Selection Tests

TGGS applicants must take an Admissions Test to gain a place. Every effort is taken to make this process as stress free as possible.

The Torbay Selective schools testing for entry in September 2025 will take place on:

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Girls who are achieving in the top 25% of their age group at Primary School should be able to cope with the tests. For example, if a girl’s teacher believes she is “Working at a Greater Depth” in English, Maths and Science then this would be a good indicator that she will be of sufficient standard.

THE TESTS

Torquay Girls’ Grammar School uses papers designed by an external assessment authority (GL) in English and Maths.

You can also take a look at the GL familiarisation material which tells you what you need to know about this test and gives you some sample questions.  You only need to look at the material for English and Maths as they are the only two elements that you will be tested on.

If your child is eligible for Pupil Premium/Free School Meals, we are pleased to be able to offer access to an additional online package of around 10 hours familiarisation material.  If you indicate Pupil Premium on the application form, once we have verified this with your primary school, we will send you a logon code especially for you so that you are able to access the material on the online platform hosted by Frog.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the Test Registration Form issued by the school and return it by midday on Wednesday 17^th July 2024 (preferred date).  It enables us to inform you of all the test arrangements such as timings, registration, what to bring, parking etc.

If your daughter has any special SEN/Medical requirements, then please contact us at the earliest opportunity so that we can verify requests and make any appropriate arrangements.

Children who are unable to take the tests due to illness, or other significant acceptable reason, will be offered the opportunity to take the test on another date (Friday 27^th September 2024). The reason must be discussed with the school at the earliest opportunity.

So that parents can have a good idea whether an application for a selective school place would be successful, candidates are able to sit the selection tests before the closing date for applications. This is called Testing before Preference. It means you must register your child to sit the tests by midday on 5^th September 2024. 

Registrations after this deadline will only be accepted for testing for the first round of allocations in exceptional circumstances, which must be evidenced, such as a bereavement of an immediate family member or a move to the area from outside of Torbay or Devon.

The tests themselves will take place on 14^th September 2024. Registration for the tests does not count as an application. A Common Application Form (CAF) must also be submitted to the local authority where the child lives by 31^st October 2024. 

However, where a parent names the School on a CAF but the child has not been registered on time, (midday on 5^th September) and there are no exceptional circumstances for this, there can be no offer of a place as there will not be a test score. 

All registrations received after midday on 5 September, where there are no exceptional circumstances, will be considered for testing in March 2025, after the initial round of allocations; it is likely that such testing will be for a place on the waiting list; late tested candidates will not be considered before any who applied and were tested on time. 

Our Admissions policy explains how the 11+ scores are handled and our criteria for admission.

You do have the right to appeal.  Appeals are not dealt with by the school.  If you require any further information please contact the Clerk to the Torbay Independent Appeals Panel at Governance Support, Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3DR or email: governance.support@torbay.gov.uk (Tel:  01803 207087).

Further information can also be found here:  https://www.torbay.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/admissions/admissions-appeals/

If you have any questions about any part of the process then please ring Mrs Rumbelow, our Admissions Officer, on 01803 616504.  She will be more than happy to assist you.