Colyton Grammar School

Colyton Grammar School

Colyton Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you’re thinking about applying to Colyton Grammar School, this 2025/2026 admissions guide covers everything you need to know. It explains the application process, outlines the 11 Plus entrance test, highlights important dates, and offers preparation advice to help your child succeed.

At a Glance

Assessment: FSCE

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls

Places per year: 155

Ofsted Rating: Outstanding

Introduction to

Colyton Grammar School

Colyton Grammar School is a co-educational selective school in Colyford, East Devon, renowned for its academic excellence and rich history dating back to 1546. As one of the oldest grammar schools in England, it continues to uphold high academic standards while offering a supportive and inclusive environment.

The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum with a particular focus on STEM subjects, preparing students for future success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Alongside academic studies, pupils have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, encouraging creativity, leadership and teamwork.

Colyton Grammar also runs an established house system, which builds a strong sense of community through inter-house events and competitions. With around 806 pupils enrolled, the school combines a close-knit atmosphere with the resources and opportunities of a high-performing institution.

Colyton Grammar School Key Information

Below, we list key information regarding Colyton’s direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students.  

School Address

Full Address:

Colyton Grammar School, Whitwell Lane, Colyford
Colyton
Devon
EX24 6HN

Contact Information

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Telephone (Main Office) 01297 552327

Parking in the school

There is parking available at Colyton Grammar School. Alternative car parks are far away; it’s recommended to use the parking on site at the school or to park on adjacent roads.

Additional parking off site

  • Seaton Jurassic, The Underfleet, Seaton EX12 2WD (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
  • The Underfleet (West), Seaton, EX12 2LQ (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)

Colyton Grammar School Ofsted Report

Outstanding

Based on the inspection date:

22 and 23 November 2022

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

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Outstanding in all areas, with exceptional teaching, behaviour and leadership that reflect the school’s high academic standards and inclusive ethos.

Academic strength: Pupils excel across all subjects through a carefully structured and ambitious curriculum that promotes deep understanding.

Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are highly skilled, inspiring pupils to think critically and supporting all learners, including those with SEND, to reach their potential.

Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are respectful, inclusive and proud of their school’s welcoming and diverse community.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership and governance are strong and forward-thinking, with excellent safeguarding that ensures pupils feel safe, valued and ready for their next steps.

Colyton Grammar School 11+ Format

To gain a place at Colyton Grammar School, applicants must take the entrance test administered by FSCE.

Colyton Grammar School 11+: Overview

The entrance assessment consists of 3 components. Each one evaluates different elements of academic ability. All tests are marked and age-standardised. Meeting the qualifying score does not guarantee a place, as offers depend on availability.

Paper One

English. This paper is multiple-choice and focuses on reading comprehension and language skills.

Paper Two

Mathematics. A multiple-choice paper assessing arithmetic, problem-solving and reasoning ability.

Paper Three

Creative Writing. In this task, students produce a written piece to demonstrate creativity, structure and written expression.

FSCE 11 Plus Assessment Criteria

English Mathematics Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Additional

Pass Mark

There is no fixed published pass mark for the entrance test. Applicants are ranked by their standardised scores and places are offered to the highest scorers.

Catchment Area

CGS does not operate a formal catchment area for Year 7 admissions. However, when applicants have equal qualifying scores, proximity to the school may be used as a tie-breaker.

Additional Eligibility

If more children meet the qualifying standard than there are places available, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:

  1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children

  2. Siblings of current pupils

  3. Pupil Premium recipients who qualify academically

  4. Children of permanent staff members

  5. Children living within the catchment area

  6. Children living outside the catchment area

In the case of equal scores, priority is given to those living closer to the school.

Click here to view the full Colyton Grammar School admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Colyton Grammar School

Here are some ways to support your child’s preparation:

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 Colyton 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.

Colyton Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information

Dates and deadlines which relate to entry to Colyton Grammar School are vital to meet. 11 Plus Hero understands the necessity of this and is here to help. Listed below are key dates which prospective parents need to keep to to give their child the best chance of entry.

Entrance Exam Registration Opens

1st May 2025
Date passed

Open Events (Requires Booking)

10th and 18th July
Date passed

Registration Deadline

Thursday 31st July 2025
Date passed

Entrance Test

Saturday 13th September 2025
Date passed

Common Application Form Deadline

Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed

Offer Day

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

Colyton Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at Colyton 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 Colyton 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

Register online via the Colyton Grammar School website between 31 March and 31 July 2025.

Visit School Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Colyton 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.

Colyton Grammar School FAQs

You must register your child for the school’s entrance test via the school website and also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your home local authority, listing Colyton Grammar School as one of your preferences.

The selection test consists of two papers (for example, one multiple-choice and one free-response) covering mathematics and English (or reasoning skills) and is age-standardised.

Entry is very competitive: pupils must achieve the qualifying standard in the test and even then a place is not guaranteed. Oversubscription criteria apply when more candidates qualify than there are places.

The school does not operate a strict catchment area; however, proximity to the school may be used as a tie-breaker when candidates have equal scores.

Schools Nearby

1 school found within 25 miles of Colyton


Colyton Grammar School

Colyton Grammar School, Whitwell Lane, Colyford, Colyton
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
0.9 Miles Away View School