0
Introduction
In Torbay, three grammar schools coexist with one bi-lateral school. These four schools collaborate closely, administering an identical eleven plus (11+) exam. Through this approach, the schools not only optimise the admissions process but also promote a shared learning environment for students in the region.
The standardised assessment across all schools fosters consistency, making the results reliable and comprehensive. Moreover, the unified endeavour simplifies the application process and equips students with the necessary information to make informed educational choices.
The schools in Torbay are as follows:
Grammar schools
⦿ Churston Ferrers Grammar School
⦿ Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
⦿ Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Bi-lateral school
Students attending these schools are known for their consistent high examination results. This level of academic success not only sets them apart, but also paves the way for an array of opportunities in higher education, enabling them to pursue their interests across a diverse spectrum of disciplines.
⬇️ Read on to learn more about these schools’ exam and admissions process!
11 Plus (11+) Exam Information for Torbay Grammar Schools
The 11+ test at the schools in Torbay is created to measure students’ English and Mathematics skills. This assessment reflects the high academic expectations of the grammar schools in the Torbay region.
The detailed admissions process is set up to make sure that each student who is accepted is ready and well-suited for the learning environment and opportunities these schools provide. More details about their admission processes are available below:
Registration closing date: July
Common Application Form (CAF) closing date: October
Exam date: September
Exam board type: GL Assessment
Allocations date: March
Admissions info: Torbay LA, 01803 201201
Pass mark: Aim for 80%+ in our practice tests. See below for more details.
Torbay Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Admissions
At the very start of your child’s 11+ journey, you should visit your preferred school during Open Events, which typically take place in the summer and autumn terms. These will help you and your child become familiar with the admissions process and everything on offer.
The 11+ entrance examination takes place in September of the year preceding entry and scores are age standardised to ensure fair assessment. The Torbay schools are usually oversubscribed, prioritising pupils for entry based on their individual criteria.
How to Register for the Torbay Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Exam
Registration forms for all grammar schools in Torbay, as well as Spires College, are available to download from each of the school’s own websites:
⦿ Churston Ferrers Grammar School
⦿ Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
⦿ Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
The Common Application Form (CAF) should be submitted by the deadline in late October. The Torbay Local Authority coordinates applications for 11+ places, hence, for pupils who reside in this area, the CAF can be accessed through this page.
In certain instances, where a child qualifies for Pupil Premium, some schools require the completion of a Supplementary Information Form (SIF), which can also be accessed through individual school websites.
Torbay Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
All schools in Torbay, including Spires College, use the GL Assessment format for their 11 Plus, which assesses skills in the following areas:
⦿ English
These sections evaluate understanding texts, making inferences and other comprehension skills, as well as a candidate’s knowledge of English words and their meanings, and the ability to accurately use them in sentences. Understanding of English grammar rules and the ability to use correct punctuation and spelling are also assessed.
⦿ Mathematics
These sections test students’ skills in mathematical problem-solving and logical reasoning. The paper will include questions on number operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and data handling.
Torbay 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores
Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in our 11+ practice tests should be on track to pass this 11+ test. Whilst there are no guarantees, this is a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Torbay 11+ exam.
Passing the test does not guarantee that your child will be offered a place. It simply means they have surpassed the required threshold. As such, it makes sense to aim for as high a score as possible.
Don’t worry if your child is not scoring well in our practice papers from the outset. With targeted practice and focus, it’s possible to make big improvements in a short amount of time!
Practice Papers for the Torbay 11 Plus (11+) Exam
The resources below are in the GL Assessment format used by Torbay Grammar Schools. They will therefore prove very useful for children currently preparing for the Torbay eleven plus exam.
The following practice tests are specifically designed to help your child prepare for the Torbay 11+ exam. They provide excellent mock exam preparation, highlighting your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Papers
The following resources extensively cover the English section of the Torbay 11+ test, allowing your child to thoroughly prepare for exam day.
Practice Papers
Video Masterclasses
10 Minutes Test
To help your child master mathematical skills in the lead-up to the Torbay exam, we recommend the following 11+ resources.
Practice Papers
Video Masterclasses
10 Minutes Test
If you don’t buy a Bundle, don’t forget to use the code eppdiscount at checkout to get 10% off orders over £70 and 20% off orders over £250.
Torbay Selective Schools: Results & Leavers’ Destinations
Torbay Selective Schools – Progress 8 Scores
Progress 8 Scores are used as a mechanism to measure the academic progression of students from the end of Key Stage 2 in primary education to the end of Key Stage 4 in secondary education. It gives an insight into a school’s educational performance by monitoring the academic development of its learners.
The calculation of the Progress 8 score involves a comparison between students’ actual outcomes in eight crucial subjects, including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and languages, and their projected outcomes, which are estimated based on their prior academic achievements at primary level. The score represents the average pace at which students advance across these subjects.
📊 Please refer to the chart below for details on Progress 8 scores at selective schools in Torbay:
Source: Gov.uk
A positive Progress 8 score indicates that students, on average, have made more progress than expected, while a negative score suggests that they have made less progress than expected. A score of zero means that students have progressed as expected.
Torbay Selective Schools: Leavers’ Destinations
Leavers’ destinations here refer to the next steps that students take after completing their studies at grammar schools in Torbay.
Universities that form part of the prestigious Russell Group are globally renowned for their substantial contributions to various fields. They have carved a niche for themselves due to their pioneering research endeavours and path-breaking strides in academia.
Prominent members of the Russell Group, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, occupy a distinguished position in the international academic arena. These universities, steeped in rich scholarly heritage, uphold their high-ranking status through exemplary academic curricula delivered by illustrious faculty members, reinforcing their elite reputation across the globe.
📊 The chart below shows the recent leavers’ destinations for selective schools in Torbay:
Source: Gov.uk
As the chart above shows, a significant number of students from the Torbay-based selective schools are offered places at top universities in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Torbay Selective Schools
Torbay is home to three distinct grammar schools and one bi-lateral school known as The Spires College. All these institutions admit pupils through a coordinated scheme, using the same standardised 11+ test format. The trio of grammar schools in this region comprises Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and Torquay Girls’ Grammar School.
For selective schools in Torbay, registration forms should be submitted by the July deadline. You will also be asked to submit a CAF form, indicating your child’s preferred schools for entry by the October deadline.
The 11+ exam provider in Torbay is GL Assessment.
Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in our 11+ Torbay Practice Tests should be on track to pass this 11+ test. Whilst there are no guarantees, this is a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Torbay 11+ exam.
Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions have been included in Torbay grammar schools 11+ past papers. The information provided about Torbay grammar schools is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the article.
Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Torbay grammar schools.
Bookmark Article
Bookmark this page? Pop your email into the box below to receive a link to this article so you can easily refer back to it later.
Author(s)
Louise Lang
Director of Learning
