Buckinghamshire's secondary transfer test reports a standardised score, not a raw mark - so any "X out of Y" figure, including the one below, describes it wrongly. Raw marks are converted for age and difficulty, and the county publishes the qualifying standardised score each year. Use Buckinghamshire Council's own transfer-test page and the school's admissions policy for your child's entry year.
If you're a parent in Aylesbury or nearby areas considering Aylesbury Grammar School for your child, understanding the 11+ exam's pass marks and target scores is crucial. This blog post provides essential information to help gauge the exam's requirements and prepare effectively.
What Is the 11+ Exam?
What are exam components?
The 11+ exam assesses candidates in three key areas:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Mathematics
Why Does the Exam Matter?
The Exam is a pivotal step for admission into Aylesbury Grammar School, serving as a primary criterion for evaluating student capabilities.
What are pass marks and target scores?
What are pass mark details?
The pass mark for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ exam is set at 121 out of a possible 141 marks. It's important to note that reaching this mark doesn't automatically ensure admission due to the high competition and limited available spots.
What are target score insights?
To enhance your child's admission chances, aiming for a target score between 135-140 is advisable. This score range significantly boosts their likelihood of securing a place at the school.
How Do You Prepare for the Exam?
What are study resources?
To achieve a desirable score, thorough preparation is indispensable. Useful resources include:
- Practice papers
- Online resources
- Reference books
- Past examination papers
What are additional tips?
Beyond academics, the school also considers other aspects such as interview performances. Therefore, holistic preparation encompassing both academic and soft skills is beneficial.
What should you do next?
Understanding the nuances of the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ exam pass marks and target scores is essential for effective preparation. While a pass mark of 121 is necessary, aiming higher to around 135-140 can substantially elevate your child's admission prospects. Leveraging diverse resources and preparing for additional admission criteria like interviews will further enhance their chances. With dedicated preparation, your child can aspire to not only meet but exceed the expectations of this prestigious institution.
What else is worth reading?
- Navigating the 11+ Admissions Process at Aylesbury Grammar School
- A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School…
- How to Apply for 11+ Entry to Aylesbury Grammar School: A…
- Navigating the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test at Aylesbury Grammar School
- Preparing for the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ English Exam: A Guide…
What are the honest limits of any grade or percentage figure?
Grade boundaries are set for each exam series, for each board and tier, after marking is complete. Every percentage and boundary described here is a historical example, not a promise: a 2025 boundary tells you about 2025. For the series you are actually sitting, check JCQ and your own board.
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

