Complete Guide to Every Grammar School in Buckinghamshire & Berkshire 2025

Choosing the right grammar school is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child's education. This comprehensive guide provides detailed profiles of all 19 grammar schools across Buckinghamshire, Slough, and Reading, helping you make an informed choice based on academic results, catchment areas, admissions criteria, and school culture.

Overview: Grammar Schools at a Glance

Total Grammar Schools: 19

• 13 Buckinghamshire County grammar schools
• 4 Slough Consortium grammar schools
• 2 Reading/Berkshire grammar schools

Pass Marks:

• Buckinghamshire: 121 standardized score on the Secondary Transfer Test
• Slough Consortium: 111 standardized score
• Reading Schools: Use FSCE exam with separate scoring

Annual Qualification Rates:

• Approximately 37% of children achieve 121+ in Buckinghamshire
• Slough Consortium: Higher qualification percentage due to lower threshold
• Competition varies dramatically by individual school location

Exam Boards:

• 17 schools use GL Assessment (Buckinghamshire + Slough)
• 2 Reading schools use FSCE (Foundation for Schools with Creative Expertise) exam

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Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (13 Schools)

Top Tier: Highly Competitive Schools

Dr Challoner's Grammar School (Boys)

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Location: Chesham Road, Amersham, HP6 5HA
Student Numbers: 1,000+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: One of the top-performing boys' grammar schools in the UK, Dr Challoner's Grammar consistently ranks among the nation's best state schools. The school achieves approximately 72% of GCSE grades at 9-7, with outstanding A-level results.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score on Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test. Heavily oversubscribed, with distance being the primary tie-breaker after qualification. Priority given to Buckinghamshire residents, then closest distances.

School Culture: Strong academic tradition with emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking. Excellent extra-curricular program including sports, music, and debate. Boys thrive in a competitive but supportive environment focused on excellence.

What Makes It Special: Exceptional teaching quality, strong Oxbridge pipeline, and historic reputation attracting motivated students. The school balances academic rigor with pastoral care and character development.

Catchment Reality: Catchment varies year to year based on applicants. Living within 3-5 miles of Amersham significantly improves chances, though qualified students from across Buckinghamshire are admitted when spaces allow.

Dr Challoner's High School (Girls)

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Location: Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9QB
Student Numbers: 850+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Consistently one of the highest-performing girls' schools in England with 97% achieving grade 5+ at GCSE. Exceptional A-level results with strong progression to Russell Group universities.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Extremely oversubscribed—one of the most competitive grammar schools in Buckinghamshire. Distance is critical tie-breaker, with most admitted students living within relatively close proximity to Little Chalfont.

School Culture: Nurturing but academically rigorous environment. Strong emphasis on developing confident, articulate young women. Exceptional music, drama, and sports programs complement outstanding academic provision.

What Makes It Special: Girls benefit from a supportive, collaborative culture that combines high expectations with genuine care for individual wellbeing. The school fosters leadership, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

Catchment Reality: One of the smallest catchments among Buckinghamshire grammars due to extreme popularity. Living within 2-4 miles significantly improves admission chances. Many qualified students cannot secure places due to distance.

Wycombe High School (Girls)

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Location: Marlow Hill, High Wycombe, HP11 1SZ
Student Numbers: 900+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Outstanding Ofsted rating achieved in April 2024. Consistently exceptional GCSE and A-level results, ranking among top grammar schools nationally. Strong value-added progress demonstrates excellent teaching quality.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Distance-based allocation after qualification. Situated in High Wycombe with reasonable catchment area extending into surrounding areas based on annual applicant numbers.

School Culture: Warm, inclusive environment despite academic rigor. Strong emphasis on personal development alongside academic excellence. Students develop confidence, independence, and social responsibility.

What Makes It Special: Recent Outstanding Ofsted praised the school's exceptional pastoral care, high-quality teaching, and supportive environment that enables all students to flourish. Girls report feeling valued and supported.

Catchment Reality: Living in High Wycombe or immediately surrounding areas provides strong advantage. Distance tie-breaker means closer students prioritized when oversubscribed.

The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe (Boys)

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Location: Amersham Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6QT
Student Numbers: 1,350+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Consistently high-performing with strong GCSE and A-level results. Excellent university progression including significant numbers to Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. The only boarding grammar school in Buckinghamshire, offering both day and boarding places. Catchment extended to 11.59 miles in 2024, one of the widest among Buckinghamshire grammars.

School Culture: Traditional boys' grammar with strong house system and competitive sports culture. Emphasis on leadership, service, and personal development alongside academic achievement.

What Makes It Special: Unique boarding option allows families living further away to access excellent grammar education. Strong sense of community and tradition. Excellent facilities including sports and music resources.

Catchment Reality: Wider catchment than most grammars due to boarding availability and size. Living within 8-12 miles provides realistic chance of admission for qualified students.

Strong Performing Buckinghamshire Schools

Aylesbury Grammar School (Boys)

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Location: Walton Road, Aylesbury, HP21 7RP
Student Numbers: 1,000+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Outstanding secondary school with broad, ambitious curriculum. 97% pass rate in English and mathematics GCSEs demonstrates consistently strong results.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Distance tie-breaker after qualification. Serves Aylesbury and surrounding areas with reasonable catchment distances.

School Culture: Supportive academic environment with strong emphasis on student wellbeing alongside achievement. Good range of extra-curricular activities and pastoral support systems.

Aylesbury High School (Girls)

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Location: Walton Road, Aylesbury, HP21 7SX
Student Numbers: 850+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Consistently high-achieving girls' grammar with excellent GCSE and A-level results. Strong academic reputation in Aylesbury area.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Distance-based allocation serving Aylesbury and surrounding areas. Reasonable catchment given location.

School Culture: Nurturing environment balancing academic excellence with personal development. Strong pastoral care and student support systems.

Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: West Street, Marlow, SL7 2BR
Student Numbers: 1,100+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Founded in 1624 with proud 400-year history. Consistently excellent results with strong university progression.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Mixed grammar serving Marlow and surrounding areas. Distance tie-breaker applies after qualification.

School Culture: Historic grammar with strong tradition and community feel. Mixed environment provides balanced social dynamic. Strong extra-curricular provision.

Beaconsfield High School (Girls)

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Location: Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RR
Student Numbers: 700+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Consistently high-achieving girls' grammar with excellent academic outcomes. Strong reputation in South Buckinghamshire.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Serves Beaconsfield and surrounding areas with distance tie-breaker. Competitive due to desirable location.

School Culture: Supportive academic community with emphasis on developing confident, articulate young women. Good pastoral care and extra-curricular opportunities.

Chesham Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2JD
Student Numbers: 1,300+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Ranks 29th nationally among top state schools with 86.1% achieving grades 9/8/7 at GCSE and 75.1% A*-B at A-level.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Largest grammar school in Buckinghamshire, serving Chesham and wide surrounding area.

School Culture: Large mixed grammar providing comprehensive extra-curricular program. Inclusive, community-focused environment with strong academic outcomes.

John Hampden Grammar School (Boys)

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Location: Marlow Bottom, High Wycombe, HP14 4EE
Student Numbers: 650+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Outstanding boys' grammar school with excellent academic results. Strong value-added progress and university progression.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Serves High Wycombe area with distance-based allocation. Smaller than some grammars with closer community feel.

School Culture: Supportive boys' grammar fostering academic excellence and personal development. Strong pastoral care in smaller setting.

The Royal Latin School (Boys)

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Location: Chandos Road, Buckingham, MK18 1AX
Student Numbers: 500+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Historic grammar school with strong academic tradition and consistently good results.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Serves Buckingham and North Buckinghamshire. Wider catchment due to location and smaller applicant pool.

School Culture: Traditional boys' grammar with strong sense of heritage and community. Emphasis on character development and academic achievement.

The Highcrest Academy (Mixed)

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Location: Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, HP13 7NJ
Student Numbers: 1,100+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Grammar school academy with good academic results. Improving outcomes year-on-year.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Serves High Wycombe area with distance-based allocation.

School Culture: Mixed grammar providing inclusive environment. Growing reputation with strong academic focus.

Burnham Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Hogfair Lane, Burnham, SL1 7EA
Student Numbers: 800+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Mixed grammar with solid academic results serving South Buckinghamshire and Slough borders.

Admissions: Requires 121+ standardized score. Strategic location serving multiple areas with reasonable catchment.

School Culture: Inclusive mixed environment with strong community ethos. Good academic outcomes and pastoral support.

Slough Consortium Grammar Schools (4 Schools)

The Slough Consortium consists of four grammar schools sharing a single admissions test with 111 standardized score requirement—lower than Buckinghamshire's 121 threshold. All four schools switched from CEM to GL Assessment in 2023.

Langley Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Langley Road, Slough, SL3 7AF
Student Numbers: 1,000+
Exam Board: GL Assessment
Ofsted: Outstanding

Academic Performance: Top Slough grammar school with 76% of GCSE grades at 9-7 (20% at grade 9) and 59% of A-level grades at A*-B (30% A*-A) in 2023.

Admissions: Requires 111+ standardized score on Slough Consortium exam. Priority postcode system operates:

Priority Area 1 (Inner): SL3 7, SL3 8, SL3 9, SL3 0
Priority Area 2 (Outer): SL0, SL1, SL2, SL3 (outside Area 1), SL4, TW18, TW19, TW20, UB3, UB4, UB7, UB8, UB10
Priority Area 3 (General): SL5, SL6, SL7, SL8, SL9, TW3, TW4, TW5, TW7

Living in Priority Area 1 provides significant advantage. West London postcodes (TW, UB) can access this school, making it popular with families across Slough and West London.

School Culture: Mixed grammar with vibrant, diverse community. Strong academic focus with good pastoral support. Welcoming environment that celebrates achievement.

What Makes It Special: Most academically successful Slough grammar with excellent university progression. Mixed environment provides balanced social experience. Wide catchment allows West London families to access grammar education.

St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Langley, Slough, SL3 8LQ
Student Numbers: 1,000+
Exam Board: GL Assessment
Ofsted: Outstanding

Academic Performance: Achieves 72.7% A*/A/9/8/7 at GCSE and 68.9% A*-B at A-level. Only mixed Catholic grammar school in the UK.

Admissions: Requires 111+ standardized score on Slough Consortium exam PLUS Catholic faith criteria (supplementary form required). Approximately 800 applications compete for 150 Year 7 places (5.3:1 ratio).

Faith Requirements:

• Must be baptized Catholic
• Require priest's reference demonstrating regular Mass attendance
• Supplementary Information Form (SIF) must be completed
• Faith criteria applied after qualifying score achieved

Priority Areas: Foundation criteria (practicing Catholics) prioritized, then standard postcode priority system similar to other Slough schools.

School Culture: Unique Catholic ethos integrated throughout school life. Strong sense of community and shared values. Academic excellence within faith-based environment.

What Makes It Special: Only Catholic grammar option in region, attracting families prioritizing both academic excellence and faith education. Mixed environment with strong moral and spiritual development alongside academics.

Herschel Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Northampton Avenue, Slough, SL1 3BW
Student Numbers: 1,150+
Exam Board: GL Assessment
Ofsted: Outstanding

Academic Performance: Warm, vibrant atmosphere with strong academic outcomes. Consistent GCSE and A-level results placing it among top-performing Slough schools.

Admissions: Requires 111+ standardized score on Slough Consortium exam. 4-mile catchment priority system—students living within 4 miles receive preference after qualifying.

School Culture: Built on ethos of mutual trust and high academic expectations. Diverse, inclusive community celebrating multicultural backgrounds. Strong pastoral support systems.

What Makes It Special: Welcoming mixed grammar with genuine sense of community. Students feel supported while being challenged academically. Good balance of achievement and wellbeing.

Upton Court Grammar School (Mixed)

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Location: Lascelles Road, Slough, SL3 7PR
Student Numbers: 950+
Exam Board: GL Assessment

Academic Performance: Solid academic results with improving outcomes. Good university progression including Russell Group institutions.

Admissions: Requires 111+ standardized score on Slough Consortium exam. Priority area system similar to other Slough schools, with closest postcodes prioritized.

School Culture: Mixed grammar serving Slough community. Inclusive environment with strong emphasis on personal development alongside academic achievement.

Reading/Berkshire Grammar Schools (2 Schools)

Reading's two grammar schools use the FSCE (Foundation for Schools with Creative Expertise) exam, which differs significantly from GL Assessment used elsewhere. The FSCE includes English, mathematics, and creative writing components.

Kendrick School (Girls)

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Location: Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5LY
Student Numbers: 850+
Exam Board: FSCE
Ofsted: Outstanding

Academic Performance: 85% of GCSE grades awarded at 8-9, with 90% A*-B at A-level and 32% at A*. Nationally ranked 14th in Sunday Times Parent Power.

Admissions: Uses FSCE 11 Plus exam (English, mathematics, creative writing). Application ratio exceeds 10:1—one of the most competitive grammar schools nationally.

Priority Areas:

• Priority Area 1 and 2 residents prioritized
• Pupil Premium or Service Premium students receive priority
• Distance tie-breaker within priority areas

School Culture: Exceptional girls' grammar with collaborative, supportive environment. Strong emphasis on developing confident, articulate young women. Outstanding pastoral care alongside academic excellence.

What Makes It Special: Awarded Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at Gold level in July 2024. Exceptional academic outcomes with genuine commitment to supporting all students. Creative writing component in exam identifies well-rounded students beyond pure academic ability.

Catchment Reality: Extremely competitive—most admitted students live close to Reading. Priority area residency essential for realistic admission chance.

Reading School (Boys)

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Location: Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5LW
Student Numbers: 1,100+
Exam Board: FSCE
Ofsted: Outstanding

Academic Performance: National league table rank 12 with 90% A*-B at A-level and 85.7% grades 9-7 at GCSE in 2024.

Admissions: Uses FSCE 11 Plus exam including English, mathematics, and creative writing. Highly competitive with strong applicant pool.

Priority Areas: Catchment area includes Camberley, Crowthorne, Henley-on-Thames, and surrounding Reading areas. Priority area system operates with distance tie-breakers.

School Culture: Historic boys' grammar with strong academic tradition. Emphasis on excellence, leadership, and character development. Outstanding extra-curricular program.

What Makes It Special: Unique FSCE exam identifies boys with creative as well as analytical abilities. Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group progression. Excellent facilities and teaching quality.

Catchment Reality: Highly competitive requiring both strong exam performance and residence within priority catchment areas.

How to Choose: Your Decision Framework

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Selecting the right grammar school requires balancing multiple factors. Here's a strategic framework:

1. Distance from Home (Critical Factor)

Catchment Reality: Most Buckinghamshire and Slough grammar schools use distance as the primary tie-breaker after students qualify. Living significantly closer to your target school dramatically improves admission chances.

Research previous years' "furthest distance admitted" data:

• Royal Grammar School High Wycombe: 11.59 miles in 2024 (widest catchment)
• Dr Challoner's High: 2-4 miles typically (highly competitive)
• Langley Grammar: Priority postcode system (Area 1 strongest advantage)
• Herschel Grammar: 4-mile priority catchment

Strategy: Target schools where your home address provides realistic advantage. Applying to schools 15 miles away while living outside priority areas wastes preferences unless catchment is exceptionally wide.

2. Single-Sex vs Mixed Considerations

Single-Sex Grammar Schools (Boys):

• Dr Challoner's Grammar, Aylesbury Grammar, Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, John Hampden, Royal Latin, Reading School

Single-Sex Grammar Schools (Girls):

• Dr Challoner's High, Wycombe High, Aylesbury High, Beaconsfield High, Kendrick School

Mixed Grammar Schools:

• Sir William Borlase's, Chesham, Burnham, Highcrest Academy, Langley, St Bernard's, Herschel, Upton Court

Research suggests: Academic outcomes are comparable between single-sex and mixed grammars. Choice should depend on your child's personality, social preferences, and where they'll thrive rather than assumed academic advantages.

3. Academic Environment Fit

Consider your child's learning style and personality:

Highly Competitive Environments: Schools like Dr Challoner's Grammar, Dr Challoner's High, and Kendrick attract extremely motivated, high-achieving students. Your child should genuinely enjoy academic challenge and competition.

Balanced Environments: Schools like Chesham, Sir William Borlase's, and Langley provide strong academics with slightly less intense competition. Suitable for bright students who want excellence without overwhelming pressure.

Supportive Cultures: Consider schools known for strong pastoral care alongside academics. Smaller schools like John Hampden or Royal Latin may provide closer community feel.

4. Transport Accessibility

Public Transport: Research bus and train accessibility between home and target schools. Some families underestimate the impact of lengthy, complex commutes on children's wellbeing and family life.

School Transport: Some grammar schools, particularly Royal Grammar School, offer organized transport from various areas. Factor this into decisions if distance is significant.

Realistic Daily Commute: A 90-minute each-way commute may seem manageable theoretically but becomes exhausting over five years. Consider your child's age, independence, and stamina.

5. Sibling Priority Rules

Most grammar schools offer sibling priority—children with siblings already attending receive preference after qualifying. If you have younger children, consider:

• Where will siblings potentially attend?
• Does your first-choice school offer sibling priority?
• Will younger children also qualify?

Strategic families sometimes choose slightly less competitive schools initially to establish sibling priority for younger children.

6. Faith Requirements

St Bernard's Catholic Grammar is the only faith school in this guide. Requires:

• Baptized Catholic status
• Priest's reference confirming regular Mass attendance
• Supplementary Information Form completion
• Demonstrated faith practice (usually minimum 2 years regular attendance)

If your family is practicing Catholic, St Bernard's offers unique combination of grammar education and faith environment. Non-Catholic families should not apply as faith criteria are rigorously applied.

Application Strategy: Maximizing Your Chances

Understanding Multiple Systems

You can register for all three exam systems simultaneously:

1. Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test (covers all 13 Bucks grammars)
2. Slough Consortium Exam (covers all 4 Slough schools)
3. Reading Schools (separate registration for Kendrick and Reading School)

Strategic families register for all three systems to maximize grammar school opportunities. There's no penalty for multiple registrations, and exams occur on similar timelines.

Realistic Targeting: Reach, Match, Safety

When completing your Common Application Form (CAF), list up to 4 school preferences strategically:

Preference 1: Your Genuine First Choice Don't play games with first preference. List your actual preferred school even if highly competitive. Admission criteria evaluate all preferences equally, so listing less popular schools first doesn't improve chances.

Preference 2: Realistic Target School A school where your home address and child's ability provide reasonable admission chance. Research distance data to ensure realistic expectations.

Preference 3: Safer Grammar Option A grammar school with wider catchment or lower competition where qualification should secure admission.

Preference 4: Safety Comprehensive School Your catchment comprehensive with guaranteed entry. Ensures your child receives a secondary school place even if all grammar preferences unsuccessful.

Pass Mark Reality Check

Buckinghamshire 121 Standardized Score: This doesn't mean scoring 121 out of a certain number—it's a standardized score comparing your child's performance to their age peers nationally. A 121 score means performing significantly above average for age.

Understanding Standardized Scoring:

• Age-adjusted: Born August 31 vs September 1 receive different raw score requirements for same standardized score
• Composite: Combines verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics
• Score requirements vary by subject performance: strong in one area can compensate slightly for weakness in another

Slough 111 Standardized Score: Lower threshold than Buckinghamshire but still requires above-average performance. Approximately 40-45% of test-takers achieve 111+, compared to ~37% achieving 121+ in Buckinghamshire.

Reading FSCE Exam: Different scoring system entirely. Creative writing component means students strong in imaginative, expressive writing have advantage. Pure academic ability alone insufficient—schools seek well-rounded students.

Take the Next Step: School-Specific Preparation

Now that you understand the landscape of grammar schools in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the next critical step is ensuring your child is fully prepared for the entrance exams.

Book a Free Consultation for School-Specific Strategy

Different schools require different preparation approaches:

• GL Assessment vs FSCE exams demand distinct preparation
• Competitive schools need higher performance levels
• Your child's strengths and weaknesses determine focus areas

During your free consultation, we'll:

• Assess your child's current ability and readiness
• Identify which schools are realistic targets given your location and their abilities
• Create personalized preparation plan focused on your target schools
• Recommend appropriate timeline and tutoring intensity
• Provide honest feedback about admission prospects

Book Your Free Consultation Now

Targeted 11 Plus Preparation Services

11 Plus Tuition in Slough  Expert preparation for Slough Consortium schools (Langley, St Bernard's, Herschel, Upton Court) using GL Assessment format. Small group and individual sessions available.

11 Plus Tuition in High Wycombe  Specialist tutoring for Buckinghamshire grammar schools with proven track record. Comprehensive preparation for Secondary Transfer Test covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.

Summer Intensive Courses  Focused 2-4 week programs providing intensive exam preparation. Full-length practice exams, targeted weakness remediation, and final technique refinement before exam day.

Is It Too Late to Start 11 Plus Preparation in Year 5?
Starting preparation later than planned? Discover realistic timelines and strategies for compressed preparation windows.

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This guide is updated annually. Last updated: January 2025 with 2024 exam results and 2025-2026 admissions data. Always verify current information on individual school websites.

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