Devonport High School for Boys 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Devonport High School for Boys.

How to get into Devonport High School for Boys

Devonport High School for Boys is a selective secondary school in Devon. To get into Devonport High School for Boys children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Devonport High School for Boys with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Devonport High School for Boys accepts boys aged 11 to 18 for Year 7 entry. The school is a grammar school located in Plymouth, Devon [1]. The school offers 180 places annually for Year 7 admission.

Children must take three 11 plus papers: English reading, maths, and writing. The school operates without a catchment area and evaluates all applicants regardless of their residential location [1].

Families must name the school on their secondary school common application form, which becomes available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Devonport High School for Boys.
All images © Devonport High School for Boys.
  • Boys currently in Year 5 are eligible for the following year's intake
  • All candidates take English reading and maths papers supplied by GL Assessment
  • The English writing paper is marked internally by school staff
  • No specific academic prerequisites beyond taking the Devonport Boys 11+ examination
  • For detailed eligibility questions, families should contact the school information section

Application Process

Registration for the 11 plus opens on the school website in April 2025 and closes on Sunday 31st August 2025 (see key dates). Families must complete an online registration form through the school's website [1].

Children take the exam on two consecutive Saturdays in September, with results received in mid-October. Results do not guarantee a place offer, as letters are issued in March the following year.

  • Complete the 11+ registration form on the school website before 31st August 2025 (see key dates)
  • Submit the Common Application Form through the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Name Devonport High School for Boys as one of the preferred schools on the application
  • Passing the 11 plus does not guarantee allocation, as grammar schools are often oversubscribed
  • Contact the school information section for specific application guidance

Examination Details

The Devonport Boys 11+ consists of three papers: English reading, mathematics, and writing. The English reading and maths papers are supplied by GL Assessment and last around 45 minutes to one hour each.

All images © Devonport High School for Boys.
All images © Devonport High School for Boys.

After marking, the school determines the qualifying score for the writing paper and places children in Category A if they achieve marks equal to or higher than the 180th ranked candidate. Marks are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged.

  • Multiple-choice format with question booklets and pre-printed answer sheets
  • English questions based on national curriculum Year 5 content
  • Reading comprehension requires understanding passages and answering questions
  • Additional English skills tested include spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
  • Mathematics paper based on Year 5 content but may include more challenging questions
  • Writing paper assesses composition skills and must achieve qualifying marks

Preparation Guidance

Children who consistently score 75-85% or higher in practice tests should be on track to pass the examination. Families should start revision at least a year before the exam and maintain consistent study routines.

The school provides free 11+ familiarisation sessions on Wednesday 11 June 2025 and Thursday 12 June 2025 at 4:30pm (see key dates) [1]. These sessions target boys in Year 5, with registration opening on Tuesday 22 April 2025 (see key dates).

All images © Devonport High School for Boys.
All images © Devonport High School for Boys.
  • Familiarisation sessions held in the Sports Hall include a Mathematics paper and English paper for home completion
  • Both papers are set by the school, with mark schemes provided for diagnostic use at home
  • Attending familiarisation sessions is not essential for taking the actual examination
  • Access free preparation resources for comprehensive study materials
  • Consider professional support through qualified tutoring services
  • Use practice papers to understand exam layout and structure for comfort under exam conditions

Practical Advice

The school holds an open evening on Tuesday 8 July 2025 at 4:30pm, with no registration required for Year 4 and Year 5 families (see key dates) [1]. Families can meet staff, see classrooms, and hear from the headteacher about admissions arrangements.

Due to the wide catchment area extending beyond Plymouth, the school is very popular and families are advised to attend open days. Parking is very limited at school, with alternative parking available at Plymouth City College for a small charge.

  • Prepare for examination days on two consecutive Saturdays in September
  • Build confidence through establishing good knowledge foundations before the 11 plus
  • Consider backup grammar school options in Devon including Colyton Grammar and Plymouth High School for Girls
  • Understand oversubscription criteria prioritising looked-after children, pupil premium recipients, and children of long-term staff members
  • Category B children may be eligible for waiting list consideration if they achieve qualifying writing marks
  • Contact the school information section for specific questions about admissions procedures
  • Plymouth City Council handles admission appeals on behalf of the school

[1]Devonport High School for Boys official website

Devonport Boys 11+ Information

In order to get into Devonport High School for Boys, children need to pass the Devonport Boys 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Devonport Boys 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Devonport Boys 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English Reading
  • Maths
  • English Writing

The 11+ exam for Devonport High School for Boys consists of three papers: English reading, maths, and writing. The English reading and maths papers are provided by GL Assessment, a well-known 11+ exam provider in England. These papers are multiple-choice and last between 45 minutes to one hour. Students will be given a question booklet and pre-printed answer sheets to mark their chosen answers.

The English reading paper assesses reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation based on the national curriculum. The maths paper, also based on Year 5 content, evaluates the student's understanding of key concepts such as times tables, mental maths, shapes, space and measures, the four basic operations, and interpreting graphs. Some questions may be more challenging than usual, requiring students to apply their skills to solve novel problems.

The English writing paper, created internally by Devonport High School for Boys, lasts around 30 minutes. Students will select one prompt from a few options and compose an original piece based on the prompt, which may include writing the beginning of a story, a newspaper article, or a letter. Scores will be awarded based on varied sentence structure, correct punctuation, clear text structure and organisation, and overall composition and effect.

Devonport Boys 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Devonport High School for Boys 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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!

Devonport Boys 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Devonport Boys 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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Devonport High School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Devonport High School for Boys 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Devonport High School for Boys) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
08/07/2025Dhsb Open EveningAdd Dates to Calendar
31/08/2025Registration Closes For The Dhsb 11+ Exam
13/09/202511+ Exam (paper 1)
20/09/202511+ Exam (paper 2)
Late OctoberNational Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places
02/03/2026National Secondary School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Devonport High School for Boys as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Devonport High School for Boys

As the Devonport Boys 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 Devonport High School for Boys 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Devonport High School for Boys. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Devonport High School for Boys currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Devonport High School for Boys chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
Internal*
Now use GL Assessment		English
Internal*
Now use GL Assessment		Maths
Internal*
Now use GL Assessment		Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Devonport Boys 11+ Ensure you double-check with Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport Boys 11+ to get into Devonport High School for Boys.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport Boys 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Devonport High School for Boys 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys by Examberry

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Devonport High School for Boys by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Devonport High School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.

Devonport High School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Devonport High School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Devonport High School for Boys,
Paradise Road, Stoke,
Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 5QP
School Website
Telephone01752208787
Email Addressadmissions@dhsb.org
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1238 (78 Girls / 1160 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Dan Roberts

Devonport High School for Boys is a boys only 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 1,238 pupils attend Devonport High School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Dan Roberts.

Devonport High School for Boys Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Devonport High School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 17/10/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 10/12/2023, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Devonport High School for Boys obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Devonport High School for Boys obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
17/10/2023110/12/2023GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Devonport High School for Boys was inspected by Ofsted on 17 October 2023 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, while both behaviour and attitudes and personal development were deemed Outstanding. Leadership and management at the school were also rated as Good.

The sixth form provision at Devonport High School for Boys was found to be Outstanding, indicating that the school provides exceptional support and opportunities for its older students. This suggests that the school is well-equipped to prepare students for their future academic and professional endeavors.

The inspection results highlight the school's strengths in fostering a positive learning environment, promoting personal growth, and maintaining effective leadership. While there may be areas for improvement in the quality of education and leadership, the overall performance of Devonport High School for Boys is commendable, with particularly impressive outcomes in student behaviour, personal development, and sixth form provision.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Devonport High School for Boys for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (178 pupils)
  • English Literature (178 pupils)
  • Mathematics (178 pupils)
  • Biology (177 pupils)
  • Chemistry (177 pupils)
  • Physics (177 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (122 pupils)
  • Geography (86 pupils)
  • History (67 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (51 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (48 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (41 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (40 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (39 pupils)
  • Spanish (38 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (37 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (31 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (28 pupils)
  • French (20 pupils)
  • Latin (20 pupils)
  • German (16 pupils)
  • Music (12 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (10 pupils)
  • Astronomy (7 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Chemistry (84 pupils)
  • Biology (73 pupils)
  • Mathematics (68 pupils)
  • Psychology (42 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (39 pupils)
  • Physics (37 pupils)
  • Economics (23 pupils)
  • Geography (23 pupils)
  • History (23 pupils)
  • English Literature (22 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (20 pupils)
  • Ancient History (17 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (16 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (15 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (12 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (11 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (8 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Devonport High School for Boys 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)28-----410761
Astronomy7----1321--
Biology177----52439423730
Business Studies:Single122--114103537259
Chemistry177---392536353633
Classical Civilisation40-3-5477626
Computer Studies/Computing39--234109533
Design & Technology48---1261015131
English Language178--1342647423520
English Literature178--1583844422317
D&T Food Technology37--1-2101284-
French20----2347-4
Geography86----31421251310
German16----442222
History67--14411161867
Latin20--11-22482
Mathematics178----11745524320
Media/Film/Tv Studies41-111799751
Music12----131232
Physics1773--442436383731
Religious Studies51----238121214
Spanish38---15361193
Drama & Theatre Studies10---1-4122-
Physical Education/Sports Studies31----12131131

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Ancient History17---3122-
Art and Design (Fine Art)6---3-12
Biology73-641119239
Business Studies:Single39--3717102
Chemistry84-31117221712
Computer Studies / Computing20-44433-
Economics23--351041
English Literature22--16735
Geography23--29651
Government and Politics16-243-61
History23-38461-
Mathematics68-361091422
Mathematics (Further)15---4353
Media/Film/Tv Studies11---2711
Physical Education / Sports Studies8----233
Physics37-2666107
Psychology42-3415146-
Religious Studies12---3162

FAQ

Is Devonport High School for Boys hard to get into?

Yes, Devonport High School for Boys 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 Devonport High School for Boys a private school?

No, Devonport High School for Boys is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Devonport High School for Boys free?

Yes, Devonport High School for Boys is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Devonport High School for Boys won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Devonport High School for Boys?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Devonport High School for Boys 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.

Is Devonport High School for Boys a boys-only school?

Yes, Devonport High School for Boys is a boys-only school.

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