer under timed conditions and consists primarily of multiple-choice questions. As every pupil receives a different set of questions, schools are able to determine ability without simply counting the number of correct answers.

Quest has become an increasingly popular admissions tool as it provides schools with a reliable measure of academic potential while reducing the influence of coached responses or memorised answers. 

What is the London 11 Plus Consortium?

The London 11 Plus Consortium, formerly known as the North London Girls’ Consortium, is a group of girls’ day schools. The consortium was originally founded to reduce the number of examinations girls would be required to sit as a part of the 11 plus entrance process. To that end, the London 11 Plus Consortium developed an application process whereby only one test would have to be taken, no matter how many schools within the Consortium the student has applied to. 

At present the London 11 Plus Consortium is made up of the following schools:

• Channing School
• Francis Holland School (Regent’s Park)
• Francis Holland School (Sloane Square)
• Godolphin & Latymer
• More House School
• Northwood College for Girls
• Notting Hill & Ealing High School
• Queen’s College School
• Queen’s Gate School
• South Hampstead High School
• St Augustine’s Priory
• St Helen’s School London
• St James Senior Girl’s School
• St Margaret’s School

As with other selective Buckinghamshire schools, Chesham Grammar – a coeducational secondary school of around 1,300 pupils, with over 400 in the sixth form – aims to strike a balance between academic achievement and preparing students for their place in a changing world.

Parents are impressed and keen to stress the pastoral preparations that the school makes; and that the school foster kindness and humility in addition to creating a challenging academic environment.

A 2025 Ofsted report confirmed the schools as Outstanding in all areas, reserving particular praise for the presence of a school ethos that is “exceptionally happy and welcoming”, with “strong and positive relationships… at the heart of the school’s culture…”.  They also recognised that the school worked to maintain a strong sense of community.

Importantly for ambitious students and parents, the report also recognised that Chesham Grammar "ensures that all pupils flourish academically and personally”. In practise this translates into excellent results. At A Level, almost 60% of entries were at A*/A, with 85% A*-B. This places the school ahead of other selective local schools such as Dr Challoner’s High and Sir William Borlase’s Grammar. Students also achieved very impressive GCSE results, with 23% at grade 9, with over two thirds of results graded 7-9.

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.

The Judd School is a selective, state-funded grammar school, based in Tonbridge in Kent. Established in 1888, the school admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, and the Sixth Form is co-educational. 

Academics-wise, The Judd School has a reputation as being one of the strongest in the county. In the most recent academic year, around 83% of pupils scored between an A* and a B at A Level, which was one of the highest in the county. Top Russell Group universities such as Bristol, Durham and Oxbridge frequently feature on boys’ destination lists, while an increasing number of students accept prestigious apprenticeships. 

Outside of academics, The Judd School also offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities. The campus is a blend of traditional grounds and more modern, purpose-built facilities. Sports-wise, the school owns a site called Vizards, which is around 900 metres from the school, and it contains a 3G rugby pitch, 4 full-size football pitches (which can be converted to 5 full-size rugby pitches), as well as 2 grass cricket squares. On-site, there is a sports centre, which includes facilities for basketball, badminton and volleyball, as well as an all-weather pitch and multi-use games area outside. There is a wide range of clubs and societies on offer, such as Potions Club, Medical Society and Gardening Club, as well as facilities for the arts, including music practice rooms and recording facilities. 

High-performing state-funded grammar schools are not limited to Kent. Buckinghamshire, which retained its grammar schools during the government closures of the 1960s and 1970s, is home to an impressive number of excellent schools. Four of the county’s state schools ranked in the top ten in the South East of England in the Sunday Times Parent Power survey. Even more notably, these same schools are among the top fifty nationally, across primary, secondary, and independent sectors.

Among them, Beaconsfield High School — known locally as “Becky High”— stands out for its exceptional academic results. Yet, reviewers describe the all-girls school as a calm, approachable, and welcoming environment. Students are reportedly happy, motivated, and proud of their school, with a strong work ethic.

A 2024 Ofsted inspection rated Beaconsfield High as Outstanding, highlighting that its achievements extend beyond exam performance. Ofsted praised the school for fostering “character and becoming a rounded individual,” noting its wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities, particularly in the performing arts.

Academic results are consistently impressive. At A Level, half of all grades were A or A*, with 43 students achieving straight A*/A across three or four subjects, and 56 students earning at least one A* grade. At GCSE in 2025, 23% of grades were Level 9, and 50% were Levels 8 and 9. Overall, 71% of results were Level 7 or above, and 90% of students achieved Level 6 or higher.

Like Kent, Buckinghamshire retained its grammar schools when selective state education was phased out elsewhere in the UK. The county is home to some of the country’s top state-funded secondary schools. Dr Challoner’s High School, alongside its local counterpart Beaconsfield High School, forms a powerhouse of selective state education that rivals the best in the nation, whether state or independent.

Exam results at Dr Challoner’s are consistently outstanding, and the school is highly oversubscribed. Students develop a reputation locally for being confident and well-rounded, thanks in part to the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available.

In recent years, Dr Challoner’s High School has been named the best secondary school in Buckinghamshire, despite strong competition from other local grammar schools. This ranking is based on Key Stage 4 performance, particularly the number of students achieving strong passes (Grades 9–5) in English and Mathematics. In 2025, 99.5% of students achieved a strong pass, an almost perfect result. That year also saw the best results in the school’s history, with 83% of all grades at 7, 8, or 9.

A-Level results in 2025 were also record-breaking: 56% of all grades were A* or A, 83% were A*–B, and 95% were C or above. Record numbers of students secured places at their university of choice.

In recent years, many independent senior schools that have put pre-tests in place have purposefully designed them with as little transparency as possible. It is for this reason that the tests are often computer generated and no past papers are issued. As such, no tutor can claim to have in depth knowledge or experience of the tests themselves, in their current form.

For schools following the Pre-Assessment route, children will usually be asked to sit a Pre-Test in Year 5, 6 or 7 (Year 6 is the norm).

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is a selective, state grammar school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Founded as a technical school in 1956, and becoming a grammar school in 1982, the school admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, though the Sixth Form is co-educational. Parents considering grammar school education across the county should also see our guide to Kent grammar school admissions.

In terms of academics, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys has a strong reputation. In the most recent academic year, over 65% of students scored between an A* and a B at A Level, while around 80% of the year gained a place at their top choice of university, many of which were Russell Group universities such as Cambridge, Bath and Durham.

Alongside academics, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys offers a plethora of extra-curricular activities. The school operates across two distinct campuses: one in Tunbridge Wells, which is the main site, and another in Sevenoaks, both of which accommodate students and various facilities. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies on offer, such as Gardening Club, Spanish Film Club and Pride Club, which are run by staff members and take place during lunchtimes and after school. The school has excellent sports facilities, including a modern sports centre, a 3G pitch and a multi-use games area for sports including basketball, netball and tennis. There is a drama studio onsite, which is used for theatrical productions, as well as a music hall and various other spaces for rehearsals and lessons. 

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School is a selective, state grammar school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Founded in 1905 and having since gained academy status, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School admits girls from Year 7 to Year 11. 

Academically, the school has maintained a strong record over the years. In the most recent year, over 75% of students scored between an A* and a B at A Level, with over 80% of the year continuing onto higher education, many of whom gaining places at top Russell Group Universities, including the University of Durham, Edinburgh and Oxford. The school is also noted for its Outstanding Ofsted inspection judgement, which reflects a high quality in teaching and pupil behaviour. 

In addition to academics, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. There is a rich variety of clubs and societies, such as Chess Club, Textiles Club and Mythology Club, many of which are student-led and run throughout the school week. The school offers excellent sports facilities, including a sports hall for indoor sports including badminton, volleyball and basketball, large playing fields and several tennis and netball courts. In terms of the arts, the school contains purpose-built facilities, including a music block which includes both teaching and practice rooms, as well as several spaces which are used for theatrical productions. 

Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Buckinghamshire, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. With some of the highest-performing selective schools in the country, Buckinghamshire offers excellent options for families looking for a rigorous academic environment, enriching extracurriculars, and strong university progression.

Here’s a detailed look at the top grammar schools in Buckinghamshire and what you need to know about the admissions process.

London is home to some of the most academically successful state grammar schools in the UK. For parents searching for the best grammar school in London, this guide explains the leading selective schools, how admissions work, and what you need to know to give your child the best chance of success. 

Tonbridge Grammar School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Tonbridge in Kent. Having been granted academy status in 2011, Tonbridge Grammar was founded in 1905, and admits girls from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Tonbridge Grammar sits within the highly competitive group of Kent grammar schools.

Having recently ranked as the top grammar school in Kent (based on exam results), Tonbridge Grammar’s reputation for academia is well-established. In the most recent year, 91.5% of pupils’ A Level results were from A* to B, and students gained places at a significant number of Russell Group Universities, including Oxbridge, Edinburgh and Bath.

Tonbridge Grammar offers a plethora of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Sports facilities are ample, with the main Deakin Leas site including an indoor sports hall, as well as extensive outdoor spaces used for sports including netball and athletics. Beyond sport, Tonbridge Grammar offers a broad selection of clubs and societies, including chess, debating and philosophy clubs. Regarding the arts, music and drama are supported through specialist rehearsal spaces and studios, and various performances are held throughout the school year. 

Sutton Grammar School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Sutton in South London. Granted academy status in 2011, Sutton admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form.

Sutton Grammar’s academic standards have been consistently high for many years. In the most recent year, 87% of A Levels ranged from an A* to a B, and over 60% of students gained a place at their first choice university; some of these destinations included Russell Group universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Sutton remains one of the most competitive boroughs for grammar school admissions in South London.

In addition, a rich extra-curricular programme is offered at Sutton Grammar. The campus features extensive playing fields at the off-site Walch Memorial Grounds, which are used for team sports including cricket, athletics and football. On-site, there are multiple specialist science laboratories, art and design studios and modern technology blocks, along with a fully equipped music centre and performance spaces.

Tiffin Girls’ School is a top, selective state school, based in Kingston upon Thames in Southwest London, accepting girls from Year 7 to Year 12. Tiffin Girls sits within the highly competitive group of South West London grammar schools.

Tiffin Girls’ is known for its high academic standards. Most recently, 94% of A levels ranged from an A* to a B, and 81% of students who applied to university were awarded places at a Russell Group university, with 15 students gaining places at Oxbridge. 

Beyond academics, Tiffin Girls’ offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Facilities are extensive: the campus includes a modern Sports Centre (opened in 2022), music suites (with practice spaces) and specialist science labs. There is a large number of clubs and societies, ranging from origami club to psychology club, as well as regular school productions and music ensembles, including various student-led groups. 

Wallington High School for Girls is one of the most successful state schools in the UK, both in terms of its academic results and the ethos - which visitors and parents alike are keen to comment on. The school is variously described as warm, purposeful and ‘listening’. All of which contribute to its popularity and selective rigour. As a grammar school, entrance is naturally selective - in a South London borough that is already home to ambitious families, and which is only twenty minutes from London by train.

As such, you would expect results to be eye-catching. In 2025, an impressive 35% of all GCSE entrants gained a grade 9, with an imposing 65% at grade 8 – 9. A Level results include 22% of all entrants gaining an A*, with 56% at grades A*or A. 

But add to that an active and obvious sense of community and Wallington High School for Girls gains another layer of interest and prestige. Parents speak of an excellent atmosphere at the school, encouraging both learning and a sense of purpose.  Girls are seen to be uniformly confident and extremely smart. Although this is a large school, with 1,300 pupils, they receive in excess of 2000 applicants for just 200 Year 7 places. 

The Skinners’ School is a selective, state secondary school, based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Granted academy status in 2010, Skinners’ admits boys from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form.

Consistently ranking within the top 5 grammar schools in Kent, Skinners’ has a strong reputation for academic achievement. In the most recent year, 74% of pupils’ A Level results were from A* to B, and over 80% of students gained a place at their first choice university destination, which included top institutions such as Oxbridge, Exeter and Warwick. Many students also applied for degree apprenticeships, ending up at companies including Amazon, EDF and Coca-Cola. 

Skinners’ is also well-known for its wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Regarding sports, facilities are substantial - on the main school site, there is an indoor sports hall, as well as a separate playing-field site known as Southfields, which contains rugby pitches and cricket squares.  There are a large number of clubs and societies on offer at the school, ranging from chess club to politics club, as well as a 120-seater theatre, used for drama productions and music recitals.