Aylesbury Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective boys' grammar school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Pupils: Approximately 1,300 boys
• Head Teacher: Mark Sturgeon
• Founded: 1598
• Location: Walton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 7RP
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (November 2022)
• Specialisms: Technology, Science, Languages, Mathematics and Computing

About Aylesbury Grammar School

With over four centuries of educational excellence since its founding in 1598, Aylesbury Grammar School represents one of England's most established and respected grammar schools. Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire, this selective boys' school has built an outstanding reputation for academic achievement whilst maintaining its commitment to developing well-rounded young men of character and integrity.

The school's recent Ofsted inspection in November 2022 awarded AGS the highest rating of 'Outstanding' across all areas, with inspectors particularly commending the exemplary behaviour and positive learning attitudes demonstrated by pupils. This recognition reflects the school's unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards within a supportive and challenging environment.

AGS specialises in Technology, Science, Languages, and Mathematics and Computing, providing pupils with cutting-edge facilities and expert teaching in these crucial areas. The school's comprehensive curriculum is complemented by an extensive programme of extracurricular activities, clubs and societies that enable boys to explore their interests and develop leadership skills beyond the classroom.

Since becoming an academy in July 2011, Aylesbury Grammar School has continued to evolve whilst preserving its core values and traditions. The school serves approximately 1,300 boys from Year 7 through to Year 13, creating a vibrant community where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Aylesbury Grammar School is through the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, commonly known as the 11+ examination. This selective assessment determines admission to all grammar schools within the Buckinghamshire local authority area and is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in a grammar school environment.

The Buckinghamshire 11+ comprises:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assessing comprehension, vocabulary and logical reasoning using words
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing spatial awareness, pattern recognition and problem-solving through visual puzzles
• Mathematics: Covering arithmetic, basic algebra and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 6 pupils
• English: Evaluating reading comprehension and written communication skills

The examination takes place annually in September, with results typically released in October. AGS also accepts boys from outside the immediate catchment area when places become available, making it accessible to families throughout the region who value selective education.

How to Apply

Applications for Year 7 entry must be submitted through Buckinghamshire County Council's coordinated admissions process. The key steps include:

• Registration: Register your son for the 11+ test through Buckinghamshire County Council by the specified deadline (typically in June)
• Examination: Attend the 11+ test session in September at your allocated centre
• School Preference: Complete your secondary school application form, listing AGS as a preference
• Results: Await test results and school allocation in October/November
• Acceptance: Confirm your place if offered and complete any additional school requirements

It is essential to adhere to all deadlines and ensure accurate completion of application forms. The school's admissions team can provide guidance on specific requirements and answer questions about the process.

Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.