Torbay 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Torbay 11 Plus?
The Torbay 11 Plus is an entrance exam set by GL Assessment. Used exclusively by grammar schools within the Torbay area, the exam is designed to assess whether pupils meet the level required for grammar school entry. The test forms part of the schools’ admissions processes, and includes multiple-choice papers in English and maths.
Every year, thousands of children in Year 6 take the Torbay 11 Plus, competing for limited places at the schools within the Torbay Grammar Schools Consortium. All applicants take the same exam for admission to any of the participating schools. The test typically takes place in September, either at the child’s primary school or at a designated test centre, depending on the school and location.
Key Information About the Torbay 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Torbay 11 Plus is used by the 4 selective schools in the Torbay Selective Schools
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment, and includes content in the areas of maths and English across 2 papers.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Torbay 11 Plus. There are no formal admissions criteria, but parents and carers must register the child during the council’s application window, which typically happens the academic year before the test, when the child is in Year 5.
Places Available:
There are around 700 places on offer across the four grammar schools in the Torbay Selective Schools.
Admissions:
There is no official figure on how many pupils sit the Torbay 11 Plus annually however the test is known to be highly competitive. With around 700 places on offer, and 1000s entering year 7 in the area each year, a strong performance is key for accessing a grammar school place.
The Torbay 11 Plus Exam Format
The Torbay 11 Plus includes multiple choice papers which assess your child on their maths and English comprehension.
Paper 1 (GL Assessment):
English Paper
The first of two papers will be used to assess your child’s competency in English. The test will last approximately 50 minutes and is supplied by GL Assessment.
Paper 2 (GL Assessment):
Maths Paper
The maths paper will be taken on the same day, with a short break between the two papers. This paper, also delivered by GL Assessment, lasts around 50 minutes and assesses your child on their capabilities with different mathematical skills.
GL Assessment Practice Papers
Torbay 11 Plus Pass Mark
Your child’s Torbay 11 Plus test mark undergoes a standardisation process to ensure no child has an unfair advantage based off their age. There is then a qualifying standard set across all the selective schools which your child must meet to be considered for a place. There is no fixed pass mark and it varies from year to year but aims to select around the top 25% of candidates.
After your child meets the qualifying standard, the school then applies their own admissions criteria to allocate places.
Which schools use the Torbay 11 Plus?
The Torbay 11 Plus is used by the four selective schools in the Torbay Selective Schools.
Admissions Criteria for the Torbay 11 Plus
There are no specific admissions criteria for sitting the Torbay 11 Plus exam, but children must be in Year 6, with the aim of starting Year 7 in the following academic year. Children applying should be able to work at or above their current age-group’s expectations and be able to handle extra revision and practice in English and maths.
After meeting the pass mark, children must then satisfy individual school admissions criteria, which may include sibling status, proximity to the school, or specific needs.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens Registration Opens | Monday 3rd March 2025 |
| Provisional Registration Deadline Provisional Registration Deadline | Wednesday 16th July 2025 |
| Final Registration Deadline Final Registration Deadline | Tuesday 2nd September 2025 |
| Test Date Test Date | Saturday 20th September 2025 |
| Results Day Results Day | Monday 13th October 2025 |
| Common Application Form Deadline Common Application Form Deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National Offer Day National Offer Day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the Torbay 11 Plus
To register your child for the Torbay 11 Plus Test, complete the online application on the school website. This is required whether you live in Torbay or are applying from outside the area.
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Register online – Visit the Torbay Council website, or the website of the schools where you wish to sit the test, during the registration window and complete the application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
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Test centre for non-Torbay schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the Torbay 11 Plus in September if they do not attend a Torbay school.
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Keep your confirmation email – After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email which you should keep to refer to it later.
Preparing for the Torbay 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Torbay 11 Plus makes a huge difference. Here are some practical steps you can take to help them succeed:
- Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give them ample time to confidently build the skills they need. - Use Practice Papers
Work through Torbay-11-Plus-style test papers in simulated test conditions. This helps your child get accustomed to the format and practices exam technique. - Focus on Weak Areas
Track your child’s progress to identify the areas and topics they find the most difficult to succeed in. - Encourage Daily Reading
Reading regularly strengthens their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which help out with the the English and reasoning papers. - Try Online Tools
Use online platforms that offer Torbay 11 plus test papers specific practice questions and personal feedback to help make revision more engaging and effective.
Keeping preparation consistent, structured, and positive can help your child feel confident and ready for the test on the day.
Torbay 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Torbay 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school in Torbay can sit the Torbay 11 Plus test. There are no formal eligibility requirements, though children should be working at higher academic levels than expected for their age.
How many grammar school places are available through the Torbay 11 Plus test each year?
Across the Torbay Selective Schools, there are around 700 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Torbay 11 Plus test?
The Torbay 11 Plus test includes two papers: one in English and one in maths. They are sat back to back and last around 50 minutes each.
What is the pass mark for the Torbay 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Torbay 11 Plus Exam varies each year, as it is calculated from the number of pupils on the cohort at Torbay schools. The cut off is for approximately the top 25% of pupils.
How do I register my child for the Torbay 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Torbay Council’s website or the website of the school which you want to sit the test at. You must complete this during the registration window.
Can my child use their Torbay test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Torbay 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of 4 the grammar schools in Torbay.