Grammar and private schools in Devon offer some of the best educational opportunities in the region, known for their high academic standards and selective admission processes. Notable Devon grammar schools include Colyton Grammar School, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the UK, and Churston Ferrers Grammar School in Brixham, known for its excellent academic performance. Devonport High School for Boys and Devonport High School for Girls in Plymouth, as well as Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and Torquay Girls’ Grammar School, also excel in fostering academic excellence and personal development.
Devon’s private secondary schools are equally esteemed. Exeter School boasts outstanding academic achievements and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Blundell's School in Tiverton is known for its excellent academic reputation and supportive environment. Mount Kelly in Tavistock combines academic rigour with outdoor education, fostering both personal growth and academic excellence.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Devon. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Devon
Blundell’s School
Address: Blundell's School, Blundell's Road, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 4DN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1604.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Blundell's School offers academic excellence, a wide range of co-curricular activities, strong boarding provision, a supportive community ethos, outstanding facilities, and a global outlook.
Resources:
Blundell’s School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Churston Ferrers Grammar School
Address: Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Greenway Road, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0LN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1931.
Type Of School: Selective, co-educational grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning skills.
Notable Features: Churston Ferrers Grammar School is known for its rigorous academic standards, comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on traditional values, extensive extracurricular offerings, and strong sense of community.
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Colyton Grammar School
Address: Colyton Grammar School, Whitwell Lane, Colyford, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6HN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1546.
Type Of School: Selective, co-educational grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: Future Stories, testing English, maths and creative writing.
Notable Features: Colyton Grammar School is renowned for its academic excellence, exceptional results in public examinations, comprehensive extracurricular program, supportive learning environment, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills among its students.
Resources:
Devonport High School for Boys
Address: Devonport High School for Boys, Paradise Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 5QP, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1908.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: GL Assessment and school written exam, testing English, maths and creative writing.
Notable Features: Devonport High School for Boys is distinguished by its strong academic tradition, inclusive community ethos, extensive extracurricular opportunities, commitment to holistic education, and emphasis on leadership development and character building.
Resources:
Devonport High School for Girls
Address: Devonport High School for Girls, Lyndhurst Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3DL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1908.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Devonport High School for Girls is distinguished by its rich academic heritage, inclusive and supportive learning environment, broad range of extracurricular activities, commitment to empowering young women, and focus on academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility.
Resources:
Exeter School
Address: Exeter School, Victoria Park Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4NS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1633.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 7–18 years old.
Eleven Plus Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Exeter School offers a broad curriculum, extensive extracurricular activities, a supportive community ethos, outstanding facilities, and a commitment to nurturing students' intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal development.
Resources:
Exeter School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Kingsley School
Address: Kingsley School, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3LY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1890.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CAT4, testing verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning.
Notable Features: Kingsley School offers a broad curriculum, extensive extracurricular activities, and a supportive community ethos. The school prepares students to excel academically, thrive socially, and contribute positively to society.
Resources:
Kingsley School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Mount Kelly
Address: Mount Kelly School, Parkwood Road, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0HZ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1877.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Mount Kelly School offers outstanding facilities in a picturesque setting, providing a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on holistic education and a wide range of extracurricular activities, it prepares students for success in all aspects of life.
Resources:
Mount Kelly – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Plymouth College
Address: Plymouth College, Ford Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6RN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1877.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Plymouth College provides excellent facilities and a vibrant learning environment conducive to academic and personal development. With a strong tradition of academic excellence, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community, it nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Resources:
Plymouth College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Plymouth High School for Girls
Address: Plymouth High School for Girls, St Lawrence Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6HT, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1874.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Plymouth High School for Girls offers modern facilities and a supportive environment for girls to thrive academically and personally. With a focus on academic excellence and a rich array of extracurricular activities, it empowers young women to reach their full potential.
Shebbear College
Address: Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5HJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1823.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: CAT4, testing verbal, non-verbal, spatial and quantitative reasoning.
Notable Features: Shebbear College boasts excellent facilities set within a picturesque rural landscape, providing a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and extracurricular activities, it offers students a well-rounded educational experience.
Resources:
Shebbear College – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St John's School
Address: St John's School, Western Road, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 9HL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1914.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: St. John's School offers modern facilities and a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities, fostering holistic development. With a commitment to academic excellence and a supportive community, it provides students with a well-rounded education.
Resources:
St John's School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
The Maynard School
Address: The Maynard School, Denmark Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1SJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1658.
Type Of School: Independent, girls' day school.
Age Range: 4–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: The Maynard School provides state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive environment for girls to excel academically and personally. With a rich history of empowering young women through education and a strong focus on extracurricular activities, it cultivates confident and accomplished individuals.
Resources:
The Maynard School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
The Spires College
Address: The Spires College, Westlands Lane, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3PE, United Kingdom.
Founded: 2005.
Type Of School: Co-educational secondary school.
Age Range: 11–16 years old.
Admission Criteria: GL Assessment, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: The Spires School offers modern facilities and a nurturing environment for students with special educational needs and disabilities. With a tailored curriculum and dedicated staff, it provides individualized support to help students reach their full potential.
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School
Address: Torquay Boys' Grammar School, Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7EL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1904.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Admission Criteria: GL Assessment, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Torquay Boys’ Grammar School in Devon provides outstanding academic facilities complemented by a strong emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities. With a rich heritage of academic excellence and a supportive community, it fosters the holistic development of its students.
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Address: Torquay Girls' Grammar School, Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7DY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1915.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Admission Criteria: GL Assessment, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Torquay Girls’ Grammar School in Devon boasts excellent academic facilities alongside a supportive and empowering environment for its students. With a focus on STEM education and a rich tradition of extracurricular activities, it nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Resources:
West Buckland School
Address: West Buckland School, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0SX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1858.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: West Buckland School in Devon offers state-of-the-art facilities including a modern sports complex and outstanding academic resources, providing a well-rounded education. With a picturesque rural setting and a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, it fosters both academic excellence and personal development.
Resources:
West Buckland School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information