Colyton Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Colyton Grammar School
• Location: Whitwell Lane, Colyford, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6HN
• Type: Co-educational state grammar school (Academy Trust)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Head Teacher: Mr Tim Harris
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (November 2022)
• Pupils: 1,061 students
• Founded: 1546
• Entrance: 11+ examination in September
• Application Deadline: Registration opens May, exam September

About Colyton Grammar School

Colyton Grammar School represents one of Devon's most academically rigorous institutions, combining nearly five centuries of educational tradition with contemporary excellence. Founded in 1546, this co-educational grammar school has evolved into a leading academy trust whilst maintaining its commitment to scholarly achievement and character development.

The school's ethos centres on three core principles: Scholarship, Humility, and Service. These values permeate every aspect of school life, from the competitive House system that fosters healthy rivalry and collaboration, to the extensive enrichment programmes that develop well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership roles in society.

Located in the picturesque East Devon countryside, CGS benefits from a campus that combines historic architecture with modern facilities. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating across all categories reflects its exceptional standards in teaching, leadership, and student outcomes. With consistently high academic results placing it amongst the top-performing state schools nationally, Colyton attracts families seeking intellectual rigour without independent school fees.

The school's House system - comprising Blackmore, Coleridge, Drake, and Raleigh - creates a strong sense of belonging whilst encouraging healthy competition in academics, sports, and creative pursuits. This structure supports the school's belief that excellence emerges through collaborative effort and mutual support.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Colyton Grammar School's selective admission process employs a comprehensive 11+ examination designed to identify students who will thrive in an academically demanding environment. The assessment takes place annually in September for entry the following academic year.

Examination Components:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests linguistic comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical thinking through word-based problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical reasoning abilities using patterns, shapes, and spatial relationships
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical competency, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning across Key Stage 2 curriculum
• English Comprehension: Tests reading comprehension, inference skills, and written expression through passage analysis

The examination is designed to assess intellectual potential rather than simply curriculum knowledge, recognising that students from diverse educational backgrounds should have equal opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Questions progress in difficulty to identify those students who can handle the rigorous academic programme CGS offers.

Results are typically communicated within several weeks of the examination, with successful candidates receiving conditional offers subject to satisfactory completion of primary education.

How to Apply

Application Timeline:

• May: Registration opens for following September entry
• Summer Term: Submit completed application form via school website
• September: 11+ examination date (specific date announced annually)
• October/November: Results communicated to families
• Following September: Successful candidates commence Year 7

Application Process:

1. Online Registration: Complete the application form available on the school's website, providing student details and primary school information
2. Supporting Documentation: Submit any required supporting materials as specified in application guidance
3. Examination Day: Ensure student arrives punctually with required materials (usually basic stationery)
4. Awaiting Results: Monitor communication channels for outcome notification

Families are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with current application procedures via the school website, as processes may be refined annually. The admissions office provides comprehensive guidance and responds promptly to enquiries throughout the application period.

Preparing for the Colyton Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Colyton Grammar School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.