Royal Latin School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective grammar school (academy converter)
• Location: Chandos Road, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1AX
• Gender: Mixed (ages 11-18)
• Current Roll: 1,312 students
• Headteacher: Mr Ian Chislett
• Ofsted Rating: Good (November 2022)
• 11+ Required: Yes - competitive selective entry
• Religious Character: Non-denominational

About Royal Latin School

Royal Latin School occupies a distinguished position amongst Buckinghamshire's selective grammar schools, serving the historic market town of Buckingham and surrounding areas. Founded with royal patronage, the school maintains strong academic traditions whilst embracing modern educational approaches that prepare students for university and beyond.

The school's comprehensive sixth form attracts students from across north Buckinghamshire and neighbouring counties, creating a diverse and academically ambitious community. With excellent transport links and a central Buckingham location, Royal Latin draws families who recognise the value of a rigorous grammar school education within a supportive environment.

Academic excellence remains at the heart of the school's mission, with consistently strong GCSE and A-level results that reflect both the calibre of students and the quality of teaching. The school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals extends beyond the classroom through extensive extracurricular programmes, leadership opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.

Recent investments in facilities and technology ensure students benefit from modern learning environments whilst preserving the school's collegiate atmosphere. The leadership team, headed by Mr Ian Chislett, emphasises high expectations, personal responsibility, and academic rigour - values that resonate strongly with families seeking excellence in secondary education.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Royal Latin School requires success in Buckinghamshire's standardised 11+ examination, administered by the local authority on behalf of all county grammar schools. This selective process ensures students possess the academic ability to thrive in a challenging grammar school environment.

The assessment comprises four key components designed to evaluate different aspects of academic potential:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests logical thinking through language, including vocabulary, comprehension, and pattern recognition using words
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness and logical thinking through shapes, patterns, and visual sequences
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Focuses on reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and written expression skills

The examination typically takes place in September, with results released in October. Students must achieve scores that place them within the top percentile of test-takers to qualify for grammar school places. Given the competitive nature of entry, thorough preparation is essential for success.

Buckinghamshire operates a coordinated admissions system, meaning families can express preferences for multiple grammar schools whilst taking the examination only once. Royal Latin School consistently attracts applications from high-achieving students across the region, making places highly sought after.

How to Apply

The application process for Royal Latin School follows Buckinghamshire Council's coordinated admissions timeline, with specific deadlines that must be strictly observed:

Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
Complete online registration through Buckinghamshire Council's website by the May deadline preceding your child's Year 6. Late registrations incur additional fees and may not be accommodated.

Step 2: Submit Secondary Application
Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) online, ranking up to four grammar school preferences. Royal Latin School should be included if you wish your child to be considered for a place.

Step 3: Prepare for Assessment
Ensure your child is familiar with 11+ question formats and timing. Practise papers and preparation courses can help build confidence and technique.

Step 4: Sit the 11+ Examination
Attend the designated test centre in September. Students typically take the assessment at local primary schools or testing venues arranged by the council.

Step 5: Await Results and Offers
Qualification results are released in October, with secondary school offers made on National Offer Day in March. Accept or decline offers according to the specified timeline.

Families moving into Buckinghamshire after deadlines should contact the school directly to discuss in-year applications and testing arrangements. Appeal processes exist for unsuccessful applications, though places remain highly competitive throughout the academic year.

Preparing for the Royal Latin School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Royal Latin 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.