About Devon Grammar Schools
This guide covers all seven grammar schools across Devon, in three groups. The three Torbay grammars (Torquay Boys’, Torquay Girls’ and Churston Ferrers) share one GL Assessment test; Colyton Grammar School in East Devon sets its own Quest Assessments test; and the three Plymouth grammars (Devonport High for Boys, Devonport High for Girls and Plymouth High for Girls) share a separate Quest Assessments test. There is no single Devon 11+ — each group has its own test and registration.
The three Torbay grammars form a selective consortium: your child sits one GL Assessment test for all three. Colyton (one of the most selective grammars in the South West) sets its own Quest Assessments test, so you register with it separately.
For September 2027 entry, the Torbay test is on Saturday 19 September 2026 (registration opens around 1 March 2026); Colyton tests in September too. Results come in mid-October; you then list schools on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October, with offers on National Offer Day (1 March).
Devon Grammar Schools
The seven grammar schools across Devon, grouped by test route — the three Torbay grammars (one shared GL test), Colyton in East Devon (its own Quest test) and the three Plymouth grammars (a separate shared Quest test). Click any school for its detailed admission guide, catchment and key dates:
The three Torbay grammars share one GL test result; Colyton Grammar sets its own Quest Assessments test; and the three Plymouth grammars (Devonport High for Boys, Devonport High for Girls and Plymouth High for Girls) share a separate Quest Assessments test, sat on two Saturdays (12 and 19 September 2026) and registered via Plymouth City Council. Each school ranks applicants by score under its own oversubscription criteria.
About the Devon 11+
There is no single shared test across Devon’s grammar schools. The three Torbay grammars (Torquay Boys’, Torquay Girls’, Churston Ferrers) use a common GL Assessment test, so your child sits it once for all three. Colyton sets its own separate Quest Assessments test. The three Plymouth grammars (Devonport High for Boys, Devonport High for Girls, Plymouth High for Girls) share a further Quest Assessments test, sat on two Saturdays (12 and 19 September 2026) and registered via Plymouth City Council.
Torbay test: two multiple-choice papers assessing English and mathematics, set by GL Assessment. There is no fixed pass mark — children are ranked by standardised score and places offered to the highest scorers (alongside each school’s criteria).
Colyton: its Year 7 entrance test is supplied by Quest Assessments and covers Maths and English drawn from the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Scores are age-standardised and ranked, with eligible candidates notified shortly before the application deadline.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Devon Grammar Schools
These schools run separate registrations. For the three Torbay grammars, register with one of them (registration opens around 1 March 2026) and your child sits the shared test once on Saturday 19 September 2026 — the test is taken at the school you register with. For Colyton, register directly with the school for its own Quest Assessments test (sat in September). Results arrive in mid-October; you then list schools on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October, with offers on National Offer Day (1 March). None of the schools has a fixed pass mark — children are ranked by standardised score, after which each school applies its own oversubscription criteria.
What the Tests Cover
The Torbay GL test covers English and mathematics; Colyton’s Quest test covers Maths and English from the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Practising realistic 11+ material across English and maths is the most effective preparation.
Devon 11+ Practice Papers for Devon Grammar Schools
Devon Grammar Schools uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Devon 11+
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Devon Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools does this cover?
Seven across Devon — the three Torbay grammars (Torquay Boys', Torquay Girls', Churston Ferrers), Colyton Grammar in East Devon, and three in Plymouth (Devonport High for Boys, Devonport High for Girls, Plymouth High for Girls).
Is there one Devon 11+?
No — the three Torbay grammars share one GL test, while Colyton sets its own separate Quest Assessments test.
What does the Torbay test cover?
Two multiple-choice GL Assessment papers in English and mathematics; children are ranked by standardised score with no fixed pass mark.
What does Colyton's test cover?
Maths and English drawn from the Key Stage 2 curriculum (Quest Assessments); scores are age-standardised and ranked.
When are the tests?
The Torbay test is on Saturday 19 September 2026; Colyton tests in September. Results follow in mid-October.
How do I register?
Register with one Torbay grammar (opens around 1 March 2026) to sit the shared test once; register directly with Colyton for its own test. Then submit your local authority Common Application Form by 31 October.
Are there other grammar schools in Devon?
Yes — the three Plymouth grammars are included in this guide. They share their own Quest Assessments test (sat on two Saturdays, 12 and 19 September 2026) and register via Plymouth City Council, separately from the Torbay and Colyton schools.
Does passing guarantee a place?
No — children are ranked by score and places offered to the highest scorers, subject to each school's oversubscription criteria.