Torquay Girls’ Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 188
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is a leading selective grammar school in Devon, recognised for its academic excellence, inclusive community and supportive learning environment. As part of the South West Academic Trust, it upholds high standards and a strong reputation for success.
The school provides a rich and balanced curriculum complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities. Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and leadership while striving for personal and academic growth.
Consistently achieving excellent GCSE and A-level results, Torquay Girls’ Grammar attracts applicants from across the South West. Admission is based on performance in the 11 Plus entrance exam, which identifies students with strong academic ability.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Torquay Girls’ 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 Girls’ Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School Key Information
Under this section, we have collated key information for the Girls’ school, to be used by prospective students and parents in the application and admissions process for the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School30 Shiphay Lane
Torquay
Devon
TQ2 7DY
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is little parking available on site at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School. It is recommended to park on adjacent roads to the school in the residential area; alternative parking venues are over 20 minutes away.
Additional parking off site
- Asda, Regent Close, Torquay, TQ2 7AN (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:00-23:00 & Sun 10:00-16:00) – maximum 2 hour stay
- Brunswick square, 1 Teignmouth Road, Torquay TQ1 4UT (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding in all areas, reflecting exceptional teaching, leadership and pupil achievement.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly across subjects, with many progressing to STEM degrees and other ambitious pathways.
Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers deliver a challenging, well-structured curriculum that builds confidence and deep subject knowledge.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are motivated, respectful and engaged, thriving in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is inspirational, governance is strong, and safeguarding systems are rigorous and proactive.
Torquay Girls' Grammar School 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.
Torquay Girls' Grammar School GL 11+: 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 - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
According to the 2026 Admissions Policy, Torquay Girls’ Grammar School does not set a fixed pass mark for the 11 Plus. Instead, results are standardised by age and pupils are ranked by total score across the English and maths GL papers. The top 188 ranked candidates who meet the academic standard are offered places.
Catchment Area
The school does not have a fixed catchment area, but home-to-school distance is used as a tiebreaker when necessary. Applicants must provide accurate address details during the application process.
Additional Eligibility
To gain a place at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, applicants must achieve a qualifying score in the entrance test. There are 188 Year 7 places available. If more candidates qualify than places, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked after or previously looked after children who meet the academic standard
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium or Service Premium at the time of testing
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Children of school staff
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Applicants with a sister currently attending the school
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Applicants living closest to the school, measured in a straight line.
Click here to view the full Torquay Girls’ Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus exam can make a real difference in their confidence and performance. Here are some useful 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 Girls’ 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 Girls’ 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 Girls’ Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Torquay Girls’ 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 Girls’ 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 Torquay Girls’ 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 Girls’ Grammar School FAQs
Register your child for the 11 Plus test through the school’s website, then submit a Common Application Form to your local authority by 31 October 2025, listing Torquay Girls’ Grammar as a preference.
The entrance test consists of two GL Assessment papers in English and maths, each lasting about 50 minutes. Scores are standardised by age and ranked to determine eligibility.
Entry is highly competitive, with 188 Year 7 places offered to the top-performing candidates. Places are allocated by rank order, and oversubscription criteria apply if more pupils qualify than spaces available.
The school does not have a fixed catchment area. However, if two or more applicants achieve the same score, priority is given to those living closest to the school, measured in a straight line.