The Spires College 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 60
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
The Spires College
The Spires College in Torquay is a non-selective secondary school that offers a dedicated grammar stream for high-achieving pupils. This pathway provides a grammar-style education within an inclusive school environment, combining academic challenge with strong pastoral care.
The grammar stream is designed for students working at greater depth, offering a rigorous curriculum that encourages rapid progress and academic excellence. Teaching takes place in specialist groups, allowing pupils to be stretched and supported according to their ability.
Grammar stream students remain part of the wider school community, benefiting from a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, sports, and wellbeing initiatives. Admission is based on performance in The Spires College entrance test, which requires a separate application from the standard Year 7 process.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for The Spires College
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for The Spires College
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at The Spires College
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 The Spires College
How to Apply
Information on the application process for The Spires College
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for The Spires College
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
The Spires College Key Information
In this section, we keep information regarding The Spires College, including addresses, contact details and parking arrangements to help prospective students and their parents.
School Address
Full Address:
The Spires CollegeWestlands Lane
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 3PE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is little parking available on site at The Spires College. 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
- Plainmoor Swimming Pool, Westlands Lane, Torquay, TQ1 3QP (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- St Marychurch, Hampton Avenue, Torquay TQ1 3LA (Opening Times: All Day)
The Spires College Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: The Spires College remains a good school, offering a safe, supportive and ambitious learning environment.
Academic strength: A broad, well-planned curriculum helps pupils build strong knowledge and achieve well across subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are well structured and teachers check understanding effectively, though attendance affects progress for some pupils.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are kind, respectful and motivated, contributing to a calm, inclusive school atmosphere with strong enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and well supported by governors, with robust safeguarding and a strong culture of staff care.
The Spires College 11+ Exam Format
The Spires College runs its own entrance test for pupils applying to the selective grammar stream, which forms part of the Torbay Consortium 11 Plus process.
The Spires College 11+: Overview
The entrance assessment includes two written papers. Each paper lasts around 50 minutes and is externally marked. The tests are designed to evaluate academic potential and understanding of the curriculum.
Paper One: English
Tests reading comprehension and written expression, based on Key Stage 2 standards.
Paper Two: Mathematics
Assesses numerical reasoning, problem-solving and calculation skills, aligned with the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
The Torbay Council Grammar Schools GL 11+ - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark; instead, students are ranked by overall performance. Grammar stream places are offered to the highest-scoring applicants who have listed The Spires College on their Common Application Form.
Catchment Area
The Spires College has a defined catchment known as the designated area, which prioritises local applicants. When oversubscribed, places are first offered to children living within this area, then to those outside it. For in-area applicants, distance is measured furthest from Torquay Academy first, while for out-of-area applicants, proximity to The Spires College determines priority.
Additional Eligibility
To qualify for a grammar stream place, applicants must sit both the English and maths entrance tests, achieve one of the highest combined scores, and include The Spires College on their Common Application Form.
If more qualified candidates apply than there are places, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked after or previously looked after children
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Children with exceptional medical or social needs
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Children of staff at the school
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Siblings of current pupils
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Distance from the school
The grammar stream admits approximately 30 pupils each year. Those who do not secure a grammar stream place may still be considered for a standard Year 7 place through the school’s main admissions route, subject to availability.
Click here to view the full The Spires College admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at The Spires College
Because the grammar stream entrance test is written by the school and is not multiple-choice, preparation should focus on written accuracy, problem-solving and confidence.
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 The Spires College. 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.
The Spires College Key Dates and Application Information
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.
Preferable Registration Deadline
Final Registration Deadline
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
The Spires College Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at The Spires College, 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 The Spires College Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
You must complete the school’s grammar stream registration form, available on their website. This should be submitted by the deadline in September 2025.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with The Spires College 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.
The Spires College FAQs
Apply through your Local Authority’s Common Application Form and register separately for the grammar stream entrance test via The Spires College website before the stated deadline.
The grammar stream exam includes two GL Assessment papers in English and maths, each lasting around 50 minutes and testing Key Stage 2 reading, writing, problem-solving and calculation skills.
The grammar stream is selective and limited to around 30 places each year, with offers made to the highest scorers who also list the college on their application form.
Yes. The Spires College has a designated catchment area that prioritises local applicants. When oversubscribed, places go first to children within this area, then to those living outside it.