John Hampden Grammar School 11+ Guide

About John Hampden Grammar School

John Hampden Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Buckinghamshire. For children to get into John Hampden Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, John Hampden Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

John Hampden Grammar School (JHGS) is an esteemed selective boys' school situated in the picturesque town of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The school is dedicated to providing its students with an intellectually stimulating and forward-thinking education, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern world. By embracing technology and continuously improving its teaching and learning facilities, JHGS ensures that its students receive a well-rounded and cutting-edge educational experience.

The school takes great pride in its ability to nurture the character, spirit, and resilience of its students, encouraging them to forge their own paths to success. JHGS offers a diverse and engaging curriculum, with a particular emphasis on digital technologies, enterprise, design, and art. The school also recognizes the importance of physical health and mandates regular physical education for all students.

Beyond the classroom, JHGS provides an extensive extracurricular programme that allows students to explore and develop their talents and interests. With a wide array of clubs and societies, such as the Pratchett Debating Society, Young Magistrates, and Politicon, students have ample opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge. Music and debating are particularly popular among the student body. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in the outstanding exam results achieved by its students, enabling them to secure places at prestigious universities in the UK and abroad, as well as competitive apprenticeships with local and global companies.

At the heart of JHGS's ethos is a dedication to providing exceptional pastoral care, guiding and supporting students throughout their educational journey. The school's motto, "Quit ye like men", serves as a reminder to its students to remain steadfast in their principles and moral convictions. With its outstanding reputation and unwavering commitment to student success, John Hampden Grammar School continues to be a beacon of educational excellence in Buckinghamshire.

School Information

Below you will find further information about John Hampden Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

John Hampden Grammar School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,223 pupils attend John Hampden Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Miss Tracey Hartley.

John Hampden Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at John Hampden Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Information

In order to get into John Hampden Grammar School, children need to pass the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Subjects & Structure

The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English Comprehension
• Technical English
• Verbal Reasoning
• Key Stage 2 Maths
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Spatial Reasoning

The Secondary Transfer Test is an assessment used for admission into John Hampden Grammar School. This exam, provided by GL Assessment, evaluates students across a range of subjects through two separate one-hour papers.

The first paper focuses on verbal skills, assessing the student's ability in English comprehension, technical English, and verbal reasoning. The second paper concentrates on mathematical and non-verbal skills, testing the student's proficiency in Key Stage 2 maths, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning.

By covering a diverse array of subjects, the Secondary Transfer Test aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a student's academic capabilities and potential. Success in this exam is a key factor in securing a place at John Hampden Grammar School.

Other Schools using Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT)

As well as John Hampden Grammar School, several other schools also use Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT). These are:

• Aylesbury Grammar School
• Aylesbury High School
• Beaconsfield High School
• Burnham Grammar School
• Chesham Grammar School
• Dr Challoner's Grammar School
• Dr Challoner's High School
• Royal Latin School
• Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
• Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
• The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
• Wycombe High School

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as John Hampden Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at John Hampden Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) tests (to get into John Hampden Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with John Hampden Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

John Hampden Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 14/09/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 18/10/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

John Hampden Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 14 September 2022 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high standards across the curriculum.

The inspection also highlighted the school's outstanding behavior and attitudes, personal development, and sixth form provision. Students displayed exemplary conduct, actively engaged in their learning, and benefited from a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and development.

The leadership and management of the school were deemed outstanding, with a clear vision and effective strategies in place to maintain and further improve the school's performance. The dedicated staff and supportive school community contribute to the overall success of John Hampden Grammar School.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for John Hampden Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, John Hampden Grammar School has not made any of their past 11+ papers publicly available.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (STT) Ensure you double-check with John Hampden Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.