Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Churston Ferrers Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you’re thinking about Churston Ferrers Grammar School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide explains everything you need to know. It outlines the application process, entrance exam details, and practical ways to help your child prepare effectively.

At a Glance

Assessment: GL Assessment

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls

Places per year: 150

Ofsted Rating: Good

Introduction to

Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Churston Ferrers Grammar School is a selective co-educational grammar school based near Brixham in South Devon. Established in 1957, it has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding behaviour and excellent pastoral care. The school welcomes students aged 11 to 18 from across Torbay, South Hams and surrounding areas.

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages independent learning, creativity and personal growth. Modern facilities support this approach, including advanced science laboratories, dedicated performing arts spaces and a well-resourced sixth form centre designed to help students thrive.

Churston Ferrers Grammar School consistently achieves excellent academic outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on student wellbeing. Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023, with outstanding behaviour and attitudes, it is part of the Torbay Consortium of Grammar Schools, sharing its 11 Plus entrance process with Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and Torquay Girls’ Grammar School.

Churston Ferrers Grammar School Key Information

Below, we keep and regularly update key information relating to Churston Ferrers Grammar School including addresses and contact details. Please make use of these in the application and admission process.

School Address

Full Address:

Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Greenway Road
Churston Ferrers
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 0LN

Contact Information

Admissions Officer Name Mrs Vanessa Wolf
Main Office Phone 01803 842289

Parking in the school

There is little parking available on site at Churston Ferrers Grammar School. It’s recommended to park on adjacent roads to the school, as alternative parking venues are over half an hour away.

Additional parking off site

The closest offsite parking is at Churston Park and Ride, Brixham, TQ5 0JT (Opening Times: Mon-Sun, All Day).

Churston Ferrers Grammar School Ofsted Report

Good

Based on the inspection date:

18 and 19 October 2022

View Report
The quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Personal development Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth-form provision Good

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Good across all areas, reflecting strong teaching, leadership and pupil development.

Academic strength: Ambitious curriculum with high expectations and strong results, especially in core subjects.

Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are knowledgeable and supportive, though curriculum sequencing needs refinement in some subjects.

Behaviour and culture: Pupils are polite, motivated and mature, creating a calm and respectful environment.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective, staff are well supported, and safeguarding systems are robust and responsive.

Churston Ferrers Exam Format

Admission to Year 7 is through the Torbay Consortium 11 Plus exam, which is taken by applicants to all three grammar schools in the area.

Test Overview

The entrance exam is provided by GL Assessment and includes two multiple-choice papers. Each paper lasts around 50 minutes and is marked externally. The tests assess both curriculum knowledge and academic potential. Standardisation is applied to ensure fairness across different age groups.

Paper One:

English: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and reasoning skills.

Paper Two:

Mathematics: Assesses problem-solving and numerical understanding based on Key Stage 2 content.

The Torbay Council Grammar Schools CEM 11+ Assessment Criteria

English Numerical Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Additional

Pass Mark

There is no published pass mark, but successful candidates usually perform strongly in both papers.

Catchment Area

There is no catchment area for admission to Churston Ferrers Grammar School. Only where there is a tie break in the admissions process, will distance be used to prioritise a student for admission. This is the distance measured from the main school entrance to their home address on a straight-line basis.

 

Additional Eligibility

To gain a place, pupils must meet the required academic standard. If more candidates qualify than there are places available, the following oversubscription criteria apply:

  • Looked After and Previously Looked After Children

  • Children eligible for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium)

  • Children with siblings at the school

  • Children living within the school’s designated area

  • All other applicants ranked by entrance test score

Children living outside the designated area may be considered if spaces remain, though priority is given to those within the catchment who meet the academic standard.

Click here to view the full Churston Ferrers Grammar School admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can make a real difference to your child’s confidence and performance. Here are some helpful tips:

Useful Tips

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Start Early

Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.

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Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

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Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

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Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

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Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

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Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area

We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Churston Ferrers Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.

Key Events for Admission to Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Under this section, we outline key deadlines in regard to the application and admissions process of the school, to ensure prospective students and parents are up to date.

Registration Opens

March 2025
Date passed

Preferable Registration Deadline

July 2025
Date passed

Final Registration Deadline

September 2025
Date passed

Entrance Test Date

September 2025
Date passed

Results Released

October 2025
Date passed

Common Application Form Deadline

Thursday 31st October 2025
Date passed

Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

Churston Ferrers Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at Churston Ferrers Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.

1

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the Churston Ferrers Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy
2

Entrance Test Entry Form

This must be submitted via the school’s website between March 2025 and September 2025. It enables your child to sit the entrance exam.

Visit School Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Churston Ferrers Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.

Schools Nearby

4 schools found within 25 miles of Brixham


Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Brixham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
2 Miles Away View School

The Spires College

The Spires College, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
5.6 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
5.9 Miles Away View School

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
5.9 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Schools Nearby

4 schools found within 25 miles of Brixham


Churston Ferrers Grammar School

Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Brixham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
2 Miles Away View School

The Spires College

The Spires College, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
5.6 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
5.9 Miles Away View School

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, Torquay
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
5.9 Miles Away Medium Competition View School