Buckinghamshire has long been an area known for its high-performing grammar school system, offering consistently excellent educational opportunities. Renowned for their rigorous academic standards, outstanding facilities, and high-achieving students, the county’s grammar schools are regarded as some of the best selective schools in the UK, attracting families from far and wide. With 13 grammar schools in Buckinghamshire alone, not to mention the complexity of the entry exam, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide, we pick out some of the best-rated grammar schools in the county.
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
(Boys only, ages 11-18, with mixed sixth form)
Consistently listed as one of the best schools in the county, Dr Challoner’s Grammar School dates back to the 17th century. Located in the picturesque market town of Amersham, the school is one of the four boys-only schools in the county, however, it does offer the option of a mixed sixth form. It is ranked at an impressive 33 of the best schools in England and has the grades to back it up, with 85.4% of students achieving grades A*/A/9/8/7 at GCSE level and 74.6% of A’ Level students achieving between A*- B, based on 2024 results.
Dr Challoner’s strives to instill ‘excellence and integrity’, to help students develop into young adults with the right attitudes and qualifications to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world. 95% of the school population go on to higher education, many of which include the country’s top universities.
The school accommodates around 1,350 students who benefit from excellent on-site facilities. As well as its School of Character kitemark, it also offers an impressive sports portfolio and was recently named the best sporting state school in the country.
Dr Challoner’s High School
(Girls only, ages 11-18)
Taking the same name as its boys-only equivalent, Dr. Challoner’s High School provides exceptional grammar school education for girls, from Key Stage Three, all the way through to A’ Levels. The school sits near the village of Little Chalfont in southeast Buckinghamshire and habitually scores in the top 30 state schools in the country. Dr Challoner’s High School rests on a track record of academic excellence and is passionate about the breadth of aspiration and opportunity it enables. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ in its most recent Ofsted it subsequently became only the ninth school in the country to gain the Exceptional Schools Award. Grades in the 2024 cohort of exams make impressive reading, with 82% of GCSE students attaining grades A*/A/9/8/7 or 77% of A’ Level students achieving an A*- B.
With a large student population of 1,300, it also manages to harness a tight-knit school community with the vast majority going on to higher education, and others securing places in Russell Group universities.
Chesham Grammar School
(Mixed, ages 11-18)
Chesham Grammar School is located in the market town of Chesham, about ten miles from Aylesbury. The mixed school accommodates around 1,300 boys and girls and prides itself on a caring and supportive environment. The house system and vertical tutoring mean students get to mix with other year groups, giving the school a family feel, with many commenting on the welcoming and friendly culture.
It was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in its most recent Ofsted, with assessors highlighting the students’ achievements along with the quality of teaching.
Chesham ranks an impressive 29th in the top state schools in the country with 86% achieving grades A*/A/9/8/7 at GCSE level and 75% securing A*- B at A’ Level.
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
(Mixed, ages 11-18)
Founded in 1624, Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School recently hit its 400th birthday and has a proud history of excellent academic learning and an outstanding extra-curricular programme. The mixed school is based in Marlow on the River Thames and holds approximately 1,200 students.
The grammar is assessed as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted based on the special energy and enthusiasm for learning across all subjects. This extends well beyond the classroom through the many independent project groups, academic clubs, and societies that flourish daily at the school. So much so that Borlase’s has a national reputation for hockey and rowing. It is ranked 54 in the list of the best state schools nationally and has achieved excellent grades in the 2024 GCSE and A’ Level cohort. 79% of GCSE students attained A*/A/9/8/7 and 80% secured A* - B at A Level.
Beaconsfield High School
(Girls only, ages 11 – 18)
Located in the market town of Beaconsfield, the girls-only school instills in students the aspiration to ‘dream big’. Its vision is to “nurture a happy and high-achieving learning community, valuing relationships and respect” and is one of only 45 schools nationally to be recognised as an ‘Exceptional School’.
Beaconsfield accommodates around 1,250 students with many going on to higher education. Its academic output is consistently high and its 2024 grades are no different. Of its GCSE students, 77% achieved grades A*/A/9/8/7 and 73% of A’ Level students secured A* - B.
The recent ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report paid particular praise for the range of extracurricular activities and the high priority given to pupils' mental health.
Buckinghamshire’s grammar schools are steeped in academic history, consistent with high-achieving results, and enriched with a plethora of extra-curricular activities that will make a lasting impact on those who pass through their doors. Each school offers something a little different. Parents understand how vital it is to find the right combination of practical and pastoral to suit the growing minds and developing personalities of young people. It can’t be stressed enough that visiting these schools and having conversations with current staff and pupils is always the best way to see where the perfect fit is for your child.
