The Spires College 11+ Practice Papers and Video Answers

The Spires College – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

The Spires College is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form located in Torquay, Devon. The school was formerly known as Westlands School but was rebranded as The Spires College in 2015 to reflect its new identity and aspirations for higher academic achievement and student success.

The school has undergone significant transformation in recent years, focusing on raising academic standards, expanding its curriculum, and providing a supportive learning environment. It is now recognised as a highly inclusive school, welcoming students of all abilities and backgrounds.

Pupil Numbers

Approximately 1,250 students across Years 7-13.
The Sixth Form has around 200 students, offering a range of A-Level and vocational courses.
Non-selective, serving the local community in Torbay and surrounding areas.

Academic Reputation

The Spires College has worked hard to improve academic outcomes, with a focus on student progress and achievement. The school provides a broad curriculum that supports both academic and vocational pathways, ensuring students are well-prepared for further education or employment.

Key Academic Achievements:

GCSE Results:
- A steady increase in the percentage of students achieving strong passes (grades 5-9) in core subjects.
- Notable improvements in English, Mathematics, and Sciences.
A-Level & Vocational Results:
- Many students achieve A-C grades*, progressing to university, apprenticeships, or employment.
- Offers a mix of traditional A-Level subjects and vocational courses, ensuring diverse post-16 options.
Focus on Student Progress:
- Emphasis on individual learning plans, ensuring each student reaches their potential.
- Strong support for students with additional educational needs (SEND).

Awards & Recognitions

The Spires College has received several acknowledgments for its academic improvements, student support, and extracurricular success:

“Good” rating by Ofsted, with praise for leadership, teaching quality, and student welfare.
Recognised for progress in English & Mathematics, showing significant student improvement.
Strong pastoral care and well-being support, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
STEM and Creative Arts Excellence, with students achieving success in science fairs, performing arts, and national competitions.
Sports Achievements, with competitive teams in football, netball, and athletics.

The Spires College has made significant progress in recent years, transforming into a thriving, inclusive, and ambitious school. With a focus on academic achievement, personal development, and strong student support, it is a growing educational institution in Torquay.

🏫 The Spires College – Contact Information

School Name: The Spires College
Type: Co-educational Secondary School and Sixth Form (Ages 11–18), Academy

📍 Address:

The Spires College
Westlands Lane
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 3PE
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1803 400660

📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the The Spires College 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at The Spires College 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 The Spires College 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 The Spires College 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 The Spires College 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.

The Spires College 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 The Spires College.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀

The Spires College – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

The Spires College is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form located in Torquay, Devon. It is a non-selective academy that welcomes students of all abilities. The school is known for its high academic standards, strong pastoral care, and diverse extracurricular activities.

Admission to Year 7 is managed by Torbay Council as part of the coordinated admissions process for secondary schools in the area.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

✔ Non-selective school – No entrance exam is required.
✔ Applications are processed through Torbay Council.
✔ If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated based on priority criteria.

📌 Applying before the deadline improves the chances of securing a place.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

Step 1: Attend an Open Event

📅 Open Days & Evenings: Held in September and October (Year 6)

Parents and students can explore the facilities, meet teachers, and learn about the school’s curriculum and ethos.
Booking details for Open Events are available on the school website.

🔗 Check The Spires College website for Open Day dates.

Step 2: Submit an Online Application Form

📅 Application Deadline: 31st October (Year 6)

Parents must apply via the Torbay Council School Admissions Portal.
The Spires College should be listed as one of the preferences on the application form.

🔗 Apply via Torbay Council

📌 Late applications may reduce the chances of securing a place.

Step 3: Allocation of Places & Oversubscription Criteria

📅 Offer Date: 1st March (Year 6) – National Offer Day
If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated based on the following priority order:

1️⃣ Looked After Children & Previously Looked After Children
2️⃣ Students with Exceptional Medical or Social Needs
3️⃣ Children of Staff Members
4️⃣ Siblings of Current Students
5️⃣ Distance from the School (Straight-line distance from home to school)

✔ If places remain available after these criteria are applied, they are offered to other applicants.
✔ A waiting list is maintained, and spaces may be offered if places become available.

📌 Families not offered a place can appeal or request to join the waiting list.

Step 4: Accept the Offer

📅 Acceptance Deadline: Mid-March (Year 6)

Parents must confirm acceptance of the place via the Torbay Council admissions system.

📌 Failure to accept may result in the place being given to another student.

Step 5: Appeals Process (If You Are Not Offered a Place)

✔ If an applicant is not allocated a place, parents can submit an appeal to an independent panel.
✔ Appeals must include strong supporting evidence, such as exceptional circumstances or proof of special educational needs.

📅 Appeals Deadline: March/April (Exact date provided in the rejection letter)

🔗 Torbay School Admissions Appeals Information

📌 Appeals are not always successful, but families can remain on the waiting list for reconsideration.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Open Events: September/October (Year 6)
📌 Application Deadline: 31st October (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: 1st March (Year 6)
📌 Acceptance Deadline: Mid-March (Year 6)
📌 Appeals Deadline: March/April (if applicable)
📌 Year 7 Induction Programme: Summer Term before September entry

(Exact dates may vary yearly, so check the Torbay Council website for updates.)

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Apply before the deadline – Late applications risk missing out on a place.
✔ List The Spires College as a high preference – This improves the chances of being allocated a place.
✔ Ensure all address details are correct – Distance from the school is a key admission factor.
✔ Attend an Open Day – This helps families understand the school environment and curriculum.
✔ If applying under medical or social needs, provide supporting documents – Strong evidence increases the likelihood of priority placement.

The Spires College is a non-selective, popular school, and demand for places is often high. Applying before the deadline, understanding the oversubscription criteria, and preparing for potential appeals can improve the chances of securing a place for Year 7 admission.

For more information and to apply, visit:
🔗 The Spires College Website
🔗 Torbay Council School Admissions

The Spires College | 11+

11+

GL Assessment