About Plymouth College
Plymouth College is a co-educational independent day school in Plymouth, Devon. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Plymouth College is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #569 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 35.6%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Plymouth College
Plymouth College Admissions Criteria
Plymouth College is a co-educational independent day school in Plymouth, Devon. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Plymouth College to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Plymouth College. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Plymouth College's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Plymouth College.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Plymouth College. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Plymouth College Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Plymouth College.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Plymouth College 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Plymouth College
Step 1 — Visit Plymouth College in Devon
Visit Plymouth College in Devon — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at Plymouth
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Plymouth College
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Plymouth College
Scholarships & Bursaries at Plymouth College
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships (Olympic swimming heritage). Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Plymouth College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Plymouth, Devon. Known for its Olympic swimming programme.
Independent Practice Papers for Plymouth College
Plymouth College uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — 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 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Plymouth College 11+ Exam
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.
Academic Performance at Plymouth College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Plymouth College is a non-selective, all-round school — it deliberately balances academics with sport and the wider curriculum rather than chasing league-table results.
- GCSE: a solid record across a broad curriculum from a non-selective intake.
- A-Level: pupils progress from the Sixth Form to a range of universities and pathways.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of universities, apprenticeships and (for elite athletes) sporting pathways.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Plymouth College
Plymouth College is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a non-selective day and boarding school (with full boarding from Year 6, plus weekly and occasional boarding), it draws day families from across Plymouth, South West Devon and South East Cornwall and boarders from the UK and around 38 countries, with all-ability entry rather than selection by where a family lives.
The school is at Ford Park near the city centre; entry runs from the Nursery (from age 3) and Prep through 11+, 13+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1877 (and later incorporating Mannamead School and St Dunstan’s Abbey), Plymouth College is a non-selective co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 3–18) at Ford Park in the heart of Plymouth, with the motto ‘Dat Deus Incrementum’. Co-educational since 1995 and proudly all-round rather than results-driven, it is known for a strong boarding and community spirit and an ethos focused on the whole child — resilience, perseverance and teamwork.
It has a particular reputation for high-performance sport (notably swimming, with elite athletes supported alongside their studies) and for business and enterprise, alongside music, drama, art and a Dartmoor outdoor-education centre. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plymouth College
How do I get into Plymouth College?
To gain entry to Plymouth College Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Plymouth College use?
Plymouth College sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Plymouth College?
Plymouth College uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Plymouth College?
Yes. Plymouth College offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Plymouth College?
Most independent schools including Plymouth College accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Plymouth College?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Plymouth College. No registration required.
When is the Plymouth College 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Plymouth College is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Plymouth College 11+ results announced?
At Plymouth College, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.