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Chesham Grammar School

School typeGrammar

AddressWhite Hill, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England, HP5 1BA

Chesham Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school that uses the GL exam board for its 11+ entrance exam. There is no interview stage as part of the admissions process. The school has a defined catchment area, which is a key oversubscription criterion, with remaining places allocated by straight-line distance.

If you want a grammar school that pushes your child hard without tipping into a pressure cooker, Chesham Grammar is the one Buckinghamshire parents tend to mention first. It is co-educational and selective — and in a county where most grammars are single-sex, that co-ed mix is itself a distinguishing feature. The feel, by most accounts, is warm and less frantic than some of its neighbours: kindness sits openly alongside aspiration as a stated value, and parents describe a school that taught their children humility and how to push themselves without becoming overwhelmed.

Daily life is organised around a vertical tutor system, where mixed-year groups stay together for a pupil's whole time at school — which keeps friendships broad and gives younger children a ready-made set of older allies. The four houses are named after Austen, Darwin, Rosalind Franklin and Shakespeare, and compete across everything from sport to debating to performing arts. Entry is through the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test.

With around 1,320 pupils and a large sixth form, Chesham stands among the leading Bucks grammars while keeping its down-to-earth character intact. It suits a bright all-rounder who wants to work hard, lead things and feel looked after — rather than simply survive the competition.

Key facts

Gender

Mixed

Year 7 places

180

Website

Visit school website

Admissions

Open day

July

Registration opens

May

Registration closes

June

CAF deadline

Oct

Admissions contact

office@cheshamgrammar.org

Admissions phone

01494 782854

Registration form

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/grammar-schools-and-transfer-testing-11/register-for-the-secondary-transfer-test/

Sibling policy

Yes

What this school tests

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test

English16 question types

PunctuationReading Comprehension - ComparisonReading Comprehension - EvaluationReading Comprehension - Grammar and punctuationReading Comprehension - Inference and DeductionReading Comprehension - Information RetrievalReading Comprehension - Language Techniques and ImageryReading Comprehension - Sentence-level ComprehensionReading Comprehension - SequencingReading Comprehension - Structure, Form, Voice and ToneReading Comprehension - SummarisingReading Comprehension - Text Classification and PurposeReading Comprehension - Types of Words and PhrasesReading Comprehension - Word Meaning / ChoiceSentence CompletionSpelling

Maths23 question types

AlgebraAngles and DegreesBIDMASCoordinate GridsEstimation and RoundingFactors and MultiplesFractions, Decimals and PercentagesMagic squaresMeasurementMoneyNumber and Place ValueNumber WallsOperationsPerimeter, Area and VolumePosition and DirectionProperties of ShapesRatio and ProportionReflection, Rotation and SymmetrySequencesSpecial NumbersSpeed, Distance and TimeStatisticsTime

Non-verbal Reasoning14 question types

Extended Figure SeriesFigure AnalogiesFigure MatricesFigure OperationsFigure SeriesGrid MatricesHorizontal CodesMost Like Three FiguresMost Like Two FiguresOdd Figure OutStar MatricesTriangle MatricesTriangle SeriesVertical Codes

Verbal Reasoning26 question types

AnagramsCompound WordsEmbedded WordsForm a WordInsert a LetterLetter AnalogiesLetter CalculationsLetter CodesLetter GridsLetter SequencesMove 1 / 2 LettersNumber AnalogiesNumber CalculationsNumber SequencesRelated WordsRhyming SynonymsShuffled SentencesSynonymsWord / Logic PuzzlesWord AnalogiesWord CompletionWord MatchWord OppositesWord PairsWord RelationshipsWords and Codes

Spatial Reasoning8 question types

2D RotationsBlock CountingCombining ShapesFold and PunchFolding CubesHidden ShapesMissing Face of CubeShape Completion

Catchment area

Does Chesham Grammar School have a catchment area?

Yes. The school has a defined catchment area (shown on a map on its website) covering Chesham and surrounding parts of Buckinghamshire; living in catchment is one of the oversubscription criteria, with remaining places allocated by straight-line distance to the school.

Previous exam results

GCSE results

In 2025 students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 74 across their GCSEs. 96.7% gained a grade 5 or better in both English and Maths. 83.9% achieved the English Baccalaureate at grade 5 or above. Reference: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/

A-level results

In 2025 students achieved an A- average grade per A-Level entry. 43.3% gained AAB or better including two facilitating subjects. Reference: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/

Frequently asked questions

What exam board does Chesham Grammar School use for the 11+?

Chesham Grammar School uses the GL exam board for its 11+ entrance exam.

Does Chesham Grammar School interview as part of the 11+ admissions process?

No, there is no interview stage for 11+ entry to Chesham Grammar School.

Is Chesham Grammar School a co-educational school?

Yes, Chesham Grammar School is a co-educational school, admitting both boys and girls for Year 7 entry.

Does Chesham Grammar School have a catchment area for 11+ entry?

Yes, the school has a defined catchment area. Living within this area is an oversubscription criterion, with other places allocated by straight-line distance.

What is the official website for Chesham Grammar School?

The official website for Chesham Grammar School is https://www.cheshamgrammar.org/.

How do you get a place at Chesham Grammar School?

A child first needs to reach the required standard in the Buckinghamshire secondary transfer test (or be deemed qualified by a selection review panel). Qualified children are then ranked by the oversubscription criteria, in order: looked-after and previously looked-after children; children in catchment who qualify for Pupil Premium; siblings already at the school; qualified children of long-serving staff; then children living in catchment; and finally distance from the school, with closer homes given priority.

What happens if my child is ill on 11+ test day at Chesham Grammar School?

If your child is unwell, do not send them in. If they normally sit the test at a Buckinghamshire primary or partner school, they can take it there once they are well. If they were due at a grammar or central venue, one alternative date is offered when you send evidence, such as a GP or hospital letter, within three working days. Access arrangements like extra time can be requested by the child's headteacher if they match normal classroom support.

Location

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