Aylesbury Grammar School entry runs on academic selection: register for the 11+, sit it, then name the school on your county application. Registration happens in the summer before Year 6 and the test is sat in September, so the deadline arrives earlier than most families expect. Both steps are required - passing the test does not apply for the place. Check current dates on the school's own admissions page.
For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry, and 92.4% their first-preference primary. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026
If you're a parent in Aylesbury or nearby areas considering enrolling your child at Aylesbury Grammar School, understanding the 11+ entry process is crucial. This blog post offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to navigate the application process smoothly and effectively.
What Is the Application Process?
How do you check the eligibility criteria?
- Assess Academic Merit: Aylesbury Grammar School is a selective institution, where admissions are based on academic prowess.
- Pass the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test: Ensure your child is prepared to pass this critical exam, as it is the primary criterion for admission.
How do you register for the 11+ exam?
- Registration Period: Typically opens in May.
- Exam Schedule: The 11+ exam is usually conducted in September.
- Registration Portal: Apply through the Buckinghamshire County Council website.
How do you prepare for the exam?
- Utilize Available Resources: Leverage practice papers, online materials, and relevant books to aid your child's preparation.
- Consider Professional Tutoring: Hiring a tutor could provide additional tailored support and guidance.
What is the sit the 11+ exam?
- Test Center Attendance: Your child will need to be present at a designated center.
- Exam Content: The test includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics sections, aimed at evaluating academic ability and potential.
How do you attend an interview (if selected)?
- Purpose of the Interview: Allows the school to further assess your child's suitability and for your child to inquire more about the school.
What happens if you receive an offer?
- Acceptance of Offer: If your child is successful, promptly accept the offer within the given timeframe to secure their place.
- Alternative Options: Explore other grammar or non-selective schools if needed.
What should you do next?
Applying for 11+ entry to Aylesbury Grammar School demands thorough planning and diligent preparation. By following the outlined steps—from checking eligibility to receiving an offer—you can enhance your child's chances of securing a place at this prestigious school, renowned for its exceptional academic standards and esteemed reputation.
What else is worth reading?
- Navigating the 11+ Admissions Process at Aylesbury Grammar School
- Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ English Exam: A Guide…
- Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ Exam: A Guide to…
- Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ Maths Exam: A Guide…
- Understanding the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ Exam: Pass Marks and…
What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?
There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.
Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:
“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions
Where can you check this at source?
There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules:
- School admissions (gov.uk) — how applying for a school place works
- Admissions criteria (gov.uk) — how schools are allowed to decide who gets a place
- The School Admissions Code — the statutory rules every admissions authority must follow

