The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire · HP13 6QT
The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe is one of England's oldest and most academically distinguished state-funded grammar schools, tracing its origins to 1562. Boys are selected at 11 by competitive examination from across Buckinghamshire and beyond, producing a highly motivated, intellectually driven community. The school blends a strong traditional ethos with modern co-curricular ambition, and from September 2025 the sixth form becomes co-educational. Boarding is available from Year 7, making it unusual among state grammars in offering a genuine residential dimension.
- →Outstanding academic results — consistently among the top-performing state schools in England at A-level and GCSE
- →Exceptional breadth of co-curricular life including CCF, DofE, music, drama and a wide range of sports
- →Boarding option from Year 7 makes the school accessible to families outside easy commuting distance
- →Long-established prestige and alumni network within a state-funded (no fee) day school model
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious boys who relish intellectual challenge and want to be part of a high-achieving, busy school community with strong traditions. Those who enjoy competition — academic, sporting and artistic — and are motivated to take advantage of a very wide range of opportunities will thrive.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Amersham Road
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
HP13 6QT
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Roger Bannister
First person to run a sub-four-minute mile; neurologist
John Hampden
17th-century parliamentarian and Civil War figure
Justin Hawkins
Lead singer of The Darkness
Nick Hewer
Television presenter; former Countdown host
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe cost?
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe?
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe's exam results?
At The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, 47.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 65.8% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe a boarding school?
The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe offers boarding as well as day places.
What is The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe “Good” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic standards and exam results that open doors to top universities
✓Rich and varied co-curricular programme including CCF, DofE, music and sport
✓Strong sense of school pride, tradition and community
✓High quality and dedicated teaching staff
✓Boarding provision gives flexibility and is praised for its homely atmosphere
Common concerns
!Academic pressure can be intense and some boys find the pace relentless, particularly around exam periods
!Large school size (1,400+ pupils) can make it harder for less outgoing boys to find their footing
!Limited provision for boys with learning differences or those who struggle academically within the selective cohort
!Some parents note communication between school and home could be more proactive