Home › Test areas › Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- Two multiple-choice papers on the same day with a short break, with instructions given by an audio soundtrack. Paper 1 covers English comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning (50% of the score); Paper 2 covers maths to the end of Year 5 (25%) and non-verbal reasoning (25%).
- Reported
- Answers go on a separate, machine-marked answer sheet, and no marks are lost for wrong answers. The test is run by Buckinghamshire Council.
- Reported
- For September 2028 entry: registration in May to June 2027, the test in early September 2027, and the secondary application deadline of 31 October 2027.
- Reported
- A qualifying score of 121 has been reported; reaching it does not guarantee a place.
- Not published
- The number of questions in each section (English 25, verbal reasoning 30, maths 25, non-verbal 20), about 45 minutes per paper (sources differ between about 45 and 60 minutes), and five answer options per question. These are not published.
Schools that use this test
- Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury
- Aylesbury High School, Aylesbury
- Beaconsfield High School, Beaconsfield
- Burnham Grammar School, Slough
- Chesham Grammar School, Chesham
- Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Amersham
- Dr Challoner’s High School, Amersham
- John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Royal Latin School, Buckingham
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, Aylesbury
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, Marlow
- The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, High Wycombe
- Wycombe High School, High Wycombe
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Learn the verbal reasoning question types one at a time, then mix them. Vocabulary grows fastest through wide reading.
- For non-verbal reasoning, check one feature at a time (shape, number, shading, size, position, direction) and rule options out.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests based on the published two-paper format, with answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test: 86 lessons teaching the methods for maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Two multiple-choice papers on the same day with a short break, with instructions given by an audio soundtrack. Paper 1 covers English comprehension, technical English and verbal reasoning (50% of the score); Paper 2 covers maths to the end of Year 5 (25%) and non-verbal reasoning (25%).
Are these the real Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with Buckinghamshire Council’s website and each school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- What maths topics are in the 11+?
- 11+ standardised scores explained
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.