Key Information Summary
- School Type: Selective boys' grammar school (ages 11-18)
- Location: Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7EL
- Headteacher: Dr. James Hunt
- Student Capacity: 1,087 students
- Year 7 Places: 168 annually
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (September 2021)
- Specialisms: Languages, Business and Enterprise
- Trust: Torquay Boys' Grammar School Multi-Academy Trust
About Torquay Boys' Grammar School
Torquay Boys' Grammar School has established itself as Devon's premier selective boys' education institution since its founding. Located in the picturesque coastal town of Torquay, TBGS combines academic rigour with the advantages of its stunning Devon setting, providing an inspiring environment for intellectually gifted young men.
The school's Languages and Business Enterprise specialisms reflect its commitment to preparing students for an increasingly globalised world. TBGS offers an extensive modern foreign languages programme alongside innovative business education, ensuring graduates possess both linguistic proficiency and commercial acumen valued by top universities and employers.
With an Outstanding Ofsted rating, TBGS demonstrates exceptional standards across all areas of education. The school's relatively intimate size of 168 Year 7 places ensures personalised attention whilst maintaining the academic depth expected of a grammar school. This careful balance allows teachers to nurture each student's individual talents whilst fostering the collaborative spirit essential for future success.
The school's Devon location provides unique opportunities for outdoor education and environmental studies, complementing its rigorous academic programme. Students benefit from coastal geography fieldwork, marine biology studies, and the cultural richness of the English Riviera whilst maintaining easy access to Exeter and Plymouth's educational resources.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Torquay Boys' Grammar School employs a comprehensive 11+ examination designed to identify academically gifted students who will thrive in its challenging environment. The assessment evaluates intellectual potential rather than simply testing memorised knowledge, ensuring fair access for students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Assessment Components
Verbal Reasoning: Tests language comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and logical thinking through word-based problems. Students encounter analogies, coding exercises, and comprehension tasks requiring sophisticated linguistic analysis.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical deduction using visual puzzles. This component identifies students with strong analytical capabilities who may excel in mathematics, sciences, and design technology.
Mathematics: Assesses numerical fluency, problem-solving skills, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for academically able 10-11 year olds. Questions progress from basic arithmetic to complex multi-step problems requiring strategic thinking.
English: Examines reading comprehension, grammatical understanding, and written expression. Students demonstrate their ability to analyse texts critically and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
Test Format and Timing
The examination typically occurs in late September or early October, with results released before secondary school application deadlines. Parents receive detailed guidance about test venues, timing, and required materials well in advance of the assessment date.
How to Apply
Application Timeline
Registration Opens: Early summer (June/July) for the following year's entry
Registration Deadline: Typically mid-September
Test Date: Late September/early October
Results Released: November
Torbay Council Secondary Application: October deadline
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Initial Registration: Complete TBGS's online 11+ test registration form through the school website. Provide comprehensive student information including current school details, special educational needs, and accessibility requirements.
2. Test Preparation: Familiarise your son with 11+ question formats through practice materials. TBGS recommends focusing on developing reasoning skills rather than intensive coaching, as the test identifies natural academic ability.
3. Torbay Council Application: Submit your secondary school preferences through Torbay Council's online admissions system. List TBGS as your preferred choice whilst including suitable alternative schools.
4. Assessment Day: Ensure your son arrives punctually at the designated test venue with required identification and equipment. The school provides a supportive environment designed to help students perform at their best.
5. Results and Next Steps: Successful candidates receive conditional offers dependent on continued academic progress. The school provides comprehensive transition support for new Year 7 students.
Admissions Criteria
TBGS operates a strictly merit-based selection system. Students achieving the required standard in the 11+ examination gain places according to their test performance. The school considers applications from across Devon and beyond, welcoming talented students regardless of their primary school background.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's Grammar School Preparation Programme has supported numerous students in gaining places at Torquay Boys' Grammar School. Our Devon-based tutors understand TBGS's specific requirements and assessment style, providing targeted preparation that maximises your son's potential.
Specialised 11+ Preparation
Our expert tutors deliver personalised coaching in all four assessment areas, identifying individual strengths and addressing specific learning needs. We employ authentic practice materials and simulate examination conditions, ensuring students approach the test with confidence and familiarity.
Reasoning Skills Development: Our specialists focus on developing core reasoning abilities rather than teaching test tricks. This approach ensures students possess the genuine intellectual skills required for grammar school success, not merely test-taking techniques.
Devon-Specific Expertise: Our local knowledge of TBGS's admissions process, school culture, and academic expectations provides invaluable insights for families navigating the grammar school landscape.
Comprehensive Support Services
Academic Assessment: Initial evaluation identifies your son's current ability level and learning style, enabling our tutors to design optimal preparation strategies tailored to TBGS's requirements.
Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments track improvement and adjust teaching methods accordingly. Parents receive detailed progress reports highlighting areas of strength and recommended focus areas.
Interview Preparation: Although TBGS primarily relies on test scores, we prepare students for potential interviews or school visits, developing communication skills and confidence essential for academic success.
Transition Support: Successful candidates receive guidance about TBGS's academic culture, helping them adapt quickly to grammar school expectations and maximise their educational opportunities.
Contact Taylor Tuition today to discuss how our proven expertise can help your son achieve his place at Torquay Boys' Grammar School, joining Devon's most academically successful young men in this exceptional educational environment.
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