Churston Ferrers Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 150
Ofsted Rating: Good
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.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Churston Ferrers Grammar School
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 Churston Ferrers Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Churston Ferrers Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
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 SchoolGreenway Road
Churston Ferrers
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 0LN
Contact Information
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
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:
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
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Children eligible for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium)
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Children with siblings at the school
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Children living within the school’s designated area
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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
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 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
Preferable Registration Deadline
Final Registration Deadline
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
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.
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 PolicyEntrance 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 WebsiteCommon 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.