Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
156 pupils are going on a trip. Each coach holds 32 pupils. How many coaches are needed?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 5
How to work it out
- 156 ÷ 32 = 4.88.
- Part of a coach cannot be hired, so round up to 5.
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Two papers sat in September of Year 6: Paper 1 (verbal skills) and Paper 2 (maths and non-verbal skills).
At a glance
- Subjects
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Usually held
- September
- Set by
- GL Assessment
- Schools
- 13
The papers
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Test | Paper 1: Verbal Skills | 45 | 50 minutes |
| Transfer Test | Paper 2: Maths & Non-verbal | 45 | 50 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the Bucks STT
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Schools that use the Bucks STT
- Aylesbury Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Aylesbury High School Buckinghamshire
- Beaconsfield High School Buckinghamshire
- Burnham Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Chesham Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Dr Challoner’s High School Buckinghamshire
- John Hampden Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire
- The Royal Latin School Buckinghamshire
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Buckinghamshire
- Wycombe High School Buckinghamshire
Try some Bucks STT style questions
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, asked the secretery
How to work it out
“secretery” should be spelt “secretary”.
Why the other options are wrong
- A (“Could you guarantee): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
- B (delivery by Friday?”): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
- D (politely.): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
- E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “secretery” should be spelt “secretary”.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word can go after “hand” to make a new word?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, bag
How to work it out
- hand + bag = handbag.
- Say each option after “hand” and check it makes a real word.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
The flag turns 90° anticlockwise each step and the shading alternates.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the Bucks STT?
The Bucks STT tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
When is the Bucks STT?
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the Bucks STT?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Bucks STT format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessment