John Hampden Grammar School
High Wycombe, HP11 1SZ · Buckinghamshire · Grammar school
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7th of 36 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 37 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 222 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.5/10 among them, against 9.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.28 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 96.2 · 97 | 30% | 2.92 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.84 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 73.1 · 97 | 10% | 0.97 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Hampden Grammar School overview
How it's doing
The school achieved an Attainment 8 of 72.3 in 2024/25, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.84 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. 97.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths in 2024/25. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.9 out of 10 among them, against 9.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award, participate in swimming, table tennis, squash, cross country, rugby, football, hockey, and handball, or engage in arts through jazz groups, African drumming, orchestras, choirs, and musical productions.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,281 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,150. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about John Hampden Grammar School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils and staff embrace the ‘#BeMore’ ethos, resulting in an environment where learners are “ambitious, confident, happy and kind.” Leaders have designed a “rich and ambitious curriculum” that challenges all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to achieve highly both academically and in their wider personal development.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “highly ambitious in all subjects,” with lessons planned so pupils “regularly complete work far beyond what would typically be expected for their age.”
- Pupils display “exemplary character” and “exemplary” behaviour, reflecting values of “respect, courtesy and maturity” with high attendance and punctuality.
- Teachers are “subject experts” who use effective assessment and questioning, ensuring pupils with SEND “achieve highly” and share the same enthusiasm for learning as their peers.
- Personal development is a strength, with a “highly effective programme” covering character, resilience, and British values, alongside extensive extra-curricular leadership opportunities.
- Careers guidance is robust, with strong links to “prestigious employers” and effective preparation for university or degree apprenticeships.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding throughout the school” where staff are well-trained to identify needs and make timely referrals.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 73.2 |
| 2024/25 | 72.3 |
| 2025/26 | 73.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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