FREE Download: Colyton Grammar School 2026 11+ Exam & Year 7 Entry 11 Plus Guide

Welcome to Colyton Grammar School, a highly regarded Selective Co-educational Academy in Colyford, Devon. Established in 1546, Colyton Grammar consistently earns an Outstanding Ofsted rating and is ranked among the best grammar schools in UK.

It provides an exceptional education for students aged 11-18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Securing a place at Colyton Grammar requires success in its competitive 11+ Exam. The admissions process involves a rigorous entrance test, assessing English, Mathematics, and Creative Writing skills. Understanding these specific requirements is crucial for parents navigating the 2026 admissions cycle effectively.

Renowned for its science specialism, the school holds Leading Edge status and is an Ambassador School for gifted youth, celebrating national STEM successes.

In this guide, I apply 18+ years of education consultancy to help parents navigate Colyton Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions with confidence.

School Details

• Type of School: Grammar School (Academy)
• Boarding Type: No
• Gender Type: Co-educational
• Religion: Non faith
• Age Range: 11-18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1000+
• GCSE Results: 80% of GCSE grades were marked 7 to 9
• A-Level Results: 87% of all grades awarded at A to B

Year 7 Admissions Details

• Year 7 Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 160
• Exam Board: Quest Assessments
• Number of Stages: One
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information About Schools and Colyton Grammar School Official Website.

​Navigating the admissions process for Colyton Grammar School can feel complex.

To assist prospective parents and pupils, I have compiled the essential Colyton Grammar School 11 plus exam dates for Year 7 entry in September 2027.

This includes key registration deadlines, the crucial 11+ Exam date, and information regarding the Colyton Grammar School open day events. Understanding these 11 plus exam dates is vital for a smooth application.

​Applying for a place at Colyton Grammar School for Year 7 entry involves a structured 11 plus exam process. As one of the leading grammar schools in Devon, Colyton Grammar is a selective co-educational academy responsible for its own testing and admission criteria. Parents considering this school should be aware of the key steps for the 11+ Exam.

• To understand the full application journey, refer to the Colyton Grammar School Admissions Policy.
• How to register for 11+ exam: Parents must register their child online via the school's dedicated portal. For September 2027 entry, the 11 plus exam registration portal opened on 31st March 2026. Colyton Grammar School uses an Entrance Test Registration Form on their own website instead of a traditional Supplementary Information Form (SIF).
• The deadline for registration is 31st July 2026. Ensure you complete this step well in advance.
• The main 11+ Exam date for September 2027 entry is Saturday 12th September 2026.
• The entrance test assesses English, Mathematics, and Creative Writing. Please note, it does NOT include verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
• Familiarisation materials are available on the school's admissions page to help your child prepare for the eleven plus exams.
• You submit The Common Application Form (CAF) form through your home Local Authority (such as Devon County Council or your neighbouring home council) listing Colyton Grammar School as one of your preferred school choices.
  

​Colyton Grammar School does not operate a defined School catchment area for its admissions. Eligibility for a place is primarily determined by performance in the 11 plus test, specifically the 11+ exam catchment criteria based on academic merit.

While there isn't a strict Colyton Grammar School Catchment Area, proximity to the school may be used as a tie-breaker in cases where multiple candidates achieve identical scores for the final available places, affecting the Colyton Grammar Catchment Area in practice for those specific scenarios.

Consider the daily commute carefully, as a longer journey can impact your child's energy and time for homework and extracurricular activities.

​Colyton Grammar School stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Devon. It is a highly sought-after co-educational grammar school. Each year, hundreds of bright pupils compete for limited Year 7 places. This makes securing a spot incredibly challenging.

As an experienced UK Education Consultant, I always advise parents to have a robust strategy. This includes exploring strong alternative schools. This approach ensures your child has excellent options, even if Colyton Grammar School is not the final outcome.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Colyton Grammar School is often considered the "Gold Standard" in the South West. However, with over 600 applicants typically vying for just 160 places, competition is intense.

I strongly recommend a balanced strategy. This includes considering three grammar options and two high-performing independent schools. This ensures your child has multiple pathways to an elite education.

Below is a comparison of top alternative schools. These are frequently considered by families applying to Colyton Grammar School. They offer similar academic rigour and excellent opportunities.

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Why these schools are top alternatives to Colyton Grammar School:

• Churston Ferrers Grammar School: This co-educational grammar school in Brixham offers a strong academic environment. It is a popular choice for families seeking a state grammar option in Devon.
• Torquay Boys' Grammar School: Located in Torquay, this boys' grammar school consistently achieves excellent results. It provides a challenging curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Plymouth High School for Girls: As a leading girls' grammar school in Plymouth, it offers a supportive and high-achieving setting. It is ideal for parents prioritising single-sex education.
• Exeter School: This independent co-educational day school in Exeter is highly regarded. It offers exceptional facilities and a broad curriculum. It is a strong alternative for academic excellence.
• Mount Kelly: Situated in Tavistock, Mount Kelly is a co-educational independent school. It is known for its strong academic and sporting traditions. It provides a holistic educational experience.

​When considering a selective institution like Colyton Grammar School, a common question parents ask is, How many apply for Colyton Grammar School?

The number of applications can fluctuate year-on-year, but the school consistently attracts a high volume of prospective pupils.

For instance, Colyton Grammar School typically offers around 160 places in Year 7, making the competition for entry significant.

According to the National School Census, the demand for places at top grammar schools remains strong.

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How hard is it to get into Colyton Grammar School?

It's natural for parents and children to wonder, Is Colyton Grammar School hard to get into?

As a highly-regarded grammar school, entry is competitive, requiring candidates to perform well in the demanding eleven plus exam. However, with dedicated preparation and a clear understanding of the exam format, your child can approach the test with confidence.

Many students successfully navigate the admissions process each year, demonstrating that with the right support, achieving a place at Colyton Grammar is an attainable goal. To understand exactly what your child will face, let's look at the specific format of the entrance exam in the next section.

Colyton Grammar School utilises the Quest Assessments for its Year 7 Entrance Test. This single-stage examination is designed to assess a child's academic potential across core subjects, aligning with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum.

As stated in the Colyton Grammar School Admissions Policy, the 11+ entrance test will include English, Mathematics, and Writing task, specifically excluding verbal and non-verbal reasoning components.

Colyton Grammar School 11+ Test Subjects

​Colyton Grammar School does not publish an official 11 Plus pass mark. Admission is competitive, based on 11 plus exam results. For strong eleven plus exam preparation, PiAcademy suggests 95%+ in practice tests.

The Colyton Grammar School 11+ entrance examination assesses prospective pupils in three core subjects: English, Mathematics, and Writing task.

The school explicitly states that the test does not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed to align with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum.

Therefore, preparation should focus on mastering the core topics within English, Mathematics, and Writing.

English

The English component typically evaluates a child's comprehension skills, vocabulary, and understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling (SPaG).

English Topic Weighting

• ​Comprehension
  
• Vocabulary
• SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar)

Recommended PiAcademy English Packs

• 11+ English Past Papers
• 11+ English Comprehension Practice Papers
• 11+ Vocabulary Practice Packs
• 11+ SPaG Practice Papers

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Mathematics

The Mathematics section covers the breadth of the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, testing problem-solving abilities, arithmetic, and understanding of various mathematical concepts.

Mathematics Topic Weighting

• ​Number & Place Value
  
• Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
  
• Ratio & Proportion
• Algebra
• Measurement
• Geometry (Properties of Shapes, Position & Direction)
• Statistics (Data Handling)

Recommended PiAcademy Mathematics Packs

• 11+ Maths Past Papers
• 11+ Maths Topicwise Practice Papers

Creative Writing

The Creative Writing task assesses a child's ability to construct a coherent and engaging piece of writing, demonstrating imagination, vocabulary, sentence structure, and accurate use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Creative Writing Topic Weighting

• ​Content & Ideas
  
• Structure & Organisation
• Vocabulary & Figurative Language
• Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Recommended PiAcademy Creative Writing Packs

• 11+ Creative Writing Practice Papers

​Preparing for the Colyton Grammar School 11 plus mock exam is crucial for success. This highly competitive grammar school in Devon demands thorough preparation, helping students familiarise with the exam format and identify weak areas.

Regular 11 plus mock tests also improve speed and accuracy under exam-like conditions, building confidence for Colyton Grammar.

Parents can check their child's readiness with a free 11 plus mock test available online. Finding the right 11 plus mock test Devon can significantly boost your child's chances.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 02nd September 2025 to 24th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 03rd November 2025 to 19th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 06th January 2026 to 13th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: 23rd February 2026 to 02nd April 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 20th April 2026 to 22nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 01st June 2026 to 17th July 2026

Navigating the 11+ grammar school entry requires careful coordination with your local authority and a clear understanding of specific exam formats. To assist you, we've compiled essential, official resources designed to help you thoroughly prepare your application for Colyton Grammar School.

• Quest Assessments Familiarisation Materials
• UK Govt. - Get Information on Colyton Grammar School Page
• Colyton Grammar School Ofsted Report
• Colyton Grammar School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• Gov.UK Find your Local Council Page