Grammar schools in Barnstaple
There are no grammar schools in Barnstaple.
Grammar schools are state secondaries that select by ability, usually through an 11+ test. Devon has 1 of them, but not one in Barnstaple itself — so every state secondary in Barnstaple admits without a selective test.
The nearest is Torquay Boys' Grammar School, about 46.7 miles away in Torbay. Most grammar schools accept out-of-area applicants, though distance is often a tie-breaker when a school is oversubscribed.
Grammar schools elsewhere in Devon
Devon has 1 grammar school, but not one in Barnstaple itself.
- Colyton Grammar School — Colyton
Nearest grammar schools to Barnstaple
Straight-line distance from the centre of Barnstaple — not a travel time.
| School | Area | Distance | Intake | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torquay Boys' Grammar School | Torquay | 46.7 miles | Boys | — |
| Torquay Girls' Grammar School | Torquay | 46.7 miles | Girls | Outstanding |
| Devonport High School for Girls | Plymouth | 48.1 miles | Girls | Good |
| Colyton Grammar School | Colyton | 48.3 miles | Mixed | Outstanding |
| Plymouth High School for Girls | Plymouth | 49.0 miles | Girls | Good |
| Devonport High School for Boys | Plymouth | 49.4 miles | Boys | Good |
Published admissions priorities
These are extracts from school-specific arrangements for the entry years shown, in priority order. They are not the full policy or a prediction of an offer. Check the linked arrangement for test eligibility, deadlines and all remaining priorities.
Torquay Boys' Grammar School — 2026 entry
- All eligible boys ranked purely by standardised entrance-test score, highest to lowest, until PAN is filled (published source)
- Tiebreak for the final contested place(s) only: Looked After/Previously Looked After boys with the tied score (published source)
- Tiebreak (2nd level): Pupil Premium boys with the tied score (published source)
Torquay Girls' Grammar School — 2026 entry
- All eligible girls ranked purely by standardised entrance-test score, highest to lowest, until PAN (188) is filled (published source)
- Tiebreak for the final contested place(s) only: Looked After/Previously Looked After girls with the tied score (published source)
- Tiebreak (2nd level): Pupil Premium/Service Premium girls with the tied score (published source)
Devonport High School for Girls — 2026 entry
- Looked After/Previously Looked After Children scoring ≥ the 3-year adjusted cut-off score (published source)
- Up to 12 places: Pupil Premium/Ever-6 FSM girls scoring ≥ the 3-year lowest cut-off score (published source)
- All remaining candidates, ranked by 11+ score (published source)
Plymouth High School for Girls — 2026 entry
- Looked After/Previously Looked After Children (published source)
- Children with exceptional medical or social need specific to this school (professional evidence required) (published source)
- Children eligible for Free School Meals Pupil Premium or Ever-6 FSM (published source)
Devonport High School for Boys — 2026 entry
- Looked After/Previously Looked After Children achieving a qualifying mark (published source)
- Children who were in state care outside England and ceased to be so by adoption (published source)
- 174 candidates achieving a qualifying mark, in rank order (published source)
Schools in Barnstaple
Barnstaple has 29 open schools. Browse all Barnstaple schools with Ofsted ratings, catchment areas and admission criteria, or see them on the map.
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