Introduction
Wycombe High School stands as a centre of academic excellence in the heart of High Wycombe, known for its commitment to nurturing bright minds. Established with a rich history, the institution has consistently upheld high standards in education, fostering an environment where students thrive intellectually and personally.
How to get into Wycombe High School
Admissions Criteria & Secondary Transfer Test
Securing a place at Wycombe High School involves a rigorous admissions process. Students typically apply for admission in Year 7, transitioning from primary to secondary education. The school operates under a selective admissions policy, requiring prospective students to undergo the Secondary Transfer Test, also known as the 11-plus exam. Those students who pass the 11+ exam will then eligible to apply. If there are more applicants than places, the school will use the following criteria from their admissions policy to rank the applicants:
Girls who qualify and have an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school.
A ‘looked after child’ or previously looked after child.
Qualified disadvantaged girls whose normal home address is in the catchment area of the school, up to a maximum of 12 places for Year 7 girls.
Younger sisters of current students in Years 7 to 12 at the point of allocation and who will still be on the roll of the school at the time of the proposed admission.
Other qualified disadvantaged girls whose normal home address is in the catchment area of the school.
Daughter/s of a member of Wycombe High School staff where a) the member of staff has been employed at the school for two or more years at the time at which the application for admission to the school is made, and/or b) the member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant teaching post for which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.
Once the above rules have been applied, any further places will be offered in distance order, using the distance between the girl’s normal home address and the school’s nearest open entrance gate, offering the closest first, using the method adopted by BCC.
Where two or more applicants have a home address at the same distance from the school and it is necessary to decide which child will be admitted, random allocation will be used. The random allocation process will be independently supervised.
Where the school can take some, though not all, of the girls who qualify under one of these criteria, we will give priority to girls by taking account of the next criterion in the list.
Key Dates and Application Process
Typically, applications open in the autumn term of the year preceding admission.
The key dates for the STT and the application process are as follows:
Early May: Registration for the STT opens on the BGS website
Late June: Registration for the STT closes
Early September: The STT takes place at your son's primary school or a designated test centre
Mid-October: The STT results are sent to you by email or post
Late October: The online application form for secondary school places opens on the Buckinghamshire Council website
Early November: The deadline for submitting the online application form
Early March: The secondary school offers are sent to you by email or post
Mid-March: The deadline for accepting or declining the offer
Parents can obtain detailed information about the application process and important dates from the school's website or through local education authorities.
Preparing for the Assessment
How to prepare for the secondary transfer test
Preparation for the Secondary Transfer Test is crucial for prospective students aiming to secure a place at Wycombe High School. Resources such as practice papers, tutoring services, learning centres and study guides can aid students in familiarising themselves with the exam format and content. Additionally, encouraging a well-rounded academic foundation and fostering critical thinking skills can enhance students' readiness for the assessment.
Famous Alumni of Wycombe High School
Over the years, Wycombe High School has nurtured numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. Among its esteemed alumni are notable figures such as:
Julia Bone, tennis player
Rita Clifton CBE, advertising executive
Gladys Colton, headmistress of City of London School for Girls, 1949 to 1972
Monica Felton, writer, town planner, feminist and social activist
Isa Guha, England cricketer
Penny Jamieson, Bishop of Dunedin
Shan Morgan CMG, British diplomat
Marion McQuillan (1921 – 1998), British metallurgist who specialised in the engineering uses for titanium and its alloys
Rachel Burden, journalist and radio / TV presenter
What is the ranking of Wycombe High School, High Wycombe?
Wycombe High School consistently ranks among the top educational institutions in the region and beyond. Its stellar academic performance, coupled with a reputation for fostering holistic development, earns it high accolades in various school rankings and assessments.
What is their acceptance rate?
With its selective admissions process, Wycombe High School maintains a competitive acceptance rate. While specific acceptance rates may vary annually based on application numbers and cohort demographics, the school's reputation attracts a considerable volume of applicants.
Is Wycombe High a good school?
Without a doubt, Wycombe High School stands as a centre of educational excellence, renowned for its academic rigor, supportive community, and commitment to student success. Its track record of producing high achievers and providing a nurturing learning environment underscores its status as a premier educational institution.
Why is the school so popular?
The popularity of Wycombe High School can be attributed to various factors, including its distinguished academic programmes, dedicated faculty, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of school life. Families value the holistic approach to education and the opportunities for personal growth and achievement that the school provides.
Is it hard to get into?
Securing admission to Wycombe High School is indeed challenging due to its selective admissions process and high demand for places. Prospective students must demonstrate academic aptitude and potential through the Secondary Transfer Test, alongside meeting other criteria outlined by the school.
What is the pass mark?
The pass mark on the Secondary Transfer Test to qualify for a place at Wycombe High School is 121. However, scoring 121 or above does not guarantee a place at the school, as there may be more qualified applicants than places available.
Wycombe High Grammar School Catchment Area
While Wycombe High School attracts students from various areas seeking its academic excellence, it primarily serves the local community of High Wycombe and its surrounding areas. You can see more detailed information on their catchment area map.
In conclusion, Wycombe High School's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its nurturing environment and rich tradition, solidifies its position as a leading educational institution. Aspiring students and their families embarking on the journey toward academic success can find solace in the knowledge that Wycombe High School stands ready to guide and inspire them every step of the way.
To find out how Arka can help your child prepare:
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