Devonport High School For Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
Devonport High School For Boys
Devonport High School for Boys (DHSB) is a selective grammar school in Plymouth, Devon, educating boys aged 11 to 18. Established in 1896, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, innovative teaching and a supportive, inclusive community.
The school promotes both academic success and personal growth, encouraging leadership, creativity and responsibility. Students can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama, STEM challenges and international projects.
DHSB consistently achieves strong GCSE and A-level results, with many pupils progressing to top UK and international universities. The school is also recognised nationally for its outstanding careers provision and its commitment to developing students’ character and ambition.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Devonport High School For Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Devonport High School For Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Devonport High School For Boys
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Devonport High School For Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Devonport High School For Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Devonport High School For Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Devonport High School For Boys Key Information
Below, we list key information regarding Devonport High School For Boys direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students.
School Address
Full Address:
Devonport High School For Boys, Paradise Road, StokePlymouth
Devon
PL1 5QP
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is available on site at the school.
Additional parking off site
If you need to find alternative parking, please use adjoining road or the car parks listed below:
- Martin Street, PLymouth, PL1 3NE (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Stuart Road, Plymouth, PL3 4EB (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Western Approach, 8 Western Approach, Plymouth PL1 1AJ (Opening Times: Mon-Sun 06:00-00:00)
Devonport High School For Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Devonport High School for Boys was rated Good overall by Ofsted, with several areas graded Outstanding.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across challenging subjects, though a few departments need more consistent curriculum planning.
Teaching and curriculum: Strong and ambitious teaching helps pupils build deep understanding, particularly in maths and languages.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour and attitudes are Outstanding. Pupils are polite, respectful and highly motivated to learn.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and supportive, with excellent personal development and strong safeguarding systems in place.
Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format
Admission to Year 7 is determined through three papers; two provided by GL Assessment and one set internally by Devonport High School for Boys (DHSB).
The Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test: Overview
The Devonport High School for Boys 11 Plus exam includes three papers in total, two of which are multiple-choice papers set by GL Assessment. All papers are typically taken in mid-September. Results are age-standardised, meaning scores are adjusted so pupils are compared fairly within their age group.
Paper 1
English Reading: Tests reading comprehension and understanding skills
Paper 2
Mathematics: Based on Key Stage 2 topics, including arithmetic and problem-solving
Paper 3
English Writing: Assesses spelling, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary
The Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional: Creative Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Results are age-standardised, meaning scores are adjusted so pupils are compared fairly within their age group. Although no official pass mark is released, only students who reach the required standard are considered for admission. Final offers are made according to ranked scores and the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Catchment Area
As aforementioned, boys must achieve a ‘qualifying mark’ to be considered for admission to Devonport High School For Boys. However, there is no ‘catchment area’ unlike some other schools. Instead, in some situations, boys who live closest to the school will be prioritised for admission.
Additional Eligibility
To qualify for admission, candidates must first achieve the required standard in the 11 Plus. If there are more qualifying pupils than available places, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the required standard
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Up to 18 places allocated to Pupil Premium applicants, ranked by score
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Applicants within the DHSB catchment area, ranked by score
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Remaining applicants, ranked by highest score regardless of address
If two or more applicants achieve the same score for the final place, the following tie-breakers are applied:
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Priority given to those eligible for free school meals
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Then distance from home to school (closest first)
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If still tied, random allocation will decide the final place
Click here to view the full Devonport High School for Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Devonport High School For Boys
Because DHSB uses the GL Assessment format, preparation should focus on developing accuracy and speed in both English and maths. Here are some strategies that can help:
Useful Tips
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.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
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 Devonport High School For Boys. 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.
Devonport High School For Boys Key Dates and Application Information
Dates and deadlines which relate to grammar school entry in Plymouth including Devonport High School For Boys, 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.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Devonport High School For Boys Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Devonport High School For Boys, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Devonport High School For Boys Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This must be done via the school’s website between April and August 2025. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Devonport High School For Boys 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.
Devonport High School For Boys FAQs
Apply through your local authority and register separately for the 11 Plus test via the DHSB website. Testing usually takes place in September before secondary school applications close.
The exam includes three papers: two GL Assessment multiple-choice tests in English and maths, plus a DHSB-set English writing paper assessing spelling, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary.
Entry is highly competitive, with places offered to pupils who achieve the required standard in the 11 Plus. Final allocations are based on ranked scores and the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Yes. Applicants living within the designated DHSB catchment area are prioritised after looked-after children and Pupil Premium candidates, with remaining places offered by ranked score regardless of location.