Torquay Boys' Grammar School Review 2026: Top 15% Performer with Stellar Results and Exceptional Breadth

In 1904, a visionary headmaster established the Torquay Pupil Teachers Centre with just 170 pupils in borrowed premises. Today, that modest institution has evolved into one of Devon's most accomplished selective schools, with over 1,100 students thriving across an impressive 1983-built campus at Shiphay. The school's consistent top-15% performance in England (FindMySchool ranking) reflects not just academic excellence but a genuinely ambitious educational culture where every student is expected to discover and develop their individual talents.

GCSE results demonstrate this clearly. In 2024, 47% achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, placing the school firmly in the national strong tier (top 25%, FindMySchool data). A-level results prove equally robust, with 73% securing grades A*-B. Perhaps most tellingly, 53% of the 2024 cohort progressed directly to university, with a further 23% entering employment, suggesting the school genuinely prepares students for diverse futures rather than a singular academic pathway.

The most recent Ofsted inspection (September 2021) confirmed Good across all areas, noting that "the school is enthused also with a lively plus open atmosphere that encourages innovation." What strikes parents visiting is the genuine sense of order, purpose and community. Boys move purposefully between lessons. The Cavanna Centenary Hall, opened in 2008 by the Earl of Wessex, houses an active drama and music culture. Beyond the architecture lies something rarer: an environment where serious scholarship and genuine pastoral care coexist without tension.

Torquay Boys' Grammar School in Shiphay, Torquay operates at scale (capacity 1,160), so clear routines and calm transitions matter day to day. This is not a place obsessed with results tables, though results are respected. Rather, it is a community where asking questions, exploring ideas deeply, and taking intellectual risks are encouraged.

Headteacher Pete Lawrence (appointed 2013) inherited a school previously rated Outstanding and has maintained that ethos while modernising structures. The six houses, Drake, Frobisher, Ralegh, Blake, Davys, and the newer Hawkins, form the social and academic heart of school life. House membership begins on Day One, creating immediate belonging. The houses compete in the annual House Championship (academic, sporting, artistic), binding boys together and making the school feel less like an institution and more like a series of overlapping communities.

What Ofsted inspectors noted was the intellectual quality of discourse here. Boys engage in philosophical debates, participate in high-level problem-solving, and demonstrate genuine curiosity. Teachers have strong subject expertise and, crucially, enjoy sharing that knowledge. The pastoral system operates through form tutors who know their charges well, combined with dedicated staff in the SENCo office who ensure pupils with learning differences or emotional needs receive tailored support. Parents consistently praise how "thoroughly the school gets to know each boy and adjusts provision accordingly."

The school's specialist languages status and business/enterprise designation indicate breadth of ambition. This is not a narrowly academic establishment. The specialist languages provision means Latin is offered at GCSE and beyond, and modern language teaching reaches into Year 7. Boys studying modern languages access the language labs and benefit from staff who have often taught abroad. The business specialism creates a pipeline into enterprise education and entrepreneurial thinking rather than simple commerce-as-subject.

GCSE Performance

The 2024 GCSE results tell a story of sustained high achievement. The Attainment 8 score of 66.9 sits well above the England average of 45.9, while the Progress 8 measure of +0.34 indicates pupils make above-average progress from their starting points. These raw numbers mask a genuinely impressive picture when examined through the lens of peer comparison.

At the top end, 47% achieved grades 9-7 (FindMySchool ranking places the school 466th, 10%ile, top 25% in England). Two fifths of all GCSE entries graded 9-7 demonstrates consistency across the curriculum, not concentration in a handful of subjects. The EBacc pass rate (grades 5 and above in English, maths, science, languages, and humanities) reached 41%, materially ahead of the England average of 40%, suggesting the school successfully maintains breadth despite specialisms.

Locally, Torquay Boys ranks 2nd among selective and non-selective secondaries in the Torbay area (FindMySchool data), making it the clear first choice for many local families seeking selective education.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form, which admits girls as well as boys, performed at an exceptional level in 2024. 73% achieved grades A*-B, with 16% securing A* alone. This places the school 315th for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking, 12%ile, top 25% in England). The range of 22 A-level subjects offered, delivered in partnership with neighbouring Torquay Girls' Grammar School where subject overlap occurs, creates genuine choice. Mathematics features at the top of uptake (as in England), but the school also achieves notable success in classical languages, sciences, humanities, and the arts.

Boys may elect A-level or International Baccalaureate at sixth form entry, a choice that signals confidence in university-entrance standards under both curricula. The school's stated commitment to preparing students for "a changing world with confidence and humility" translates into an academic offer that balances traditional disciplines with contemporary relevance.

In 2024, four students secured places at Oxbridge (22 applications, 27% offer rate), with places split between Oxford (3 acceptances) and Cambridge (1 acceptance). While not staggering, the Oxbridge figure reflects genuine achievement given the school's size and the selective nature of Oxbridge competition. Beyond Oxbridge, 53% of 2024 leavers progressed to university, 23% entered employment, and 5% started apprenticeships, indicating the school genuinely prepares for multiple post-secondary pathways rather than viewing university as the single destination.

The school publishes university partnership information and provides dedicated sixth form careers guidance. Students receive "expert support that helps them to make decisions about their next steps," according to the most recent Ofsted report, which specifically praised the effectiveness of Baker Clause careers provision (statutory career guidance).

Lessons observed during Ofsted (2021) demonstrated that teachers possess strong subject expertise which they actively share with pupils. This is not generic observation. Rather, sixth form mathematics students spoke confidently about technical concepts, philosophy students engaged in sophisticated ethical argument, languages students showed command of grammatical terminology, and art students discussed compositional strategies with precision.

The curriculum is broad and well-balanced. Curriculum leaders have constructed coherent, sequenced subject curricula in many areas, meaning pupils build understanding systematically rather than jumping between disconnected units. Where this sequencing is robust (notably in mathematics and sciences), pupils demonstrate secure foundational knowledge and can apply learning to novel problems. The reading programme, particularly for younger pupils, actively encourages wide engagement beyond the curriculum, with rewards celebrating achievement.

Teachers use varied assessment strategies to check understanding. In the strongest examples, this is diagnostic, teachers uncover misconceptions quickly and provide targeted feedback that moves learning forward. However, Ofsted noted this is not yet routine across all subjects, and some pupils (particularly in the sixth form) occasionally report work that is not sufficiently challenging. The school has introduced knowledge-recall strategies (memory prompts, spaced retrieval) which pupils value as practical tools.

Pupils with SEND are well supported. The SENCo provides subject teachers with tailored information about pupil needs, enabling curriculum adjustment. Pupils with SEND participate fully in extra-curricular activities and report that support received "enables them to make the most out of their time in school."

The extracurricular provision at TBGS is genuinely extensive, spanning academic societies, creative pursuits, sporting endeavours, and community service. Rather than list indiscriminately, what defines this school's offering is breadth combined with genuine specialist depth in multiple areas.

STEM, Technology & Astronomy

The school's own astronomical observatory, opened in 1989 and housing a 19.2-inch Newtonian reflector, stands as a rare facility in secondary education. It is used by the school itself, by the Torbay Astronomical Society (which meets regularly on-site), and is regularly opened to the public. This is not a dusty museum piece but an active research and teaching tool. Chris Lintott, currently presenter of the BBC's "The Sky at Night" and Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford, studied here, as did Professor David Southwood (Science Director of the European Space Agency and President of the Royal Astronomical Society). The observatory creates a genuine culture of scientific inquiry.

Beyond astronomy, STEM clubs include coding societies, mathematics competitions (with regular national challenge successes), and problem-solving societies. The school's specialist business and enterprise designation reflects a genuine commitment to entrepreneurial thinking, with structured opportunities for pupils to design, prototype, and pitch ideas.

Drama, Music & Performance

The school mounts annual productions to professional standards. The newly constructed theatre facilities (completed 2007 and further refined) have hosted substantial productions. Recent years have seen ambitious productions including "The Addams Family" (2025) and "Godspell." The drama department offers dedicated clubs including specifically the Drama Society, Debating Society, and Film Club, with trips arranged to professional theatre where possible. Success in national competitions such as the Tower Poetry Competition demonstrates the school takes creative expression seriously.

Music is a defining strength. The department puts on numerous concerts every year. The school employs specialist music staff including a piano teacher and singing instructor, and maintains a chapel choir tradition. All Year 7 boys receive the opportunity to learn an instrument, creating a broad foundation for musical participation. House performances feature prominently, with houses mounting their own entertainment events annually.

Sports

The school describes sports as integral to its educational mission. Specific achievements include national football championships won three times in recent years, and one recent student selected for the England U20 rugby team. Offerings include rowing (suggesting access to water facilities or partnerships), cross-country, hockey, athletics, cricket, tennis, and swimming. The school has strong traditions in swimming especially. The physical education curriculum runs as a separate department with dedicated facilities.

Clubs, Societies & Student Leadership

The school offers chess, Politics Society, French Society, orchestra, cookery club, and Film Club. The fact that parents and students commonly refer to "something on every day" during extra-curricular time confirms the density of provision. Year 7 team building events build social cohesion. The house system amplifies this by creating student leadership opportunities, seniors become house advocates and mentors for younger pupils.

House charitable work is woven throughout. Blake House, for instance, organizes an annual Variety Show fundraiser for "The Gateway Club," a local charity supporting adults with special needs. This model repeats across houses, embedding social responsibility into the sixth form experience.

Entry to Year 7 is highly selective. Over 350 candidates compete annually for approximately 166 places (a ratio of 2.11:1), making this decidedly oversubscribed. The entrance examination uses GL Assessment format (as of 2024, switching from CEM tests previously used). The test assesses English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Standardized scoring ensures no age disadvantage.

Importantly, the school has no formal catchment boundary. Whilst most pupils hail from Torbay and nearby areas, some travel from Plymouth, Exeter, and beyond, reflecting the school's reputation. Families should verify with Torbay Local Authority regarding application procedures and deadlines, which typically fall in October for September entry.

Entry to the sixth form is also selective. A-level students must demonstrate prior achievement (typically grade 7 minimum in target subjects), whilst IB candidates are assessed on similar criteria. Girls may enter the sixth form for the International Baccalaureate or A-levels.

The pastoral structure combines form tutors (within houses) with a dedicated safeguarding team and SENCo. The SENCo panel specifically addresses pupils with dyslexia or numeracy concerns, and also handles all emotional support and counselling referrals. Ofsted noted that "pupils say staff take bullying seriously" and that arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the school identified pupil mental wellbeing as a priority and has implemented appropriate support systems. The school works with local organizations to strengthen pupils' understanding of national issues such as sexual harassment and healthy relationships. A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support.

The form tutor system works because tutors genuinely know their boys. Small form groups (around 25 per year) mean each pupil has a named adult invested in their wellbeing. House heads amplify this. The sixth form includes dedicated pastoral staff who provide support around university applications, career decisions, and personal development.

School day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm. There are no wraparound care facilities in the primary sense, as this is a secondary school. However, the school does offer numerous clubs and activities that extend the school day informally.

The uniform is formal: black trousers, white shirt, blazer with house tie. The school offers a uniform package available through a school shop, with most items available from major retailers. Physical education kit is available through specific suppliers.

Transport links are good. The school is located near Torre railway station and accessible via bus routes from across Torbay. Families outside the immediate area may require travel planning.

Entrance selectivity is genuine. This is a grammar school, and the entrance test determines entry. Tutoring is widespread among candidates, reflecting the competitive nature. Families should approach the entrance exam as a serious undertaking and ensure their child understands what is required. The school does not recommend tutoring officially, but acknowledges it is common in practice.

Boys adjust to academic pace and peer group. Whilst Torquay Boys accepts pupils of genuine academic ability, the peer group effect is real. Many boys will have been "top of primary school" and find themselves among 150+ similarly able peers. This adjustment can feel uncomfortable initially but ultimately develops resilience and deeper learning.

Girls enter at sixth form only. The main school is boys-only through Year 11. Girls joining in Year 12 form a mixed sixth form population. This arrangement reflects the school's philosophy and is unlikely to change.

Entry to sixth form is also selective. Pupils must meet threshold grades to progress internally or transfer in from other schools. This creates a narrowing effect, meaning Year 12 cohorts are considerably smaller than Year 11, with only the highest achievers progressing.

Torquay Boys' Grammar School is a strong selective secondary where bright, ambitious boys thrive academically whilst developing leadership, creative and sporting talents. The Ofsted "Good" rating reflects solid provision across teaching, pastoral care, and personal development, with genuine breadth beyond the curriculum. GCSE and A-level results place the school in the top 25% of English schools (FindMySchool ranking), with consistent progress measures indicating pupils achieve well relative to their intake.

The school works best for families who genuinely value selective education, understand the entrance exam requires serious engagement, and whose sons are self-directed learners capable of managing a rigorous academic environment. The pastoral structures and sixth form support are genuine strengths. The breadth of extracurricular opportunity, particularly the astronomy provision, drama programme, and sports culture, means intellectually curious, well-rounded students flourish here.

For local families seeking a grammar school place, Torquay Boys' represents excellent value. For those travelling further afield, transport and logistics require careful consideration given the three to four-hour round journey from Plymouth or Exeter.