1 of 47

MOVING UP TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER 2027 entry

(Released March 2026)

Click to edit Master title style

Click to edit Master subtitle style

01/05/2026

1

Click to edit Master title style

Click to edit Master subtitle style

01/05/2026

1

2 of 47

Included in this presentation

Applying for a secondary school place (Slides 3-14)

(When to apply, how to apply, things to consider when applying, how the process works, National Offer Day, waiting lists and Appeals)

The Secondary Transfer Test (Slides 15-45)

(Timeline, test dates, what the test measures, familiarisation and practice, the testing process, how it is marked, Selection Review and Non-qualified appeals)

More information
How to Contact the Admissions Team

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

3 of 47

Applying for a secondary school place

Important message!

Apply on time!

The deadline is:

Midnight on 31 October

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

4 of 47

How to apply for a school place online

If you live in Buckinghamshire, visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions between 7 September and 31 October 2026

If you live elsewhere apply via your own LA’s website

All you need is an email address

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

5 of 47

Applying online is easy

You can apply on your phone, iPad or laptop

Make a note of which email account and password you have used!

Use an email address that you know you can access on 1 March

You will be reminded if an application has not been submitted

You can accept the place online

You will see the outcome of all school preferences

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

6 of 47

Making an application

When you apply online you can list up to 6 schools:

You can give reasons for your preference

You can include grammar, upper, all-ability and out of county schools

Put the schools in the order you prefer them

Consider the order of your preferences carefully and think about how your child will get to school

We suggest you include a local (catchment) school that you have a good chance of being offered

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

Which is your nearest school(s)? You can check here –Find my child a school place this will tell you which schools are your catchment schools and how far away they are ‘as the crow flies’ which is how we measure for allocation purposes.

We will let you know the outcome of the Secondary Transfer Test before submitting your preferences by the deadline of Midnight on 31 October.

You have the option to list up to 6 schools and we would suggest that even if you expect your child to qualify in the test that you consider including non grammar school options.

If your child has not taken the transfer test or you do not expect them to be qualified for entry to a grammar school, then you do not need to include grammar school preferences.

New preferences and changes can be made from the second allocation round onwards, but for the first round and the reallocation round the order cannot be altered so make sure you include all the schools you want your child to be considered for when you make your application.

Make your application by the deadline!

7 of 47

Think about…

Does your child need to sit or pass a test to be considered for a place at the school?

Do you know where your child fits on the school’s admission rules?

What type of school(s) will best meet the needs of your child? ( e.g. non –selective, grammar, faith)

Do you need to complete a supplementary information form (SIF) for the school? (e.g. Due to faith, or because your child is eligible for Pupil Premium)

Do you live in catchment? (Check this on the Buckinghamshire Council website)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

For example - The Highcrest Academy’s banding test – parents in the Wycombe area need to be aware of their rules.

All schools give priority to children who are looked after or who are now adopted but prior to being adopted were looked after. If this applies to you - check the small print and include details with your application!

All grammar schools give priority to pupils who qualify for Pupil Premium and this can be for children who have not met the county-wide qualification mark of 121. All schools will ask for evidence of Pupil Premium to be sent to them.

Some grammar schools use a SIF to collect extra address information for children to be agreed as resident in catchment.

Some schools give priority on the basis of faith, and you do not necessarily have to be the same faith to be able to apply under a faith rule.

Many schools give priority if your child has an older sibling attending the school already (but some don’t!) .

Where schools have some of the rules we have listed above, they will require you to complete a supplementary information form (SIF) to provide extra information to help them apply their admission rules – check the school’s website as well as the Council’s website. SIFs should always be returned to the school.

8 of 47

How will your child get to school?

Transport is given to the nearest secondary school if:

It’s over three miles away, or
Under three miles but the route is an ‘unsafe walking route’
Check on Find my child a school place to find your nearest school for transport purposes
All secondary schools are treated equally (grammar/upper/comprehensive/free)
If you qualify for grammar school and attend your nearest grammar school, you will only be assisted with transport if there is no nearer upper school.
School transport options | Buckinghamshire Council

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

9 of 47

The offer process – Step 1

Local authorities share offer information with each other
Each school preference is treated separately
Schools are not told where they are placed on the preference list by the parent
All admission authorities apply their ‘oversubscription criteria’ to the children with a preference for their school and sort the children into ‘ranked order’
The schools tell the ranked order to their council

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

10 of 47

The offer process – Step 2

Grammar school preferences will only be offered to qualified pupils (by scoring 121 or following successful Selection Review)
Where a child can be offered more than one school place, the higher ranked preference school is offered, and the lower preference school is declined
The vacant place created is offered to another child
This process is repeated until no further offers can be made
Children who cannot be offered any of their preferences are then offered a place at the nearest school with vacant places remaining

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

11 of 47

Offer Day – 1 March 2027

Parent Portal applications

Offer emails sent 1 March
You can log on to the portal and accept the school place online

Other applications

Offer emails sent 1 March - follow link in the email to accept the place

All applications

You have 14 days to accept the offer

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

All children are automatically added to the waiting lists for those higher preference schools where a place could not be offered that they are qualified to attend.

The National Offer Day school place offers are the first of a number of ‘rounds’ of school place allocations and we manage the rest of the allocation by grouping offers together in rounds.

No new preferences can be added for the main allocation or the reallocation round (when we allocate any places that have been declined) so make sure you include all the schools you want your child to be considered in these rounds when you make your application.

New preferences can be added for the second and following rounds. We hold allocation rounds until July after which any further allocations are made as and when places become available.

12 of 47

After Offer Day

You can appeal for any school you have been refused

This includes where your preference is a grammar school, and your child has not qualified

We will automatically add your child to the waiting list for any school on your application above the school we have offered as long as it is a school they are qualified to attend

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

13 of 47

About appeals

Appeals are heard by a panel of three people

Panel members are independent and unpaid volunteers who have no connection with the school or the LA

Your appeal will be held via Teams, and we will explain what you need to do to be present

You can attend your child’s appeal, or it can be held in your absence (if you prefer)

14 of 47

Application summary

Apply by Midnight on 31 October 2026

Apply online at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk or on your home LA’s website

List schools in true preference order including grammar and upper schools if your child is sitting the test

We strongly suggest you include all your local schools (e.g. catchment/local/ne-arest schools)

Be realistic, understand the rules, use all your preferences

Fill in SIFs where requested by your preference schools

Consider transport arrangements

Visit the schools or view virtual tours

Don’t rely on the opinions of others

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

15 of 47

The Secondary Transfer Test

2027 entry

16 of 47

The Secondary Transfer Test

The Secondary Transfer Test is a test to determine whether or not a child is suited to a Buckinghamshire grammar school
The test is produced by GL Assessment
Buckinghamshire Council undertakes the administration on behalf of the 13 grammar schools
You can find information about the test here: https://www.thebucksgrammarschools.org/

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

17 of 47

Testing timeline

What

Familiarisation booklet
Practice Test
Transfer Test
Results released
Application deadline
School place offers
Start secondary school

When

Early July 2026 (posted home)
8 September 2026
10 September 2026
9 October 2026
31 October 2026 (midnight)
1 March 2027
September 2027

18 of 47

Do all children have to sit the Secondary Transfer Test?

No, your child does not have to sit the Secondary Transfer Test
If you would not expect your child to attend a grammar school they you may wish to consider whether sitting the test is going to be a positive experience for your child
Your child's headteacher will ask you if you want your child to sit the test so they can plan for the testing sessions
You will be asked to confirm your decision about whether your child will be included in the testing by 2 June 2026 so that your child’s test materials can be prepared.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

The Secondary Transfer Test is not compulsory.

Think about your child’s attainment in school to date. The national expectation for a child in Year 6 is to achieve a standardised score of 100 in the National Tests. Most children starting at grammar school in 2027 will have qualified in the Secondary Transfer Test and are likely to have gained a score of at least 100 in the National Tests.

If a grammar school is not something you would expect your child to attend, then you can discuss this with your child’s headteacher and agree if it is not appropriate for your child to take part in the Secondary Transfer Test.

If your child has Special Educational Needs and they are to sit the test, then there is more information available later about what you may do if adjustments to the test are required.

19 of 47

Communicating with parents (1)

We need an up-to-date email address to send your child’s test results to you
If your child attends a Buckinghamshire state school, we will write to you in the Spring term with information about the test. We will give you a code and a link to our website so you can complete a short form to either:

provide your email address OR
to withdraw your child from the Secondary Transfer Test

When you fill in the online form and provide your email address the code ensures we match your email to your child’s record
If you and your child’s other parent live separately you can both register your email addresses.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

20 of 47

Communicating with parents (2)

Results will be emailed to parents on 9 October!
If you do not provide your email address or withdraw your child from the test by 2 June 2026, your child can still sit the test, but their results email will be sent to your child’s primary school instead of to you.
The primary school will forward the results email to the email address they hold for you by the end of Monday 12 October (the next working day) OR
You will be able to collect a printed copy of the results email from the school office on Monday 12 October

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

21 of 47

Familiarisation booklet

Will be sent to your home address in early July
Explains what the questions, question booklets and answer sheets will look like and how the answer sheets should be completed
Includes example questions with answers
It will not be looked at in school
Optional additional free familiarisation material can be downloaded from the GL Assessment website: https://11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/free-materials/

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

A copy of the Familiarisation booklet will be sent to the home address of all children attending a Buckinghamshire primary schools and Partner schools in early July.

A pdf of the booklet will be available to download for out of county children Familiarisation Booklet

How much preparation do children need to do?

TBGS supports the view of GL Assessment that all children should have the opportunity to experience sample questions as part of the familiarisation process and that this is an essential element of a fair testing process. This is why we provide familiarisation materials for parents and children ahead of the STT and also have a practice test. To support this process, GL Assessment has also published a series of free 11+ familiarisation materials, which parents are welcome to download from the GL Assessment website. The familiarisation papers cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths. GL Assessment has also published free parents’ guides for both VR and NVR, which you can also download from their website.

22 of 47

Coaching

Buckinghamshire primary and Partner schools must not undertake any Transfer Test coaching or preparation in school other than that specified by TBGS or allow a third party to undertake such preparation on the school site.
Primary schools that undertake testing on behalf of the grammar schools are asked not to tutor or coach the children in their school prior to the test over and above enabling the children to follow the national curriculum relevant for their age.
The Secondary Transfer Test is designed to enable all children to demonstrate their academic potential without the need for coaching or excessive preparation.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

Are tutoring and coaching required?

No, the Secondary Transfer Test is designed to enable all children to demonstrate their academic potential without the need for coaching or excessive preparation. Primary and partner schools that undertake testing on behalf of the grammar schools have agreed not to tutor or coach children in their school prior to the test over and above enabling the children to follow the national curriculum relevant for their age.

TBGS does not endorse tutoring for the test. Our test is produced specifically for Buckinghamshire. Tutors do not see our test papers or associated materials. This means they do not know the content of our tests and are not able to advise children on how to proceed through our specific test or about the questions within it. Tutors may provide advice for testing in general, but they are not in a reliable position to advise accurately on the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT).

In order to be able to prepare children appropriately for the STT, parents of children in Year 5 are provided with a familiarisation booklet in the summer term so that they can familiarise children with how the test papers will look. All children are also encouraged to prepare by taking the practice test so that they have the experience of taking a test under similar conditions to the STT. This includes experience of hearing the test instructions on the audio files.

Additional free familiarisation materials are also available on GL Assessment’s website https://11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/free-materials/ should parents wish to use them.

23 of 47

What does the Secondary Transfer �Test measure?

Verbal skills

includes English and verbal reasoning

Mathematical skills

includes various areas of mathematics

Non-verbal skills

includes non-verbal and spatial reasoning

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

24 of 47

On the test days

Children will usually sit a practice test two days before the Transfer Test
The Practice Test is not marked
There are two papers with a 15 min break between
Each paper is approximately an hour including instructions (practice shorter)
The audio instructions give practice examples and test instructions
Paper A – Verbal Skills – taken first
Paper B – Mathematical and Non-Verbal Skills – taken second

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

The Practice Test will be sat in two sessions with a short gap in between. Each practice paper is approx. 30 minutes plus time for settling the children, collection and distribution of papers and the audio instructions covering the example questions. The total practice session time is therefore likely to be 40-45 minutes overall.

The same structure applies for the Transfer Test with each paper being approx 1 hour with a gap in between so overall approx 2 hours 30 minutes.

It is provided to enable children to experience hearing the audio instructions and gain some understanding of the look and format of the test so when they do the Transfer Test they will know what to expect. The questions included will be of a comparable nature, but the real test questions will be different.

NOTE: The Practice Test must remain confidential and is the property of GL Assessment. It will not be sent home. The Practice Test will not be marked. There will normally be one clear day between when children take the Practice Test and the Transfer Test.

The Transfer Test must also remain confidential and the test content must not be discussed by children, parents or staff. Children are reminded about this at the end of the Test.

25 of 47

Test conditions

All test centres provide appropriate test conditions the aim of which is:

To create a fair and equitable environment where children can complete the Transfer Test without external distractions
To provide a quiet and organised test room
To minimise excessive noise distraction over the normal background sounds of a working school
Invigilators will ensure the papers are kept secure before and after the test and that the test is completed in an organised and timely manner
Children sitting the test are provided with clear instructions and materials to do the test and are reminded about the importance of behaving in an appropriate manner in the test room
Children are given a short break between the two test papers

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

26 of 47

Illness/absence during the test period

If a child is ill on either practice or Transfer Test day, they can sit the test papers on a later date
Children should not sit the test when unwell (even if they want to!)
Children will normally be expected to sit the practice test before the Transfer Test
If a child misses the practice test due to a test in another area, then an alternative date will not be offered
If a child misses the Transfer Test due to being on holiday, then an alternative date in school will not be offered, you will be offered a late central test session only
If a later test date is agreed, you will be advised of new venue (where appropriate) and date(s) for the test(s) before your child sits the test

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

If your child misses the Practice Test due to illness you should liaise with the school. If you request (and your child is now well) they can sit the Practice Test on Wednesday and still sit the test on Thursday.

If your child is ill on the day of the Transfer Test they should not attempt the test. On returning to school once the child is well the parents will be advised of the new test date(s).

All children attending Buckinghamshire primary schools or Partner Schools (local independent schools) will normally be expected to sit the Practice Test before attempting the Secondary Transfer Test except where they have chosen to attend another area’s test session and this clashes with the practice test session.

An alternative practice test date will not be offered where the child has chosen to sit a test in another area.

If you are absent from school on the scheduled dates for any reason other than ill health (for example, a term time holiday) then your primary school will not test you later. Your child will be offered a later test session at a central test venue.

27 of 47

If you think something has affected your child’s performance in the Transfer Test

Let your headteacher know on the test day and also collect evidence, for example a doctor’s letter
Once you have the test results, talk to your child’s headteacher

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

28 of 47

Headteacher’s recommendations

LA and Partner school headteachers are asked to provide grammar school recommendation scores for children
They are asked to link their recommendations back to the Key Stage monitoring all schools undertake
Recommendations are provided before results are available
Each child has two scores – a recommendation and an attitude to work score (e.g. 2:1)
The recommendations are only needed/used if a child is put forward for a Selection Review

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

29 of 47

Headteacher’s recommendations (1)

	Headteacher’s Recommendation
1	Exceptionally able so very highly recommended.
2	Very able so recommended without any reservation.
3	Recommended with reservation.
4	Not recommended for grammar school.

	Attitude to Learning
1	Enjoys challenge and is a highly motivated independent learner
2	Consistently hardworking and reliable
3	Output varies
4	Lacks self-organisation, requires support (this is not a recommendation)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

30 of 47

Headteacher’s recommendations (2)

Headteacher recommendation levels are linked back the child’s Key Stage 2 annual performance monitoring for reading, writing and mathematics.

For each level of headteacher recommendation:

1	A record showing 2-3 reports at ‘greater depth’ each year from Y3 to the end of Y5 and a prediction of the same at Y6
2	A record showing 1-2 reports at ‘greater depth’ each year from Y3 to the end of Y5 and a prediction of the same at Y6
3	A record showing at least 2 reports of ‘ has met age related expectations’ at the end of Y4 and of at least 3 reports of ‘has met age related expectations at the end of Y5

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

31 of 47

Pupil access arrangements

Access arrangements are adjustments designed to support children with particular needs so that they can access the Secondary Transfer Test.
Access arrangements must not advantage the child.
They are normally based on what happens routinely at school.
Headteachers will apply for access arrangements for children whose parents want them to sit the test and who normally have adjustments made in class to support their needs.
Applications for access arrangements are reviewed by a panel of experts in SEND and primary teaching and an educational psychologist.
You can find out more information here: Access arrangements and the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test | Buckinghamshire Council

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

32 of 47

What access arrangements may be requested?

Access arrangements fall into three categories:

Changes to the way the test is administered, e.g. separate invigilation, rest breaks during the test, extra time
Changes to a physical feature, e.g. enlarged question booklet
Using extra aids or services, e.g. prompter, coloured overlays

Adjustments requested should reflect what is normal practice in class when the child is sitting tests in school.

For any case where access arrangements are applied for, the headteacher will need to supply evidence from the school and (where available) external professionals such as doctors, educational psychologists and paediatricians or LA services such as the Inclusion Specialist Teachers

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

33 of 47

What access arrangements may be agreed? (1)

The panel will expect that the adjustments being requested are already the normal working practice in class for your child, e.g. rest breaks, additional time, enlarged test papers.

The adjustments agreed by the expert panel will take account of the nature of the adjustments requested, the test style (a multi-choice test) and best practice in test adjustments.

In making their decisions, the expert panel will take into account the adjustments requested, the style of the test (multiple-choice) and the regulations in place for other tests, e.g. KS2 tests (SATs) and GCSEs and A levels.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

34 of 47

What access arrangements may be agreed? (2)

Some agreed adjustments may be different to what has been requested, e.g. a child may be given less additional time than they are given in class or rest breaks may be granted instead.

Many agreed adjustments may mean that your child needs to be tested separately from the rest of the class, and (depending on school staff resources) they may need to be tested at a different time or on a later date.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

35 of 47

Examples of adjustments

A child has diagnosed ADHD. They often find it hard to concentrate in class. Support is given by the teacher to keep the child on task. Sometimes they work in a small group or need a bit longer to complete a task. Parents think that extra time should be given. The Panel agrees supervised rest breaks (where the clock is paused so the child does not lose any time) and the use of a prompter so that they can be brought back to the test if they are distracted.
A child has a diagnosis of ASD. The Educational Psychologist’s report suggests that up to 25% extra time may be appropriate. The school have offered 25% extra time in tests previously, but the child rarely uses it. The Panel agrees 10% extra time as this is more appropriate for the Transfer Test which has multiple choice questions.
A child has an EHCP and complex needs. The school provide a detailed submission showing the support provided and include a copy of the EHCP. The Panel agrees the requested adjustments as they are consistently in place in school and appropriate to the style of the test.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

36 of 47

More examples of adjustments

A child with dyslexia finds a coloured overlay helpful and uses it daily in the classroom. The school include the Educational Psychologist’s report with their form, which shows multiple scores significantly below the average range and this lines up with the support given in school. The Panel agrees to the request for 10% extra time and the use of the child’s overlay.
A child has an undiagnosed tic disorder, meaning that they call out in lessons and make various noises. This happens more frequently when the child is uncomfortable or worried. As this is the only adjustment requested the school are allowed to test the child separately so that they have space to vocalise and so that there is a quiet room for their classmates to test in.
A parent has asked the school to request 25% extra time but the child does not regularly require this in class. As there is no evidence of 25% extra time being normal practice the Panel do not agree to this adjustment.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

37 of 47

Marking and standardisation

The completed answer sheets are machine marked (scanned)
One mark is given for each correct answer
Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers
Each pupil will have three raw scores

verbal skills
mathematical skills
non-verbal skills

Each score is age standardised and weighted to produce the Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

38 of 47

Weighting

Each score is weighted as follows:

Verbal – 50% of the STTS (Secondary Transfer Test Score)
Mathematical – 25% of the STTS
Non-verbal – 25% of the STTS
The qualifying score is a minimum score of 121
Scores range between 60 and 170 approximately

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

What is the rationale behind the weightings in the test?

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test assesses a range of verbal, mathematical and non-verbal skills. The verbal skills areas tested are English comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning. Non-verbal, spatial reasoning and maths skills are assessed as well. The weightings of the three sections that make up the Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS) are as follows: verbal – 50%; mathematical – 25%; non-verbal – 25%. The weightings indicate the proportion of the test devoted to that skill and also provide a balanced view of a child’s developed ability.

For example, if a pupil has standardised scores of 140, 120 and 84, applying this weighting would give:

Verbal standardised score of 140 x 50% = 70

Mathematical standardised score of 120 x 25% = 30

Non-verbal standardised score of 84 x 25% = 21

STTS = 70 + 30 + 21 = 121

Details about the score will be provided both in the results letter and to the primary headteacher, along with the decision as to whether this score qualifies the child for entry to a grammar school.

The test result is only appropriate for entry to a Buckinghamshire Grammar school and is not transferable to grammar schools in other areas.

39 of 47

Results publication - 9 October

If your child attends a Partner school or has sat the test at a grammar school test centre, then we will send the result on 9 October to the email address you used to register to sit the test

All candidates:

Contents are confidential to parent and child
39% of children scored 121 or more in the 2026 entry test
Test results may be later if the child sat the test later than the published dates

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

40 of 47

Pupil Premium Admissions

All grammar schools give priority or reserve places for children eligible for the Pupil Premium grant who have not qualified in the Secondary Transfer Test.
The number of places is 6 or more per school.
Eligible test scores vary, but all consider scores of 115-120 and some consider lower scores .
If your child is eligible for Pupil Premium, you will need to provide evidence of eligibility when you apply for a place.
You need to check the details required in the admission policy for any grammar school you are interested in.
Parents need to write to the grammar school(s) providing evidence of their child’s pupil premium status and STT score by 31 October 2026 if they want their child to be considered under these criteria

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

41 of 47

What can I do if my child does not qualify for a grammar school place?

If your child has not qualified and you think a grammar school would be appropriate you can either:

Ask for a Selection Review

OR

Just appeal for your preferred school(s)

The Selection Review Panel can decide if a child is qualified, and that qualification counts for any preference grammar school so all your preferences will be considered when the allocation is made
If a child is qualified at appeal, the qualification is for the particular school only

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

42 of 47

Reasons for underperformance

The grammar schools recognise that there may be circumstances that have impacted on a child’s performance in the test
At Selection Review each child’s situation is considered individually
The headteacher panel will look for evidence of both consistent educational ability and factors that may have affected a child’s performance in the Transfer Test

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

43 of 47

Selection Review Panel

Panel sits December-January
3 headteachers - two grammar, one primary
Decision is included in March allocation
Decision applies to all grammar schools
At the end of the Selection Review panel process 31.6% of the review cases were qualified for grammar school in the 2026 entry

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

44 of 47

Non-qualified appeal for a grammar school place (after Selection Review)

When a case that has been to review is considered by the Independent Appeal Panel, parents will need to show that in their child’s case the Selection Review Panel decision was not ‘fair consistent and objective’
Only if they are successful, can they then put their full academic case to the Independent Appeal Panel
If a child is qualified at appeal, the qualification is for the particular school only
The appeal will happen in the summer term

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

45 of 47

Non-qualified appeal for a grammar school place (without a Selection Review)

It is possible to go straight to appeal without having asked for a Selection Review
Appeals are heard after 1 March
Most schools will already be full by then
You would have to prove academic potential AND give reasons why you believe a place should be offered above Published Admission Number (PAN)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

46 of 47

More information

School websites
TBGS website

https://www.thebucksgrammarschools.org/

Buckinghamshire Council website

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/grammar-schools-and-transfer-testing-11/

School open event dates - See School Directory in ‘Find My Child a School Place’

https://schools.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-admissions/schools

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL

47 of 47

How to contact the Admissions Team

Our website:

www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/

Fill in the ‘Contact Us’ form:

www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL