Devon Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
In Devon, there are three state-funded grammar schools, located in Torbay and Colyton. These schools are selective, meaning pupils must pass the 11+ entrance exam, and they use GL Assessment to determine academic eligibility for Year 7 entry.
All three schools are academically high-performing, and they each run their own 11+ registration process, independent of the local authority school admissions.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Devon (GL Assessment)
- Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (Boys)
- Torquay Girls’ Grammar School (Girls)
- Colyton Grammar School (Co-educational)
📋 1. Admissions Criteria – Overview
✅ All Devon grammar schools require:
- Registration for the 11+ entrance exam, typically via the school’s website
- Sitting the GL Assessment entrance tests in September of Year 6
- Application for a school place via the Local Authority (LA) secondary school application process by the national deadline (usually 31 October of Year 6)
- Successful performance in the entrance test (exact qualifying scores vary by school and year)
🧠 11+ Entrance Exam Format (GL Assessment)
All three schools use GL Assessment with papers in:
- English (comprehension, grammar, vocabulary)
- Mathematics (curriculum-based reasoning)
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (varies by school)
👉 Tests are usually sat in mid-September, and scores are standardised based on age.
🏫 School-Specific Admissions Details
🔹 1. Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
- Type: Boys’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Location: Torquay, Devon
- Year 7 Intake: ~150 pupils
- Website: www.tbgs.co.uk
📌 Admissions Criteria:
- Registration for the entrance test opens in April/May
- Two GL Assessment papers: English and Maths
- Test usually sat in September
- Offers made to boys achieving qualifying scores (no catchment area)
- Apply through Torbay Local Authority after receiving results
🔹 2. Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
- Type: Girls’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Location: Torquay, Devon
- Year 7 Intake: ~120 pupils
- Website: www.tggsacademy.org
📌 Admissions Criteria:
- Uses GL Assessment in English and Maths
- Test taken in September of Year 6
- Registration required via school website (usually opens in May)
- No formal catchment, but oversubscription may prioritise distance
- Apply via Torbay Council admissions portal
🔹 3. Colyton Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational
- Location: Colyton, East Devon
- Year 7 Intake: ~155 pupils
- Website: www.colytongrammar.com
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Devon Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Devon Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Devon Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Devon Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Devon Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Devon Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Devon Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
📌 Admissions Criteria:
- GL Assessment in:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Registration opens in spring/summer (April–June)
- Test sat in mid-September at the school
- Scores standardised; top scorers offered places
- No defined catchment area, but distance may be used as a tie-breaker
- Apply for a place via Devon County Council once results are known
📆 Key Dates (Typical Timeline)
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| April–June | Register for the 11+ test via school website |
| September (mid) | Sit the GL Assessment 11+ test |
| October | Receive results before the national deadline for secondary applications |
| 31 October | Submit your Local Authority school application (e.g., via Devon or Torbay Council) |
| 1 March (Offer Day) | National Offer Day – places confirmed |
✅ How to Apply – Step-by-Step
-
Register for the 11+ test
- Via each school’s website
- Typically between April and July of Year 5
- Ensure you register for the correct test centre/school
-
Prepare for the GL Assessment
- Focus on English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Use reputable GL-style practice materials
-
Sit the 11+ test
- Held at the grammar school (Colyton) or a test centre (Torquay schools)
- Usually in mid-September
-
Receive results
- Typically in October, before the national deadline
-
Apply for your school place
- Submit your application via your Local Authority’s online portal
- List your preferred grammar school(s)
-
Await National Offer Day
- Offers sent out on 1 March (Year 6) via email or post
🎯 Summary Table
| School Name | Type | Intake | GL Subjects Tested | Local Authority | Co-ed Sixth Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torquay Boys’ Grammar | Boys | ~150 | English, Maths | Torbay Council | Yes |
| Torquay Girls’ Grammar | Girls | ~120 | English, Maths | Torbay Council | Yes |
| Colyton Grammar | Co-ed | ~155 | English, Maths, VR | Devon County Council | Yes |
