Outstanding Torquay grammar school ‘revolutionises’ 11-plus policy

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is going from strength to strength with a 'revolutionary change' to its 11-plus policy, putting Torbay children at the heart of what they are trying to achieve.

Not only is it the only state-funded secondary school in the radius of Plymouth to Exeter to have received an outstanding judgement from Ofsted in the new framework, but it is also in The Times top 100 schools nationally for academic results.

Sarah Forster, Headteacher, changed the admissions test last year to ensure all girls can access the test by only including National Curriculum English and Maths.

The proposed 2026 Admissions Policy goes that step further in prioritising places for Torbay children, living in Torbay and attending a Torbay primary school.

Sarah Forster said: “We are retaining our status and identity as a grammar school, as every pupil will need to achieve the qualifying score on our admissions test.

"However, we are aware of our physical location in Torbay and will be pleased when we see more bright girls from the Bay in our school as a result of this change. 

“We are significantly oversubscribed and more popular than we have ever been, and this is why we will also be increasing the number of places available."

The school has a strong commitment to its vision: ‘to equip students for a future in which they have academic qualifications, character skills, and high self-esteem, enabling them to make decisions that lead to long, happy, and content lives.’

If you would like to visit the school, tours are available on the mornings of March 19 and May 8, with an open evening on June 24, all bookable via the website:  ww.tggsacademy.org/schooltours.

The school is also holding a free Sixth Form Taster Day for all Year 11 students on February 14.