Beaconsfield High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Girls' Grammar School (State-funded selective)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 1RR
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 1,100 students
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (December 2019)
• 11+ Requirement: Buckinghamshire 11+ examination
• Entry Score: Typically 121+ (appeals considered from 117)

About Beaconsfield High School

Beaconsfield High School, affectionately known as 'Becky High', has established itself as one of Buckinghamshire's premier girls' grammar schools since its founding. Located in the affluent market town of Beaconsfield, the school serves families who value academic excellence within a nurturing, single-sex environment.

The school's distinctive ethos centres on developing confident, articulate young women who excel academically whilst maintaining strong moral values. With its motto emphasising respect, relationships, and achievement, Beaconsfield High creates an environment where girls can flourish without the social pressures often found in co-educational settings.

What sets Beaconsfield High apart is its exceptional track record of university placements, with over 95% of students progressing to Russell Group institutions, including significant numbers to Oxford and Cambridge. The school's specialist mathematics and science facilities, combined with outstanding humanities departments, ensure breadth of opportunity for students with diverse academic interests.

The school's house system fosters healthy competition and pastoral care, with each of the four houses - Austen, Curie, Pankhurst, and Nightingale - named after influential women who exemplify the school's values of scholarship, leadership, and service.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Beaconsfield High School participates in the Buckinghamshire 11+ selection process, administered by the local authority. This standardised assessment determines entry to all grammar schools within the county, ensuring fair and consistent evaluation of candidates.

Assessment Components

The Buckinghamshire 11+ examination comprises:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical thinking through word-based puzzles and logic problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning using shapes and diagrams
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical skills, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Tests grammar, punctuation, spelling, and creative writing skills

Scoring and Selection

Students receive standardised scores for each component, with the qualifying threshold typically set at 121 marks across the combined papers. Beaconsfield High School, being highly competitive, often requires scores significantly above this threshold for guaranteed admission. However, the school does consider appeals for students scoring between 117-120, particularly where there are exceptional circumstances or strong primary school recommendations.

The examination takes place annually in September, with results released in October. Parents must register their interest through Buckinghamshire County Council's online portal by the specified deadline, typically in June of Year 5.

How to Apply

The application process for Beaconsfield High School follows the Buckinghamshire County Council framework:

Registration Process

• Complete online registration via Buckinghamshire County Council website
• Submit application by June deadline in Year 5
• Receive 11+ examination details and venue confirmation
• Attend examination in September of Year 6
• Await results in October
• Submit secondary school preferences through normal admissions process

Catchment and Distance

As a Buckinghamshire grammar school, Beaconsfield High prioritises students from within the county. However, the school also accepts applications from neighbouring authorities including parts of Hertfordshire, Greater London, and Oxfordshire. Distance from school becomes a determining factor when demand exceeds places available.

Special Circumstances

The school makes provisions for students with specific educational needs or circumstances that may have affected their 11+ performance. Appeals can be submitted with supporting evidence from educational psychologists or primary schools, and late applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

At Taylor Tuition, we understand that gaining admission to Beaconsfield High School represents a significant milestone in your daughter's educational journey. Our comprehensive 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise success in the Buckinghamshire selection process.

Tailored Preparation Strategy

Our experienced tutors, many of whom are former grammar school teachers, provide personalised coaching in all four 11+ components. We begin with diagnostic assessments to identify your daughter's strengths and areas for development, creating a bespoke study plan that builds confidence whilst addressing any knowledge gaps.

Our Beaconsfield High School preparation includes intensive practice with Buckinghamshire-style papers, time management techniques, and stress reduction strategies. We particularly focus on the analytical skills valued by the school, ensuring students can demonstrate their intellectual curiosity and academic potential under examination conditions.

Comprehensive Support Package

Beyond academic preparation, Taylor Tuition offers strategic guidance on the application process, helping families navigate registration deadlines, examination logistics, and secondary preference submissions. Our consultants provide insights into Beaconsfield High's unique culture and expectations, preparing students for the transition to grammar school life.

We also support families through the appeals process where appropriate, helping to present compelling cases for students who narrowly miss the initial qualifying threshold. Our detailed understanding of Beaconsfield High's selection criteria ensures that every opportunity is maximised.

For families committed to securing a place at this exceptional school, Taylor Tuition's proven track record of Buckinghamshire grammar school successes provides the expertise and support necessary to achieve your educational aspirations.