About Devon & Torbay Grammar Schools
Devon hosts 7 grammar schools across three distinct admissions zones: Colyton (East Devon), Plymouth (3 grammars using Quest Assessment), and Torbay (3 grammars including Torquay Boys', Torquay Girls', and Churston Ferrers). Each zone runs its own test with different formats. Colyton Grammar is among England's most academic state schools — ranking consistently in the Sunday Times Top 100 grammar list.
History & Tradition
Colyton Grammar School was founded in 1546 — making it one of the oldest grammars in England. Devonport High School for Boys (Plymouth) dates from 1896, Plymouth High School for Girls from 1874. The Torbay grammars (Torquay Boys', Torquay Girls') were established in the 1920s-30s. Devon retained selective grammar education when most counties abolished it.
The Entry Test
Devon uses three different test formats: Colyton uses its own school-set entrance test. Plymouth uses Quest Assessment (English on one Saturday, Maths the next). Torbay uses GL Assessment (Torbay 11+).
Devon & Torbay 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Devon & Torbay Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Colyton Grammar School ranks consistently in the Sunday Times UK Top 100 grammar schools — particularly strong in Maths and Sciences.
- 2Plymouth's three grammar schools use the Quest Assessment — Quest Assessment English on one Saturday, Quest Assessment Maths the following Saturday. Both papers count toward the final eligibility score.
- 3Torbay's three grammars use a single GL Assessment paper on one Saturday — covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- 4Devonport High School for Boys is one of the largest Devon grammars — with around 1000 pupils across Years 7-13.
- 5Churston Ferrers Grammar in Torbay is mixed — admitting boys and girls. The Torquay schools (Boys' and Girls') are single-sex through Year 11 but co-educational in sixth form.
- 6Plymouth High School for Girls and Devonport High School for Girls are both popular options for girls in the Plymouth area — typically receiving more applications than places, with distance becoming decisive.
- 7Devon families in the Exeter area sometimes find themselves between catchments — Exeter has no state grammars, leaving Colyton (East Devon) or Torquay (South Devon) as the main selective state options, both ~45 minutes away.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 | Colyton Grammar School, Colyford (CGS)#20 | Mixed | 155 | CEM | 80.9% | 87.1% |
| #79 | Churston Ferrers Grammar School (CFGS)#79 | Mixed | 150 | GL Assessment | 60.9% | 78.9% |
| Devon Grammar Schools | Boys | 150 | GL Assessment | — | — | |
| Devonport High School for Girls (DHSG) | Girls | 150 | GL Assessment | 69.7% | 64.5% | |
| Exeter School | Boys | — | CEM Select | 68.8% | 83.7% | |
| Torquay Boys' Grammar School | Boys | 145 | GL Assessment | 60.7% | 67.8% | |
| Torquay Girls' Grammar School | Girls | 120 | GL Assessment | 57.7% | 71.9% | |
| Devonport High School for Boys (DHSB) | Boys | 180 | GL Assessment | 57% | 72% |
Devon & Torbay Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Devon & Torbay?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Devon & Torbay grammar schools include Colyton Grammar School, Colyford (CGS), Churston Ferrers Grammar School (CFGS). Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Devon & Torbay grammar schools use?
Most Devon & Torbay grammar schools admit pupils through the GL Assessment 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Devon & Torbay grammar schools distinctive?
Colyton Grammar School ranks consistently in the Sunday Times UK Top 100 grammar schools — particularly strong in Maths and Sciences.
What else should families know about the Devon & Torbay 11+?
Plymouth's three grammar schools use the Quest Assessment — Quest Assessment English on one Saturday, Quest Assessment Maths the following Saturday. Both papers count toward the final eligibility score.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: