A state grammar school in Buckinghamshire for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
Two papers sat in September of Year 6: Paper 1 (verbal skills) and Paper 2 (maths and non-verbal skills).
| 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.
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.
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
What is 314 as an improper fraction?
Answer: E, 134
What does the word “mediocre” mean?
Answer: C, only average, not very good
Which word is closest in meaning to “hide”?
Answer: C, conceal
“conceal” has a similar meaning to “hide”.
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
Answer: D
Aylesbury Grammar School uses the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test, which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
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 assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Aylesbury Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.