Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (TBGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (TBGS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18, located in Torquay, Devon. It is one of a small number of grammar schools in the South West of England and is well known for its academic strength, university success, and rich extracurricular life.
🏛️ History of the School
- Founded: 1904
- Originally established to provide academic education for boys in Torquay and the surrounding area
- Moved to its current large and well-equipped campus in Shiphay, Torquay, in 1939
- The school has maintained a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and public service, while continuously modernising its facilities and curriculum
- Converted to academy status in 2010, allowing greater independence over governance and curriculum
👨🎓👩🎓 Pupil Numbers
- Total students: Approximately 1,050–1,100
- Years 7–11 (Boys only): ~750
- Sixth Form (Co-educational): ~300 (including girls from other schools)
- Entry into Year 7 is via the GL Assessment 11+ test, usually sat in September of Year 6
🎓 Academic Reputation
TBGS is one of the top-performing state schools in the South West, consistently achieving excellent GCSE and A-Level results. The school has a strong reputation for STEM, humanities, and modern languages, as well as university success, particularly at Russell Group and Oxbridge institutions.
📈 Exam Performance:
- GCSE Results:
- ~85–90% of students achieve grades 7–9 (A–A*)
- A-Level Results:
- ~80–85% of grades are A–B*
- Many students go on to study competitive subjects such as medicine, engineering, economics, and law
🎓 University Destinations:
- High progression to:
- Russell Group universities
- Oxford and Cambridge
- Top destinations include UCL, Bristol, Exeter, Imperial, and Warwick
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Ofsted Rating:
- Outstanding in past inspections
- Noted for high academic standards, student behaviour, and leadership
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Frequently listed in:
- The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide among the top grammar schools in the UK
🥇 National Achievements:
-
Outstanding performance in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Science Olympiads (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
- Debating, MUN, and Young Enterprise
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (Bronze to Gold)
-
Active in the Ten Tors Challenge, World Challenge, and international exchange programmes
🏫 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (TBGS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Shiphay Manor Drive
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 7EL
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1803 615501
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @TorquayBoysGS
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 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.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (TBGS) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Selective Boys’ Grammar School | Torquay, Devon | GL Assessment
🏫 School Overview
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School (TBGS) is a prestigious selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form. It is one of three grammar schools in the Torbay area, alongside Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and Churston Ferrers Grammar School.
Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ test, as part of the Torbay Grammar Schools’ entrance process.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
📌 Planned Admission Number (PAN):
150 boys admitted into Year 7 each year.
🔹 1. GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test
To apply for a place at TBGS, boys must take the 11+ test, which includes:
Test Format:
- Two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers:
- Paper 1: English Comprehension & Verbal Reasoning
- Paper 2: Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning
✔️ All papers are age-standardised, and raw scores are converted into a total standardised score.
Qualifying Score:
- A minimum standardised score is set annually.
- Boys are ranked by score, and the highest-ranking applicants will be considered for places.
🔹 2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more than 150 boys achieve the qualifying score, places are allocated using the following priority order:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Children eligible for Free School Meals / Pupil Premium
- Children living within the school’s designated area
- Other qualified applicants ranked by score
- Tie-breaker: Straight-line distance from home to school
📍 Designated Area: The school serves parts of Torbay, Teignbridge, and South Hams. A map of the catchment area is available on the school’s website.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at TBGS
✅ Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
- Registration Opens: April–May
- Closes: Late June
- Register directly with the school: 🔗 www.tbgs.co.uk/admissions
📝 Registration is essential – only registered boys can sit the test.
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Test Date: September
- Boys take the test at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School or another Torbay grammar school
✅ Step 3: Receive Test Results
- Results sent in mid-October, before the CAF deadline
- Parents will be informed whether their son met the qualifying standard
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit to your home local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- Include Torquay Boys’ Grammar School as one of your preferences
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers released on 1st March 2025
🔗 Useful Links
-
TBGS Admissions Page:
https://www.tbgs.co.uk/admissions -
Torbay Council Admissions:
www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning



