Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Calculate 3/5 + 1/5. Give your answer in its simplest form.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 4/5
How to work it out
The bottom numbers match, so add the tops: 3 + 1 = 4, giving 4/5.
The Royal Latin School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Buckinghamshire for boys and girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Grammar school
- Pupils
- Mixed
- Area
- Buckinghamshire, South East
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
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.
How to prepare
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “sinister” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, seeming evil or dangerous
How to work it out
- “Sinister” (adjective) means seeming evil or dangerous.
- For example: A sinister laugh echoed down the corridor.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
CJ EK GL IM ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, KN
How to work it out
- Follow each letter on its own.
- The first letters move forward 2 each time; the second letters move forward 1.
- So the next pair is KN.
- Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
- The figure turns 90° clockwise, and then gains two dots.
- Apply both changes to the third figure.
Other selective schools in Buckinghamshire
- Aylesbury Grammar School
- Aylesbury High School
- Beaconsfield High School
- Burnham Grammar School
- Chesham Grammar School
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
- Dr Challoner’s High School
- John Hampden Grammar School
- Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
- Wycombe High School
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does The Royal Latin School use?
The Royal Latin 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.
What score does my child need for Royal Latin School?
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.
When should my child start preparing for Royal Latin School?
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.
Preparing for Royal Latin School?
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 The Royal Latin School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.