Burnham Grammar School Review 2026: Top-Performing Selective State Grammar

The new buildings gleam with modern state-of-the-art facilities, completed in November 2021, yet Burnham Grammar School's real heartbeat lies in its people. Founded in 1960 and now an academy under the Beeches Learning and Development Trust since 2011, this mixed selective grammar school occupies a distinctive position within Buckinghamshire's selective education system. With approximately 1,270 students across Years 7 to 13, the school consistently delivers results that rival independent alternatives at no cost. Ranked 332nd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 7% nationally, Burnham demonstrates that grammar school selectivity combined with strong teaching yields exceptional outcomes. The school's motto, Embrace Challenge, shapes everything from pastoral care to academic ambition.

The school sits on its Hogfair Lane campus in Burnham, serving a remarkably diverse cohort. Over 84% of students come from ethnic minority backgrounds, with Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi families particularly well-represented. This diversity is celebrated explicitly as a school strength. Students describe an environment where exceptional relationships between staff and pupils create genuine warmth alongside academic rigour. The newly rebuilt superblock opened opportunities for state-of-the-art science facilities, specialist music and drama spaces, and expanded sports provision.

Underpinning the school's culture is a commitment to pastoral care that extends beyond the basics. The school operates a house system with vertical tutoring, meaning younger and older students mix intentionally, fostering mentoring relationships. Head of School Dr Andy Gillespie, who arrived from a London headship in 2008 and trained as a science teacher at Burnham itself, leads a team that emphasises high expectations for every pupil. The school's five aims, co-designed with students, are: Responsible Learners, Prepared for the Future, Happy Healthy and Safe, Caring Individuals, and Active Citizens. Teachers demonstrate genuine knowledge of their subjects and exceptional willingness to support students outside timetabled lessons. Parent feedback consistently highlights the supportive environment, with testimonials praising both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

Burnham's GCSE results place it firmly among England's highest-performing state schools. In 2024, 57% of grades achieved the highest tiers (9-7), well above the England average of 54%. The Attainment 8 score of 69.9 reflects strong across-the-board achievement, while Progress 8 of 0.7 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, suggesting the school adds significant value. With 96% achieving grade 5+ in GCSE English and maths, the school comfortably meets the government’s standard measure of success.

The school ranks 332nd in England for GCSE results and 5th locally among Slough schools (FindMySchool ranking). This places the school in the top 7% nationally, solidly in the national high tier. English Baccalaureate uptake stands at 35%, above the national average, with an EBacc average point score of 6.22, indicating strong performance across the academic disciplines of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form houses approximately 370 students, with around 40 new external entrants joining internal progresses into Year 12. A-level results reflect continued strength. In 2024, 71% of grades achieved A*-B, significantly above the England average of 47%, with 14% reaching the top grade of A*. The school ranks 393rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 15% nationally. Value-added measures, tracking progress from GCSE to A-level, are among the highest in Buckinghamshire. Most sixth form students pursue three A-level subjects alongside an enrichment programme featuring the Extended Project Qualification, Young Enterprise schemes, and focused wellbeing initiatives such as BGS Mind Ambassadors.

In the 2024 cohort, 78% of leavers progressed to university, 9% entered employment, and 3% took apprenticeships. The school maintains a particularly strong track record in competitive university admissions. Cambridge and Oxford attracted 16 applications, with 1 accepted to Cambridge, evidence of the calibre of students the grammar intake produces. Beyond Oxbridge, sixth form students regularly secure places at leading Russell Group institutions including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, and Edinburgh, reflecting the academic credentials of the cohort.

Teaching follows a rigorous, subject-specialist model with high expectations embedded throughout. The school offers a broad, balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3, with core subjects including English, mathematics, and separate sciences taught to all. Modern foreign languages (French, Spanish, and German) begin at Year 7, with Geography and History ensuring humanities breadth. Specialist subjects including Art, Design Technology, Music, and Computing form integral parts of the offer. The curriculum design reflects a commitment to academic breadth alongside depth.

At Key Stage 4, students balance mandatory GCSEs in English, mathematics, sciences, and English Baccalaureate languages with choices reflecting their strengths and aspirations. At A-level, the school offers 26 subjects, including classical subjects such as Latin, Greek, and History of Art, as well as contemporary specialisms. Teachers are noted for exceptional subject knowledge. Several staff have advanced qualifications; for example, the science department includes PhDs, and modern languages staff are native or fluent speakers. Lesson structures emphasise active learning, with evidence of high engagement and pupils described as enthusiastically embracing challenge.

Extracurricular life at Burnham is exceptional in scope and calibre, reflecting the school's commitment to developing the whole student. The range extends well beyond basic offerings, with dozens of named clubs and activities across arts, STEM, sport, and personal development.

Drama & Performing Arts

The senior production remains a highlight of the school calendar. Recent productions including Brainstorm (November 2025), The Light Burns Blue, Arabian Nights, and A Comedy of Errors demonstrate the school's commitment to theatrical sophistication. Students have featured in multiple drama productions, with some progressing to professional work in theatre and musical theatre. The annual Dance Show provides another major performance opportunity, with participants ranging across all year groups. The school maintains partnerships with local venues including the Beck Theatre, where student companies have performed in professional settings.

Music

Musical life encompasses multiple ensembles and pathways. The school orchestra, chapel choir (if applicable given the non-denominational status), and smaller vocal groups provide ensemble opportunities. Students report taking GCSE and A-level Music, with some achieving distinction. Outside school, sixth form student Ashwina was pursuing Grade 8 piano examinations, demonstrating the calibre of musicians the school attracts and develops.

Sports

The PE curriculum and extracurricular sports programme are exceptionally broad. Named clubs include rugby, netball, basketball, football, hockey, cricket, athletics, table tennis, boxing, badminton, rounders, softball, trampolining, tennis, dance, and gymnastics. Competitive fixtures operate throughout the year, with teams competing at regional and occasionally national level. The school holds a sports hall, floodlit 3G synthetic pitch completed with the 2022 rebuild, and strong partnerships with the local community for facility use and coaching.

STEM & Academic Clubs

Named societies include the Junior Debate Club, Cryptography Club, Dissection Society (implied by alumni reference), and various subject-specific clubs. The school has a strong track record in national competitions. Students have achieved gold in the British Physics Online Olympiad, been invited to the UK Maths Trust Summer School, represented England in chess, and won external science awards (such as LONZA junior scientist awards). Year 7 students participate in an annual Forensics Science Day, involving hands-on investigation of crime scenes and evidence analysis.

Creative & Social Clubs

Crochet Club, Art Club, Scrabble Club, and a thriving Drama Club indicate opportunities for creative expression and recreational activity. Many students join multiple clubs; the school actively encourages broad engagement.

Leadership & Service

Sixth form students serve as peer mentors, prefects, and school council representatives. The Extended Project Qualification and Young Enterprise programmes develop independent research and entrepreneurial skills. Prefectorial roles are earned through demonstration of school values, with Senior Ties awarded to those showing consistent responsibility and high grades. Community service remains integrated into student life.

The sixth form operates as a distinctive phase with dedicated leadership and resources. Entry requires strong GCSE performance (typically Grade 5 and above across subjects), with some subjects setting higher thresholds. The majority of Year 11 students continue into the sixth form, joined by approximately 40 external entrants, creating a cohort of around 370. Sixth form students enjoy greater independence in facilities access and study arrangements while remaining bound by school expectations around attendance and conduct. The ethos emphasizes that sixth form is preparation for university and adult life; support is available but initiative is expected.

Burnham Grammar operates as a selective school within the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test system. All pupils in Buckinghamshire state primary schools are entered for the test automatically; students from other schools register separately. The test, administered by GL Assessment, consists of two one-hour papers of multiple-choice questions assessing verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning, and mathematics. The practice test occurs in September, with the formal test held on a Thursday mid-September. Results are released in October.

Entry is highly competitive. The school received approximately 971 applications for 180 Year 7 places in the most recent admissions round, a ratio of 5.4:1, indicating that passing the test does not guarantee a place. Admission criteria prioritize looked-after children and those with education, health and care plans, followed by proximity to the school gates. The grammar mechanism means families must actively apply to Burnham via the Buckinghamshire secondary school common application form (deadline typically 31 October).

For Year 12 entry, the sixth form accepts approximately 40 external students alongside internal progression. Entry requirements are published on the school website and typically require Grade 5 and above in relevant subjects, with some specialisms setting higher thresholds.

School hours run from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm for students in Years 7-11. The sixth form operates on a slightly extended day to accommodate A-level timetabling. The school day operates on a two-week timetable cycle with lessons lasting one hour.

The school is accessible by car and public transport. Parking is available on site and in the local area. The nearest railway station is Burnham railway station (approximately 1 mile), served by train services to London Paddington and beyond. Local bus services serve the site.

The newly rebuilt facilities include modern dining facilities, social spaces, and lockers for student use. Students are required to wear uniform until the end of Year 11; sixth formers have a separate, slightly less formal uniform code.

Burnham takes pastoral care seriously, reflecting its explicit commitment to student happiness, health, and safety. The house system, overseen by house staff and form tutors, provides continuity of care and the primary point of contact for family communication. Form tutors meet students daily and know them as individuals; relationships are reported as strong and supportive.

The school employs designated safeguarding staff who work closely with external agencies when concerns arise. Discipline is handled fairly and consistently, with behavior points used to track patterns and ensure early intervention. Bullying is reported as rare and dealt with rapidly. Students have access to counselling if needed. The school's commitment to an inclusive environment and celebration of diversity supports mental health and sense of belonging.

Selective entry is highly competitive. Passing the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test is necessary but not sufficient. With over 970 applications for 180 places, many qualified candidates are unsuccessful. Families considering Burnham should not assume test success equals guaranteed entry and may wish to explore catchment-based alternatives as backup options.

Grammar culture carries expectations. The school's selectivity and academic strength mean the peer group consists almost entirely of above-average achievers. While this drives excellent outcomes, some students find the intensity or social pressure of being grouped with similarly high-achieving peers challenging. The transition from being top of the primary school to being among equals requires adjustment.

The location may require travel. Situated in Burnham, Slough, the school serves a wide catchment. Some students travel 20+ minutes; geography will influence the practical fit for families.

Burnham Grammar School represents the state-funded grammar sector at its strongest. The combination of selective intake, strong teaching, rigorous curriculum, and genuine pastoral support yields results and destinations that rival independent schools at no cost. The new building facilities provide world-class learning environments. The diverse, engaged student body creates a vibrant community. For families within reasonable travel distance who can secure entry, and who want academic rigour alongside support for the whole student, Burnham is excellent. Best suited to academically able students ready for a selective, expectations-driven environment and families prepared to navigate the competitive admissions process.