11+ testing in Devon explained

There are seven exclusively grammar schools in Devon, and just to make it more challenging for parents, there are also three Local Authorities (LA) involved in admissions: Devon County Council, Plymouth and Torbay.
 

• Colyton Grammar School (Devon LA; mixed)
• Devonport High School for Boys (Plymouth LA)
• Devonport High School for Girls (Plymouth LA)
• Plymouth High School for Girls (Plymouth LA)
• Churston Ferrers Grammar School (Torbay LA; mixed)
• Torquay Boys' Grammar School (Torbay LA)
• Torquay Girls Grammar School (Torbay LA)

The tests vary between the different areas of the county. All schools set English and maths papers, with some schools assessing verbal reasoning too. The format of the tests varies too, from multiple choice and short answer questions to pieces of extended creative writing. You'll find more detailed information about testing arrangements on the individual schools' websites, but the table below summarises the testing procedures at each school:
 

Plymouth's selective schools use GL Assessment tests but the individual schools themselves set some of the papers.

The Torbay schools and Colyton Grammar School, however, were using CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) Entrance Assessment Tests, to assess verbal ability (comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning), numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. However, CEM will no longer be providing 11+ tests from September 2023. Further information will be added to this page in due course. We recommend contacting individual schools for more information about their new test provider. 

The registration forms for all schools in the county are available for parents to download on each of the school’s own websites.

Parents can find detailed information about the timeline and content for the 11+ examinations on the Plymouth council website.

Further details for admission arrangements for any of the Torbay schools can be found on the school admissions website.

The tests are held at each the selective schools. Your child will usually sit the test at the school that you're most likely to apply to.

The required standard not only varies from school to school but also from year to year depending on the range of ability of the children taking the test. For example, the Plymouth schools allocate their places in rank order, while the Torbay schools have a minimum pass mark of 50 per cent for the English and maths papers, but a variable pass mark for VR. Each school has slightly different variations on the way that children are considered ‘selected’ so it’s important to visit the relevant school website to familiarise themselves with the individual school’s admission policy. 

GL Assessment practice papers and support materials are available to buy from bookstores and online. Some of Devon’s selective schools also run familiarisation sessions and mock exams at the schools prior to testing day. These details can be found on the school’s individual website under Admissions.

Please be aware that while every effort is made to ensure the information we provide is accurate, admissions arrangements for Year 7 entry change regularly and it is essential to check for the most up-to-date advice on schools' own websites.

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