Colyton's 11+ covers English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, plus maths and spatial awareness, across two papers. Selection is by rank order rather than a published pass mark, so preparation should span every component rather than the strongest one. Timed practice papers build the pace the test demands; a tutor helps most where reasoning is the weak area.

Roughly one family in six missed their first-choice secondary school for September 2026: 83.6% were offered it. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Colyton Grammar School, located in Devon, England, is a prestigious selective school that bases its admissions on the performance in the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This blog post aims to provide detailed insights into the structure and content of the Colyton Grammar School 11+ STT, offering guidance on how to best prepare for this crucial exam.

What Is the Colyton Grammar School 11+ STT?

The 11+ STT at Colyton Grammar School evaluates multiple areas of a student's academic abilities through two main papers, each focusing on different skill sets.

What is English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning?

- Paper A: This paper is divided into three key sections:

- English: Tests comprehension and writing skills.

- Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on problem-solving using language.

- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses the ability to solve problems using shapes and patterns.

Why do maths and spatial awareness matter?

- Paper B: Comprises two sections:

- Maths: Covers arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

- Spatial Awareness: Tests the ability to solve spatial reasoning problems.

What are preparation tips?

Preparing for the 11+ STT requires strategic planning and practice. Below are some effective strategies to help your child succeed.

How do you practice exam papers?

Utilizing practice exam papers is crucial for familiarizing your child with the exam format and types of questions they will encounter. These resources include:

- Online resources: Various platforms offer practice materials tailored to the specifics of the 11+ STT.

- Books and past papers: Collections like the Bond 11+ series provide comprehensive coverage of the exam subjects.

- Benefits: Practice papers help improve time management skills and reduce exam day anxiety.

Why do tutoring benefits matter?

Considering a tutor can provide significant advantages:

- Personalized Learning: Tutors can tailor their teaching methods to the specific needs of your child.

- Targeted Improvement: They help identify and strengthen areas where your child may be struggling.

- Strategic Guidance: Experienced tutors offer valuable insights into the best approaches for tackling the exam.

What should you do next?

The Colyton Grammar School 11+ STT is a demanding examination designed to test a broad range of skills. Through diligent preparation, including the use of practice papers and possibly the support of a tutor, your child can enhance their performance and increase their chances of admission. With the right preparation and mindset, your child can achieve their full potential and secure a place at Colyton Grammar School.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: