Torquay Boys' Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

How to get into Torquay Boys' Grammar School

Torquay Boys' Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Devon. To get into Torquay Boys' Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 168 places annually and admission is determined by pupil performance in the 11 Plus exam [1].

The school has no designated catchment area, meaning families can apply from anywhere. All applicants are evaluated solely on their entrance exam performance, without any consideration of their home address. Children must first pass the South Devon 11+ to be eligible for admission.

Families must register for the 11+ examination by 16th July 2025 (see key dates) through the school's website . Registration opens in mid-March 2025 with a preferred deadline of Wednesday 16th July 2025. Late registrations are accepted until midday on Tuesday 2nd September 2025, though this may affect placement options.

All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.
All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

Application Process

The application process requires two separate steps: registering for the 11+ examination and submitting the Common Application Form. Registration for the tests does not count as an application, and a Common Application Form (CAF) must also be submitted to the local authority where the child lives by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

Registration for the Torquay Boys Grammar School 11 plus opens on the school website in mid-March 2025. The preferred deadline for submitting the registration form is Wednesday 16th July 2025. After this date, registrations after the deadline will only be accepted for testing in exceptional circumstances, which must be evidenced, such as a bereavement of an immediate family member or a move to the area from outside of Torbay or Devon.

Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Contact details for specific enquiries are available in the school information section.

All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.
All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.
  • Complete the online 11+ registration form by 16th July 2025 (see key dates)
  • Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Provide any required supporting documentation for special considerations
  • Attend the 11+ examination on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates)

Exam Format and Content

The three grammar schools in Torquay use the same 11 plus exam, which is supplied by GL Assessment. Children will be allocated either a morning slot (9am–11am) or afternoon slot (1pm–3pm) on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates) [1].

The examination consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around 45–50 minutes, with one paper testing English and the other testing maths. There are two tests (approximately 50 minutes each), one for English and one for Maths. The South Devon 11+ tests content based on the National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 level.

GL Assessment 11 plus English papers are based on the content children will have learned on the national curriculum at school, with questions testing reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. GL Assessment 11 plus maths papers are also based on Year 5 curriculum content, though some questions may be more challenging than what children are used to.

All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.
All images © Torquay Boys' Grammar School.
  • English Paper: Multiple-choice questions covering reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
  • Mathematics Paper: Multiple-choice questions based on Year 5 curriculum content
  • Duration: Approximately 45-50 minutes per paper
  • Format: All questions are multiple-choice
  • Age Adjustment: Marks are age-standardised to ensure younger children aren't disadvantaged

Selection and Oversubscription Criteria

Torquay Boys Grammar School operates superselective admissions, meaning boys achieving the highest scores in the GL 11 Plus Entrance Examinations have priority of admission, with no passing grade or threshold. The standardised score for each paper is added together to form the child's final 11 plus score, and all children are then placed in rank order according to their score.

The school's admissions panel decides on the 'qualifying' score, and if more than 168 children achieve this score, the school prioritises children for places using oversubscription criteria. Before the application of oversubscription criteria, eligible students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school and who have passed the assessment will be admitted, reducing the published admissions number accordingly.

When places are oversubscribed, the school prioritises children in the following order:

  • Category 1: Children in Care or who were in Care but ceased to be in Care because they were adopted or made the subject of a child arrangements order or a special guardianship order
  • Category 2: Children who are eligible for the Pupil Premium
  • Category 3: Other children
  • Tiebreaker: In each category, children are prioritised based on how close they live to the school

Results and Timeline

Families will receive their 11+ results in October, specifically on or as soon as possible after 14 October 2024, though this will not be the actual scores, but a Yes or No to whether the child's performance was of the required standard for the school. On Monday 2nd March 2026, families will find out which school their child has been allocated a place at (see key dates).

Passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee allocation to the preferred school, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children, and schools work through admissions criteria to prioritise children for places. Children will be allocated a place at their highest-preferred school for which they meet the entry criteria and which has places available.

Important timeline for families:

  • March 2025: 11+ registration opens online (see key dates)
  • 16th July 2025: Preferred 11+ registration deadline (see key dates)
  • 2nd September 2025: Final 11+ registration deadline (see key dates)
  • 20th September 2025: 11+ examination day (see key dates)
  • October 2025: 11+ results announced (see key dates)
  • 31st October 2025: Common Application Form deadline (see key dates)
  • 2nd March 2026: National Offer Day (see key dates)

Preparation Guidance

To keep negative feelings at bay, parents should work with their child to build a good study plan to avoid leaving 11 Plus preparation to the last minute, and introducing practice exam papers into the study routine will prove beneficial as these give children a clearer idea of the exam structure. It's important to build a good knowledge base before the 11 plus using a 'little and often' approach, as brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller 'chunks' of information, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes for children aged 10–11.

Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the Torquay Boys Grammar School 11+ test, though there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator. Children who are working within the top 25% of their year group are normally well-suited for grammar school.

Families should begin preparation approximately 12 months before the examination date. To prepare effectively, families should cover all curriculum content and start a year in advance with consistent, balanced study. The school recommends using a structured approach with regular practice sessions rather than intensive cramming.

  • Start preparation 12 months in advance of the examination
  • Use 'little and often' study sessions of 20-30 minutes for optimal learning
  • Focus on Year 5 curriculum content for both English and Maths
  • Target achieving 80%+ consistently in practice tests
  • Access free preparation resources through practice papers
  • Consider additional support through tutoring services
  • Practice with GL Assessment format materials specifically

Practical Advice

Familiarisation materials can be accessed for free through the school's official resources. Due to the formal nature of the exam, children can feel intimidated about sitting the eleven plus exam, so families should focus on building confidence through adequate preparation and practice.

On examination day, families should ensure children arrive well-rested and with appropriate materials. Children will be allocated either a morning slot (9am–11am) or afternoon slot (1pm–3pm) on Saturday 20th September 2025 (see key dates). If any circumstances arise that may affect the child's performance, families should contact the school in writing within 14 days of the tests.

For families considering backup options in Devon, other selective schools include Devonport High School for Boys, Devonport High School for Girls and Plymouth High School for Girls, as well as Colyton Grammar School. Families should research multiple options and understand each school's specific requirements and examination formats.

  • Exam Day Preparation: Ensure adequate rest, arrive early, and bring required identification
  • Morning vs Afternoon Slots: The school will allocate time slots - families cannot choose
  • Special Circumstances: Contact the school within 14 days if issues affect performance
  • Backup Schools in Devon: Consider Devonport High Schools, Plymouth High School for Girls, and Colyton Grammar School
  • Results Timeline: Expect 11+ results in October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Appeals Process: Families can appeal via an independent panel, with information provided by the local authority on National Offers Day
  • Contact Information: For specific enquiries, see the school information section

[1]Torquay Boys' Grammar School official website

South Devon 11+ Information

In order to get into Torquay Boys' Grammar School, 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 the three grammar schools in Torquay is a multiple-choice test that assesses a child's abilities in English and maths. The exam is divided into two papers, each lasting approximately 45-50 minutes. Children will be assigned either a morning or afternoon slot to complete the test.

The English paper evaluates a child's comprehension skills through reading passages and answering questions. It also tests their proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. The content is based on the national curriculum for Year 5 students.

The maths paper covers key concepts such as times tables, mental maths, shapes, space and measures, the four basic operations, and interpreting graphs. While the questions are based on the Year 5 curriculum, some may be more challenging than what students typically encounter in school. Children will need to apply their knowledge to solve novel problems in the more advanced questions.

Other Schools using South Devon 11+

As well as Torquay Boys' Grammar School, 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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!

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).

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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Torquay Boys' Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

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

DateEventCalendar Link
16/07/2025Preferable 11+ Registration Deadline
02/09/2025Final 11+ Registration Deadline
20/09/202511+ Exam At Torquay Boys' Grammar School
Early OctoberParents Receive 11+ Results On This Date (or As Soon As Possible After)
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Torquay Boys' Grammar School

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 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School

Unfortunately, Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School

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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School.

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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Torquay Boys' Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Torquay Boys' Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Torquay Boys' Grammar School,
Shiphay Manor Drive,
Torquay,
Devon
TQ2 7EL
School Website
Telephone01803615501
Email Addressenquiries@tbgs.torquay.sch.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places168
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1075 (25 Girls / 1050 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Pete Lawrence

Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 1,075 pupils attend Torquay Boys' Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Pete Lawrence.

Torquay Boys' Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Torquay Boys' Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/09/2021 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 14/11/2021, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Torquay Boys' Grammar School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.
Torquay Boys' Grammar School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
22/09/2021114/11/2021GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Torquay Boys' Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 22 September 2021 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 results demonstrate that Torquay Boys' Grammar School provides a well-rounded education for its students, with a strong focus on both academic achievement and personal growth. The school's leadership and management team has effectively implemented strategies to ensure that students receive a high-quality education and are supported in their development.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (164 pupils)
  • English Literature (164 pupils)
  • Mathematics (164 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (161 pupils)
  • Chemistry (150 pupils)
  • Physics (150 pupils)
  • Biology (147 pupils)
  • Spanish (74 pupils)
  • Geography (68 pupils)
  • History (62 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (58 pupils)
  • Chinese (52 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (34 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (33 pupils)
  • German (27 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (23 pupils)
  • Music (19 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (15 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (14 pupils)
  • Economics (11 pupils)
  • French (11 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (59 pupils)
  • Biology (40 pupils)
  • Economics (39 pupils)
  • Physics (37 pupils)
  • Geography (28 pupils)
  • Chemistry (27 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (23 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (18 pupils)
  • History (18 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (11 pupils)
  • English Literature (10 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (8 pupils)
  • Ancient History (8 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Engineering) (6 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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)23----1210343
Biology147---463236291723
Chemistry150---2122440252819
Chinese52---96118954
Computer Studies/Computing33-123335844
Design & Technology58---33892087
Economics11--1-121312
English Language164--1720404631127
English Literature164---3143249311916
French11---23-3111
Geography68---23111220119
German271--2553164
History621---2618121211
Mathematics164----82447343219
Media/Film/Tv Studies15---111552-
Music19----351532
Physics150---4101439342425
Religious Studies161---781943382719
Spanish742--4811171769
Physical Education/Sports Studies34----11371012
Science: Double Award143---------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology40-4691131
Business Studies:Single18--5751-
Chemistry27-223596
Computer Studies / Computing11-321311
Design and Technology (Engineering)6--11-22
Economics39-151010112
English Literature10----523
Geography28--36676
History18--2664-
Mathematics59-879111013
Mathematics (Further)23-213376
Media/Film/Tv Studies6---141-
Physical Education / Sports Studies8--1232-
Physics37-356976
Ancient History8-2123--

FAQ

Is Torquay Boys' Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School a private school?

No, Torquay Boys' Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Torquay Boys' Grammar School free?

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

How do I get my child into Torquay Boys' Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Torquay Boys' Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys' Grammar School a boys-only school?

Yes, Torquay Boys' Grammar School is a boys-only school.

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