Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy.
How to get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy
Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is a selective secondary school in Devon. To get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). The school offers approximately 130 places annually [1].
Children must take the 11+ examinations to gain a place in Year 7. Churston Ferrers Grammar School is a selective state school requiring successful completion of the 11+ examination.
The school does not have a catchment area and considers all applicants equally regardless of home address [1]. Only in the case of a tie will distance from school be used to make the final decision.
- Registration opens on the school website in mid-March 2025 with a preferred deadline of 16th July 2025 (see key dates)
- The 11+ examination takes place on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates)
- Common Application Form must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- A catch-up test is available on Friday 26th September 2025 for children unable to take the main test due to illness
- Contact details available in the school information section
Application Process
Families must complete both the school's online registration form and the Common Application Form (CAF), listing Churston Ferrers Grammar School as a preferred choice. The registration form will be available from mid-March 2025 on the school website [1].
Families only register to take the tests with one school at this stage. The school recommends children take the exam at their first choice school to familiarise themselves with the building and staff.
- Step 1: Complete the online registration form from mid-March 2025 (see key dates)
- Step 2: Submit the Common Application Form via local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Step 3: Attend the exam on Saturday 20th September 2025 during morning (9am-11am) or afternoon (1pm-3pm) slots
- Step 4: Receive guidance letter on or after 13th October 2025 indicating exam performance (see key dates)
- Families requiring postal forms should email secretary@churston.torbay.sch.uk
- Special access arrangements available for children requiring enlarged papers, extra time, or special rooming
Examination Details
The three grammar schools in Torquay use the same 11+ exam supplied by GL Assessment. Children take two multiple-choice papers, each lasting approximately 45-50 minutes [1].
The English paper includes reading comprehension passages and tests spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation based on national curriculum content. The mathematics paper tests mathematical skills and knowledge.
- Marks from both papers are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged
- Standardised scores are combined to create the final 11+ score, with all children ranked in order
- Final marks from English and mathematics exams are combined for the final result
- Free familiarisation materials are generic and may differ from the exact test specifications
- Children scoring 80%+ consistently in practice tests are typically on track to pass
Admissions Criteria
Before applying oversubscription criteria, eligible students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school who have passed the assessment will be admitted [1].
Children in Category A have a total score equal to or higher than the 130th ranked candidate and receive up to 130 places. Category B children score between the 131st and 180th ranked positions. Category C children score lower than the 180th ranked candidate.
- Category A: Children scoring equal to or higher than the 130th ranked candidate (up to 130 spaces)
- Category B: Children scoring between 131st and 180th ranked positions, prioritised by looked after children first
- Category C: Children scoring lower than the 180th ranked candidate
- Distance from school only used as final tiebreaker when necessary
- Passing the 11+ does not guarantee a place due to oversubscription
Preparation Guidance
Building a good knowledge base before the 11+ is essential. Using a 'little and often' approach helps brains encode information more effectively when dealing with smaller chunks.
The school partners with Atom Learning to provide free online 11+ preparation for students eligible for Pupil Premium [1]. Children eligible for free school meals in the last six years can access free Atom Home accounts.
- Start early: Begin preparation at least 12 months before the exam date
- Practice regularly: Use consistent daily practice sessions rather than intensive cramming
- Free resources: Access practice papers and materials via practice materials section
- Professional support: Consider tutoring through specialist 11+ tutoring services
- Non-pupil premium families can access a five-day free trial via Atom Learning
- The school recommends students sit the exam at Churston Ferrers to familiarise themselves with the environment
Practical Advice
Families should attend the school's Open Day and register children at their first choice school to help them become familiar with the building and staff [1].
If children cannot take tests on the scheduled date due to illness or significant circumstances, they should contact the school immediately to arrange the catch-up test. Late notification from primary schools will not be accepted as justification for late registration.
- Exam day preparation: Children take tests with others from their current primary school
- Time management: Practice completing multiple-choice papers within 45-50 minute timeframes
- Special needs: Apply early for special access arrangements such as extra time or enlarged papers
- Backup options: Consider other Devon grammar schools and high-performing comprehensives
- Results timeline: Expect results notification in October 2025 (see key dates)
- Contact information: Full details available in the school information section
South Devon 11+ Information
In order to get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, children need to pass the South Devon 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
South Devon 11+ Subjects & Structure
The South Devon 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
The 11 plus exam for entry into the three grammar schools in Torquay, including Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, is provided by GL Assessment. The exam consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting approximately 45-50 minutes. Children will be allocated either a morning or afternoon slot to take the test alongside other applicants from their current primary school.
The English paper assesses reading comprehension, requiring children to demonstrate their understanding of a given text by answering questions. It also tests additional English skills such as spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. The content is based on the national curriculum for Year 5.
The maths paper is also based on Year 5 curriculum content, although some questions may be more challenging. Children will be assessed on their knowledge of key mathematical concepts, including times tables, mental maths, shapes, space and measures, the four basic operations, and interpreting graphs. Some advanced questions will require children to apply their skills to solve new types of problems.
Other Schools using South Devon 11+
As well as Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, several other schools also use South Devon 11+. These are:
South Devon 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
South Devon 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the South Devon 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 26/06/2025 | Churston Ferrers Grammar School Open Evening | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 16/07/2025 | Preferable 11+ Registration Deadline | |
| 02/09/2025 | Final 11+ Registration Deadline | |
| 20/09/2025 | 11+ Exam At Churston Ferrers Grammar School | |
| Early October | Parents Receive 11+ Results | |
| Late October | Secondary School Applications Close | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy
As the South Devon 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy
Unfortunately, Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the South Devon 11+ Ensure you double-check with Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the South Devon 11+ to get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the South Devon 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy, Greenway Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham, Devon TQ5 0LN |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://churstongrammar.com/ |
| Telephone | 01803842289 |
| Email Address | vanessa.wolf@churston.torbay.sch.uk |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 150 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1034 (561 Girls / 473 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr James Simpson |
Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,034 pupils attend Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr James Simpson.
Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy was last inspected by Ofsted on 18/10/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 04/12/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 18/10/2022 | 1 | 04/12/2022 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy was inspected by Ofsted on 18 October 2022 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school was rated Good in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education for its students, with effective teaching and learning across all subjects. The school's leadership and management were praised for their clear vision and direction, which has led to sustained improvement in the school's performance.
The report also highlighted the school's positive and inclusive culture, where students feel safe, supported, and valued. The sixth form provision was found to be particularly strong, with students receiving excellent guidance and support to help them progress to their chosen destinations after school.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design (Textiles) | 13 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | - | 1 | 7 |
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 33 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
| Biology | 147 | - | - | - | 1 | 13 | 26 | 30 | 23 | 25 | 28 |
| Business Studies:Single | 70 | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 11 | 14 | 8 | 18 | 12 |
| Chemistry | 147 | - | - | - | 1 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 28 | 19 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 28 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| Design & Technology | 45 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 2 |
| English Language | 151 | 1 | - | - | 1 | 13 | 21 | 30 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| English Literature | 151 | - | - | - | 4 | 3 | 22 | 31 | 33 | 26 | 31 |
| D&T Food Technology | 45 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 12 |
| French | 31 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 8 | 4 | 11 | 6 |
| Geography | 54 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 3 | 8 | 15 | 9 | 13 |
| German | 10 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| History | 68 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 22 |
| Mathematics | 151 | - | - | - | 1 | 10 | 15 | 37 | 31 | 35 | 21 |
| Music | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | 4 |
| Physics | 147 | - | - | - | 3 | 17 | 25 | 32 | 25 | 24 | 20 |
| Religious Studies | 57 | - | - | 1 | 2 | - | 4 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 14 |
| Spanish | 49 | 2 | - | - | 1 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 5 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 22 | - | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | - | 1 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 50 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 5 | 10 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 11 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | |||
| Art and Design (Photography) | 7 | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 33 | - | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 30 | - | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 2 | |||
| Chemistry | 23 | - | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 6 | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 11 | - | - | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | - | |||
| Economics | 26 | - | - | 5 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| English Literature | 15 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | |||
| French | 8 | - | - | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Geography | 21 | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |||
| German | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Government and Politics | 17 | - | - | - | 4 | 6 | 3 | 2 | |||
| History | 17 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |||
| Mathematics | 37 | - | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 8 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 9 | - | - | 1 | - | - | 7 | - | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 11 | - | - | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | - | |||
| Physics | 18 | - | - | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |||
| Psychology | 45 | - | - | 5 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 5 | |||
| Religious Studies | 13 | - | - | 2 | 3 | 7 | - | - | |||
| Sociology | 19 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Spanish | 9 | - | - | 2 | 1 | 4 | - | - | |||
FAQ
Is Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy hard to get into?
Yes, Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy a private school?
No, Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy free?
Yes, Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Churston Ferrers Grammar School Academy for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
