Students can take the examinations at either Plymouth High School for Girls or Devonport High School for Girls. They are the same examination papers, taken on the same days. You can then apply for a place at either (or both) grammar schools, regardless of where the student took the test. E.g. A student could sit the examinations at DHSG, but apply for a place at Plymouth High School for Girls. 

Applications for secondary school places in Plymouth for a September start must be made to Plymouth City Council by 31st of October in the preceding year.  In order to apply for a place at either PHSG or DHSG, candidates must sit the 11 Plus examination.  In order for the examination to be sat and results passed to parents, the 11 Plus examinations are held in September. 

The grammar schools also run a Practice 11 Plus examination in the July prior to students sitting the real tests in September. This helps students familiarise themselves with the test and exam venues. 

Our 11 Plus assessment is provided by Quest Assessments. Your child will sit an English paper and Maths paper. Click the button below for information and guidance on sitting a Quest assessment. 

English: 40 minutes, 60 questions

Maths: 40 minutes, 60 questions

Both papers are split into two sections

Note to 11 Plus Tutors

As we prepare for the 11 Plus assessment scheduled for September 2026, please be aware that we will be using ATOM/QUEST as our assessment provider. You can find detailed information and guidance on their website, which we encourage you to refer to regularly to stay up to date with their expectations and format.

In summary:

• There will be two papers: one in English and one in Maths for those sitting the 11 Plus who wish to apply for PHSG and DHSG. There is an additional creative writing task if you wish to apply to Devonport High School for Boys 
• No content beyond Year 5 of the National Curriculum will be assessed
• The focus is on full understanding and application of Year 5 content

If you are tutoring students for this assessment, please ensure your sessions support:

• Deep comprehension of Year 5 English and Maths topics
• Confident application of skills in unfamiliar contexts
• Development of reasoning and problem-solving abilities within the Year 5 framework for mathematics

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students prepare effectively and confidently.