Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 168
Ofsted Rating: Good
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School is a selective state grammar school for boys located in Torbay, Devon. Established in 1904, it has developed an excellent reputation for academic success, personal growth, and a strong community ethos.
The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, combining academic study with opportunities in sport, music, drama, and leadership. Students are encouraged to aim high, think independently, and become confident, well-rounded individuals within a respectful and supportive environment.
Consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in the South West, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School attracts a large number of applicants each year. With limited places available, the 11 Plus entrance test is highly competitive.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Torquay Boys’ 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Key Information
In this section, we have collated key information for Torquay Boys’ Grammar school, to be used by prospective students and parents in the application process to the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Torquay Boys’ Grammar SchoolShiphay Manor Drive
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 7EL
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is little parking available on site at Torquay Boys Grammar School. It is recommended to park on adjacent roads to the school in the residential area; alternative parking venues are over 30 minutes away. If alternative parking venues are necessary, addresses for them are listed below.
Additional parking off site
Cockington Country Park, Cockington Village, Cockington Lane, Paignton, TQ2 6XA (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Asda, Regent Close, Torquay, TQ2 7AN (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:00-23:00 & Sun 10:00-16:00 – maximum stay 2 hours)
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good across all areas, reflecting high standards in education and a strong school community.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well with ambitious teaching and a broad curriculum.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are engaging, though assessment is not always consistent.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are respectful, motivated and benefit from rich extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Strong leadership with high staff morale and effective safeguarding.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 11+ Exam Format
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School sets its own 11 Plus entrance exam, using materials provided by GL Assessment. Candidates take two multiple-choice papers, one in English and one in maths, based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. These tests assess key literacy and numeracy skills that pupils develop in primary school.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School GL 11+: Overview
Each paper is timed and externally marked by GL Assessment. Results are age-standardised and combined to produce an overall score. The school does not set a specific pass mark; instead, places are offered to the highest-scoring candidates.
Paper One
- A multiple choice English test
- Expected to last for 50-60 minutes
Paper Two
- A multiple choice Maths test
- Expected to last for 50-60 minutes
The Torbay Council Grammar Schools - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Torquay Boys Grammar School operates super-selective admissions. This means that those boys achieving the highest scores in the GL 11 Plus Entrance Examinations have priority of admission. As such there is no passing grade or threshold, rather boys will be admitted in rank order up to the schools published admissions number or PAN. Test scores are first calculated by combining the scores from the two papers before making an adjustment for the age of applicants and then ranking students.
Catchment Area
There is no catchment area for admission to Torquay Boys’ 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 qualify for a Year 7 place, applicants must achieve a competitive score in the entrance exam. If more children reach the required standard than there are spaces available, priority is given as follows:
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Looked after or previously looked after children
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium
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Applicants living closest to the school (measured in a straight line)
Click here to view the full Torquay Boys’ Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Supporting your child with a clear and structured preparation plan can help them feel confident and well-prepared on test day. Here are some helpful strategies:
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 Torquay Boys’ 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.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
Under this section, we keep key dates and deadlines to be used by prospective students and parents in the application and admissions process to the school.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
Preferable Registration Deadline
Final Registration Deadline
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Torquay Boys’ 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 Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
The registration form is available on the school’s website and must be completed between March and September 2025. Without this, your child cannot sit the entrance exam.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Torquay Boys’ 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.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School FAQs
You must register your child for the school’s 11 Plus entrance test, taken in September, and list Torquay Boys’ Grammar School as a preference on your local authority’s Common Application Form by 31st October.
The entrance test uses GL Assessment papers in English and maths, both multiple-choice and based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Scores are age-standardised and combined, with the highest-ranking applicants offered places.
Entry is highly competitive, with hundreds of pupils applying each year for a limited number of Year 7 places. Only those achieving the top combined scores in the 11 Plus exam are considered for admission.
There is no official catchment area. However, if more pupils qualify than there are spaces, places are prioritised by specific criteria, with distance from the school used as a final tie-breaker.