Torquay Girls' Grammar School 11+

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

How to get into Torquay Girls' Grammar School

Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Devon. To get into Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 160 places annually [1].

Torquay Girls' Grammar School has no designated catchment area and evaluates all applicants solely on their entrance exam performance, without consideration of their home address. Families must submit applications by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) through their local authority.

Girls achieving in the top 25% of their age group at Primary School should be able to cope with the tests. Children working at "Greater Depth" in English, Maths and Science would be good indicators of sufficient standard [1].

  • Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority
  • Register for the South Devon 11+ examination through the school
  • Must pass the competitive 11+ entrance examination
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Application Process

Registration for the Torquay Girls' Grammar School 11+ opens on the school website in March 2025. Families must complete the Test Registration Form and return it by midday on Wednesday 16th July 2025 (preferred date) (see key dates).

The latest deadline for test registration is midday on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 (see key dates). Late registrations will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement or moving to the area from outside Devon. Late tested candidates will not be considered before those who applied on time [1].

  • Download the registration form from the school website in March 2025
  • Submit by 16th July 2025 for preferred consideration - see key dates
  • Final deadline 2nd September 2025 for initial round - see key dates
  • Complete the Common Application Form through local authority by 31st October 2025 - see key dates
  • Name Torquay Girls' Grammar School as a preference on the application
  • No application fees for the examination or application process

The South Devon 11+ Examination

The three grammar schools in Torquay use the same 11+ 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, taking two multiple-choice papers of around 45–50 minutes each - one testing English and one testing maths.

Torquay Girls' Grammar School uses papers designed by GL Assessment in English and Maths, testing only these two elements. The questions are multiple-choice and scores will be standardised so pupils are not disadvantaged on the grounds of their age [1].

Children unable to take the tests due to illness or other significant acceptable reason will be offered the opportunity to take the test on Friday 26th September 2025, but the reason must be discussed with the school at the earliest opportunity [1].

  • English paper: Reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
  • Maths paper: Year 5 curriculum content, including challenging questions
  • Format: Multiple-choice questions only
  • Duration: Approximately 45-50 minutes per paper
  • Results: Released in October following the examination
  • Scoring system: Age-standardised to ensure fairness
  • Alternative date: Available for genuine illness or exceptional circumstances

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation approximately 12 months before the examination date. A carefully thought-out revision plan that focuses on studying 'little and often' should find the process easily manageable, with practice exam papers introduced once a revision routine has been established.

Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the Torquay Girls' Grammar School 11+ test. Families can access GL familiarisation material which provides information about the test and sample questions for English and Maths only [1].

Children eligible for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals can access additional online familiarisation material through the school [1].

  • Start preparation in Year 5 for comprehensive coverage
  • Use the 'little and often' approach for effective learning
  • Access free GL Assessment familiarisation materials through the school
  • For practice papers, see practice 11+ papers
  • For professional tutoring support, see 11+ tutor
  • Target 80%+ scores consistently in practice tests
  • Focus preparation on English and Maths only

Admissions Criteria and Ranking

Children's marks in English and maths papers are age-standardised, then added together to form the final 11+ score, with all children placed in rank order according to their score before the admissions panel decides on the qualifying score [1].

Children are prioritised in three categories: Category A includes children with scores equal to or higher than the 140th ranked child; Category B includes children ranked between 141st and 180th; Category C includes children with scores lower than the 180th ranked child.

In the rare event of a tie for the 160th place, the school applies oversubscription criteria, prioritising the child who lives closest to the school [1].

  • Primary criterion: 11+ examination performance only
  • No catchment area restrictions or preferences
  • Age-standardised scoring ensures fairness across birth months
  • Ranking system determines place allocation
  • Distance tie-breaker applied only when scores are identical
  • No sibling priority or other special considerations

Practical Advice

The school operates "Testing before Preference," allowing candidates to sit selection tests before the closing date for applications to help families assess whether an application would be successful [1].

Passing the 11+ does not guarantee place allocation, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children, requiring schools to work through admissions criteria to prioritise children for places.

On examination day, children should arrive early and bring only essential items as specified by the school. The school will inform families of all test arrangements including timings, registration, what to bring, and parking arrangements [1].

  • Plan backup options from other Devon secondary schools
  • Attend school open events before applying
  • Prepare for examination day logistics in advance
  • Consider stress management techniques for children
  • Results notification typically occurs in October following the examination
  • Appeals process available through Torbay Independent Appeals Panel
  • For specific queries, contact the school information section

Key Information

Torquay Girls' Grammar School is one of the top schools nationally for both attainment and progress, rated outstanding in all categories by Ofsted, with students progressing to top universities, apprenticeships and employment opportunities [1].

Founded in 1915, the school teaches over 850 girls aged 11-18 and is often ranked in the top 10 state schools in the South West. TGGS was one of the first schools in the UK to achieve Humanities Specialist School status.

Recently, almost half of all GCSE grades awarded to the Year 11 class were grade 8 or 9. Among recent Year 13 leavers, 89% pursued higher education with 52% securing places in Russell Group Universities.

South Devon 11+ Information

In order to get into Torquay Girls' 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 entry into the grammar schools in Torquay is a multiple-choice test that assesses a student's abilities in English and maths. The exam is divided into two papers, each lasting approximately 45-50 minutes.

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 maths paper covers concepts from the Year 5 curriculum, including times tables, mental maths, shapes, space and measures, the four basic operations, and interpreting graphs. Some questions may be more challenging than what students are accustomed to, requiring them to apply their knowledge to solve novel problems.

Students will be assigned either a morning or afternoon slot to take the exam. The 11 plus exam is a crucial step in gaining admission to one of the three grammar schools in Torquay, and thorough preparation is essential for success.

Other Schools using South Devon 11+

As well as Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

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

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

DateEventCalendar Link
Early MarchTorquay Girls' Grammar School 11+ Registration OpensAdd Dates to Calendar
16/07/2025Preferable 11+ Registration Deadline
02/09/2025Final 11+ Registration Deadline
20/09/202511+ Exam At Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School 11+ Tests

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

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Torquay Girls' Grammar School. 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 Torquay Girls' Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Torquay Girls' Grammar School 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
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment		Mixed

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

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

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

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

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

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

11+ Practice Papers for Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School 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 Torquay Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' 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 Girls' Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Torquay Girls' Grammar School,
30 Shiphay Lane,
Torquay,
Devon
TQ2 7DY
School Website
Telephone01803613215
Email Addresslrumbelow@tbgs.torquay.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places160
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)997 (997 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Ms Sarah Forster

Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a girls 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 997 pupils attend Torquay Girls' Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Ms Sarah Forster.

Torquay Girls' Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Torquay Girls' Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 01/11/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 17/12/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Torquay Girls' Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Torquay Girls' Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
01/11/2023117/12/2023OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Torquay Girls' Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 1 November 2023 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teaching staff. The school's outstanding behaviour and attitudes reflect the positive learning environment and the students' commitment to their studies. The outstanding personal development opportunities provided by the school ensure that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.

The Outstanding rating in leadership and management showcases the school's strong governance and effective strategies in driving continuous improvement. The sixth form provision at Torquay Girls' Grammar School is also rated as Outstanding, demonstrating the school's commitment to providing high-quality education and support for students in their post-16 studies.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (147 pupils)
  • Mathematics (147 pupils)
  • English Literature (146 pupils)
  • Geography (98 pupils)
  • French (77 pupils)
  • Biology (75 pupils)
  • Chemistry (74 pupils)
  • Physics (74 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (72 pupils)
  • German (65 pupils)
  • History (62 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (57 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (40 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (26 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (21 pupils)
  • Geology (21 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (17 pupils)
  • Music (14 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (13 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (11 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Geography (45 pupils)
  • Psychology (44 pupils)
  • Biology (37 pupils)
  • Mathematics (34 pupils)
  • Chemistry (32 pupils)
  • English Literature (31 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (19 pupils)
  • History (18 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (17 pupils)
  • Economics (15 pupils)
  • Logic / Philosophy (11 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (10 pupils)
  • Physics (9 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (8 pupils)
  • French (6 pupils)
  • German (6 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (5 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Torquay Girls' 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)40------615118
Biology75----6210181721
Business Studies:Single26-----47852
Chemistry74---13818111715
Computer Studies/Computing11---1-33121
English Language147---243538322312
English Literature146---14204439289
D&T Food Technology21-----1-5105
French771--4491521914
Geography98---2-322292120
Geology21-----12575
German65---44111614106
History62---1353191912
Mathematics147----6213632447
Music14-----3812-
Physics74----3712171024
Religious Studies57--1-148121615
Drama & Theatre Studies17---223622-
Physical Education/Sports Studies13----2-5213
Science: Double Award72----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)8----224
Biology37-3569112
Business Studies:Single17-223711
Chemistry32--48983
Drama and Theatre Studies5-------
Economics15-1-4721
English Literature31--151195
French6---1311
Geography45---613196
German6----132
Government and Politics19--25741
History18--1467-
Logic / Philosophy11-1-541-
Mathematics34-2331365
Media/Film/Tv Studies10----25-
Physics9-111222
Psychology44-12815135

FAQ

Is Torquay Girls' Grammar School hard to get into?

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

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

Is Torquay Girls' Grammar School free?

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

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

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

Yes, Torquay Girls' Grammar School is a girls-only school.

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