Know exactly where your child stands for The Spires College
Thousands of practice questions and up to 6 mock papers, all in the exact The Spires College 11+ format, on one simple plan. It starts with a free diagnostic.
Thousands of practice questions and up to 6 mock papers, all in the exact The Spires College 11+ format, on one simple plan. It starts with a free diagnostic.
The Spires College
The Spires College is a mixed, partially selective school offering up to 60 selective Year 7 places via an 11+ entrance exam. The school uses the GL exam board for its single-stage assessment, and there is no interview process. While a catchment area applies to non-selective places, 11+ selective places are not restricted by location.
If you want your child somewhere that feels warm from the first visit, The Spires College in Torquay sets out to be exactly that. It is an 11 to 18 co-educational school with an unusual shape, running both a comprehensive intake and a selective one side by side. Up to 60 places in each year group are offered on the strength of an 11+ test, and any of those not taken up simply become ordinary places, so a more academic child and a child who learns at their own pace can sit in the same school and feel equally at home.
The College is plain about what it cares for. Its aim, in its own words, is to make certain that every young person achieves their true potential, and it wants children to feel safe and secure, in a place it describes as welcoming and warm. Day to day, that shows up in clear, calm expectations for behaviour and in a deliberately broad offer beyond lessons, with clubs, teams, trips and student leadership all part of the picture. Six attributes run through the culture, with children encouraged to be ambitious, diligent, independent, resilient, creative and kind.
It suits a child who will respond to structure and encouragement in equal measure, whether they are racing ahead or still finding their feet. Led by Principal Alex Newton, the College talks about sending its students out as rounded, confident young adults, ready to contribute fully to the world around them. For a Devon family wanting one school that can stretch the able and steady the less sure, Spires is worth a careful look.
Key facts
Admissions
Admissions contact
enquiries@thespirescollege.com
Admissions phone
01803 400660
Registration form
https://www.tbgs.co.uk/join-us/entrance-test-online-form/
Sibling policy
What this school tests
11+ Test
English
- Punctuation
- Reading Comprehension - Comparison
- Reading Comprehension - Evaluation
- Reading Comprehension - Grammar and punctuation
- Reading Comprehension - Inference and Deduction
- Reading Comprehension - Information Retrieval
- Reading Comprehension - Language Techniques and Imagery
- Reading Comprehension - Sentence-level Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension - Sequencing
- Reading Comprehension - Structure, Form, Voice and Tone
- Reading Comprehension - Summarising
- Reading Comprehension - Text Classification and Purpose
- Reading Comprehension - Types of Words and Phrases
- Reading Comprehension - Word Meaning / Choice
- Sentence Completion
- Spelling
Maths
- Algebra
- Angles and Degrees
- BIDMAS
- Coordinate Grids
- Estimation and Rounding
- Factors and Multiples
- Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Magic squares
- Measurement
- Money
- Number and Place Value
- Number Walls
- Operations
- Perimeter, Area and Volume
- Position and Direction
- Properties of Shapes
- Ratio and Proportion
- Reflection, Rotation and Symmetry
- Sequences
- Special Numbers
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Statistics
- Time
Catchment area
Does The Spires College have a catchment area?
The College has a designated area covering part of Torquay (bounded by the sea and Lymington/Teignmouth Road), and gives priority to children living inside it for non-selective places. Children from outside the area may also be admitted, and selective (11+) places are not restricted by the area.
Selection review and safety net
Previous exam results
GCSE results
In 2025 students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 44.5 across their GCSEs. 51.4% gained a grade 5 or better in both English and Maths. 13.1% achieved the English Baccalaureate at grade 5 or above.
Reference: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/
A-level results
In 2025 students achieved a C- average grade per A-Level entry. 10% gained AAB or better including two facilitating subjects.
Reference: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/
Frequently asked questions
What exam board does The Spires College use for the 11+?
The Spires College uses the GL exam board for its 11+ entrance exam.
Does The Spires College interview as part of the 11+?
No, there is no interview stage as part of The Spires College 11+ admissions process.
Is The Spires College co-educational or single-sex?
The Spires College is a co-educational school, admitting both boys and girls.
What is the 11+ pass mark for The Spires College?
The specific 11+ pass mark for The Spires College is not publicly disclosed.
How many selective places are available at The Spires College?
The Spires College offers up to 60 selective places in each Year 7 intake, based on the 11+ test.
Does The Spires College have a catchment area for 11+ entry?
No, selective 11+ places at The Spires College are not restricted by a catchment area. A designated area applies only to non-selective places.
Location
https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2539.1620200372317!2d-3.5235519!3d50.4753274!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x486d0fcbf9ec0d5b%3A0x7ebef8b60e251dee!2sThe%20Spires%20College!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1780593664714!5m2!1sen!2suk
