Secondary Schools in Aylesbury
This page lists secondary schools in Aylesbury and the surrounding Vale, covering state-funded comprehensives, non-selective upper schools, grammar schools and academies for pupils aged roughly 11 to 16, with sixth forms attached at many sites. Aylesbury sits within Buckinghamshire’s selective system, so you will find grammar schools that admit on the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test alongside open-to-all options across the town and nearby villages such as Wendover, Haddenham, Aston Clinton, Winslow and Buckingham.
What these schools offer
- Years 7 to 11
- Grammar and non-selective upper schools
- Academy and trust schools
- Sixth form and post-16 options
- GCSE study
- SEND support
- Open evenings and prospectus
- Buckinghamshire Transfer Test (11-plus) pathways
- Admissions and catchment guidance
- Extracurricular clubs
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Popular ★ 5 (12)
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- The Grange Secondary School 📍 Wendover Way, Aylesbury View
Ages and stages covered
Secondary schools in the Aylesbury area teach pupils from Year 7, usually starting at age 11, through to the end of Year 11 and GCSE examinations at 16. Many schools run a sixth form for A-levels and vocational courses, while others feed into separate post-16 colleges. Because Buckinghamshire operates a selective system, some schools admit pupils on the basis of the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, still widely known as the 11-plus, while non-selective upper schools and academies are open to all abilities. A few sites are all-through, such as Aylesbury Vale Academy, which takes children from primary age upward. If your child is younger, you can also browse primary schools in the area.
Types of secondary school in the area
The choice spans selective grammar schools, non-selective upper schools and academies run by multi-academy trusts. Named local examples include The Grange School and Mandeville School in Aylesbury itself, John Colet School in Wendover, Waddesdon Church of England School to the north-west, and Aylesbury Vale Academy. Each sets its own character, from grammar entry through the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test to comprehensive intake based mainly on catchment. School type is shown for each listing so you can compare selective and non-selective options side by side.
Admissions and catchment
Places are typically allocated through Buckinghamshire Council’s coordinated admissions process, with each school setting its own oversubscription criteria based on factors such as distance, siblings and, for grammar schools, the qualifying test score. Deadlines for applications usually fall in the autumn of Year 6, so it helps to check each school prospectus and website early. Catchment boundaries reach into surrounding villages, so families in places like Wendover, Haddenham and Aston Clinton often have several options within travelling distance.
Ofsted and what to look for
All state secondary schools are inspected by Ofsted, and reports are published online with an overall judgement and detail on teaching, behaviour and leadership. As a guide, consider exam results, the range of subjects offered, pastoral and SEND support, transport links and how the school suits your child’s interests. Attending an open evening, where staff and pupils show you around and a prospectus is usually available, is often the clearest way to judge fit. Some families also arrange extra help through tutors or pursue interests via music lessons alongside school.
Frequently asked questions
Are there grammar schools in Aylesbury?
Yes. Aylesbury falls within Buckinghamshire’s selective system, so the area includes grammar schools that admit pupils on the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, alongside non-selective upper schools, comprehensives and academies. Listings show which type each school is.
What is the difference between an upper school and a comprehensive?
Both are non-selective and take pupils of all abilities, so the terms overlap in everyday use. In Buckinghamshire, non-selective secondaries such as The Grange School are often called upper schools. Academies are state schools run by a trust rather than the council, but admissions still follow the coordinated process.
How do I apply for a secondary school place?
Applications are usually made through Buckinghamshire Council’s coordinated admissions scheme, typically in the autumn term of Year 6. Each school sets its own oversubscription criteria, so check the prospectus and website for deadlines and details.
Where can I find a school’s Ofsted rating?
Ofsted publishes inspection reports online for every state school, including an overall judgement. Many listings on this page link through to the relevant report so you can read it before deciding.
What is the Buckinghamshire Transfer Test and who takes it?
The Buckinghamshire Transfer Test, still widely known as the 11-plus, is the assessment used to determine eligibility for grammar school places. It is typically sat in Year 6, and registration is handled separately from the main admissions application.