Chesham Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Chesham Grammar School
• Location: White Hill, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1BA
• Type: Co-educational Grammar Academy
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Headteacher: Miss Annmarie McNaney
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Year 7 Places: 180 places available for September 2025
• Current Roll: 1,317 students

About Chesham Grammar School

Chesham Grammar School has established itself as one of Buckinghamshire's premier educational institutions, serving the local community with academic excellence since its foundation. Located in the market town of Chesham, the school benefits from both rural tranquillity and excellent transport links to London, making it an attractive choice for families throughout the Chilterns area.

As part of the Red Kite Schools Trust, Chesham Grammar maintains the highest academic standards whilst fostering a nurturing environment where students develop confidence, leadership skills, and intellectual curiosity. The school's ethos centres on developing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate not only academic prowess but also compassion, integrity, and social responsibility.

The school's outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to excellence across all areas of education. With approximately 1,317 students, Chesham Grammar offers a vibrant community where pupils benefit from small class sizes and personalised attention from experienced teaching staff. The school's strong tradition of university progression sees many students secure places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions.

Chesham Grammar's comprehensive sixth form programme attracts students from across Buckinghamshire, offering an extensive range of A-level subjects alongside enrichment opportunities including the Extended Project Qualification, Model United Nations, and various leadership programmes.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Chesham Grammar School participates in Buckinghamshire's coordinated 11+ selection process, administered by the local authority. The assessment takes place annually in September for entry the following academic year.

The 11+ examination consists of four core components:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking through word-based problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness and pattern recognition using diagrams and shapes
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical skills, problem-solving ability, and mathematical reasoning
• English: Includes reading comprehension, grammar, and written expression tasks

Students typically sit the examination in their primary schools during Year 6. The test is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in a grammar school environment, focusing on academic potential rather than current attainment levels.

Buckinghamshire operates a standardised scoring system across all grammar schools in the county. Students achieving the required threshold score become eligible for grammar school places, with individual schools then applying their specific admission criteria to allocate places.

How to Apply

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

• Register for the 11+ Test: Complete registration through Buckinghamshire Council by the specified deadline, typically in late June
• Submit Secondary Application: Apply for school places through the national Common Application Form by 31st October
• Attend 11+ Assessment: Students sit the examination in September at their primary school or designated test centre
• Receive Results: 11+ results are published in mid-October, followed by school place allocations in March

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the school's open evenings, typically held in September, to experience the school's atmosphere and meet senior leadership team members. These events provide valuable insights into the school's academic programmes, pastoral care systems, and extracurricular opportunities.

For families moving to the area, in-year applications are considered based on available capacity and the student's previous academic performance. The school maintains a waiting list for oversubscribed year groups.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise your child's chances of securing a place at Chesham Grammar School. Our expert tutors understand the nuances of Buckinghamshire's selective system and tailor their approach to each student's individual needs.

Our Chesham Grammar preparation includes:

• Diagnostic Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of your child's current abilities across all 11+ components
• Personalised Learning Plans: Bespoke programmes targeting specific areas for improvement whilst building on existing strengths
• Exam Technique Mastery: Strategic approaches to time management, question analysis, and answer optimisation
• Mock Examinations: Regular practice tests using authentic Buckinghamshire-style questions to build familiarity and confidence
• Stress Management: Techniques to help your child perform at their best under examination conditions

Our tutors maintain detailed knowledge of Chesham Grammar's academic expectations and can provide insights into the school's culture and values. We also offer guidance on the application process, ensuring families understand key deadlines and requirements.

Beyond 11+ preparation, Taylor Tuition provides ongoing support for students who secure places at Chesham Grammar, helping them transition smoothly to grammar school life and maintain their academic momentum throughout their secondary education journey.