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Bucks STT 11+ Entrance Exams
The Basics
The Bucks STT (Secondary Selection Test) is the 11+ entrance exam for 12 selective schools and 1 partially selective school in Buckinghamshire and for partnering schools in other areas.
The exam includes 2 papers. Paper 1 assesses a mixture of English, Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning, while Paper 2 focuses on Maths, Numeracy and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning. Questions are largely multiple choice and it's really important to practise using a separate answer sheet as the papers are computer-marked, so nothing written on the paper itself will be admissible. The final score is weighted 50% towards verbal ability, 30% towards numerical ability and 20% Non-Verbal.
Grammar schools that use the Bucks STT include:
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Aylesbury Grammar School
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Aylesbury High School
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Beaconsfield High School
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Burnham Grammar School
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Chesham Grammar School
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Dr Challoner’s Grammar School
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Dr Challoner’s High School
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John Hampden Grammar School
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Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
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Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School
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The Royal Grammar School
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The Royal Latin School
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Wycombe High School
Paper 1 - English, Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning
From a final score perspective, Paper 1 contributes more than half of the available standardised score. The majority of the questions are multiple choice and must be marked on a separate answer sheet. The test lasts about an hour and includes some time at the beginning to familiarise with the paper layout.
At it's core Paper 1 can be separated into 2 subjects: English and Verbal Reasoning. As it is difficult to predict exactly what the ratio of questions will be, it is best to treat each subject individually. This will also help you to more easily identify strengths and weaknesses in each subject.
Grab a sample paper
Things to remember
Pen & paper wins every time
There are no online tests for any of these schools.
Don't get distracted with apps and other digital solutions. Focus your time on getting used to printed, exam-style mock papers that help familiarise with the real thing.
The closer you can get to the experience of the day itself, the better prepared your child will be when their moment arrives.
Get used to watching the clock
Timing is crucial, always have a clock in the room.
Although it varies year-by-year, the papers include approximately 50 questions. Get your little trooper used the keeping an eye on the clock, you won't be there to help them on test day. 1 minute per question is a good rule of thumb, and by working quickly they can build up reserve time for the trickier questions later in the test.
Be careful where you put your answers
There is a separate answer sheet.
Get used to this early on, answering on a separate sheet may not be intuitive, but the consequences of letting this slip on test day are dire. There are no points for showing working and no points for anything marked on the question paper itself. It's the multiple-choice answer sheet, or nothing, so it's crucial to make this part of your revision structure.
If in doubt, guess!
Never leave a multiple-choice question blank!
There will be questions that either your superstar can't conquer, or it simply isn't worth wasting them time on for that 1 point (10 minutes on 1 question/point at the sacrifice of the time to complete 10 more, is not a good trade!).
There's a 1 in 5 chance every time you guess, so have a go!
DOWNLOAD PAPERS
Bucks STT Paper 1 Mock Papers
Click below to download multiple choice papers for the Bucks STT Paper 1. Each paper is a full mock exam, designed to look and feel like a real 11+ paper with a separate answer sheet to mimic the real thing.
Paper 2 - Maths, Numeracy and Non-Verbal Reasoning
The second paper of the Bucks STT focuses on Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Again, questions are multiple choice and the answers are recorded on a separate sheet.
Maths covers the KS2 curriculum, including numeracy, fractions, percentages, ratio, data management and algebra.
Non-Verbal Reasoning questions cover a range of themes including pattern sequencing, odd one out, cube netting rotational symmetry.
Bucks SET Paper 2 Mock Papers
Click below to download full Paper 2 mock exams, covering Maths, Numeracy and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
MOCK 1
£4.99
