John Hampden Grammar School vs The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
Both are grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, 2.0 miles apart. Side-by-side on official DfE, Ofsted and council admissions data.
Side by side
| John Hampden Grammar School | The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe | |
|---|---|---|
| Phase | Secondary | Secondary |
| Gender | Boys | Boys |
| Pupils on roll | 1,271 | 1,409 |
| Free school meals | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Ofsted rating | Outstanding | Good |
| Attainment 8 — 2024/25 | 72.3 | 73.9 |
| A-level average points — 2024/25 | 42.23 | 46.22 |
| 11+ test board | GL Assessment | GL Assessment |
| Admission system | pass/fail then criteria order | pass/fail then criteria order |
| Places offered — 202627 | 184 | 182 |
| First preferences per place — higher means more competition for a first-preference place | 1.41 | 1.19 |
Qualifying scores
John Hampden Grammar School
121 (2026 entry)
Standardised score ≥ 121 qualifies for grammar school consideration. Qualifying does not guarantee a place; schools apply own oversubscription criteria after qualification.
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
121 (2026 entry)
Standardised score ≥ 121 qualifies for grammar school consideration. Qualifying does not guarantee a place; schools apply own oversubscription criteria after qualification.
Who gets priority
Where a school is oversubscribed, these are the first criteria applied, in order. This is usually what decides an application.
John Hampden Grammar School
- Looked after children and previously looked after children (adopted, special guardianship, child arrangements order)
- Up to 6 places: Pupil Premium children in catchment (or LAC anywhere) with STT score 115–120 (just below qualifying thre
- Catchment area children eligible for Pupil Premium
- Siblings of children currently on roll at the school (Years 7–10)
Source: school admissions policy.
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Looked after children and previously looked after children (adopted, special guardianship, child arrangements order)
- Up to 6 places: Pupil Premium children in catchment (or LAC anywhere) with STT score 115–120 (just below qualifying thre
- Catchment area children eligible for Pupil Premium
- Siblings of children currently on roll at the school (Years 7–10)
Source: school admissions policy.
Choosing between them
Both schools admit boys, so the decision usually comes down to the admission criteria above and how far each one reaches. The figures on this page are the published ones — they describe intakes and results, not what either school would be like for your child. The right choice depends on your family's own priorities and circumstances.
Other Buckinghamshire comparisons
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Aylesbury High School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Beaconsfield High School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Burnham Grammar School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Chesham Grammar School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Dr Challoner's Grammar School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Dr Challoner's High School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs John Hampden Grammar School
- Aylesbury Grammar School vs Royal Latin School
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