Frequently asked questions

The dates of our Colyton FSCE style mock tests are:

• Sunday 28th June 2026, 8.45 to 12.00
• Sunday 30th August 2026, 8.45 to 12.00
• Sunday 6th September 2026, 8.45 to 12.00

The tests take place at:

Lympstone Village Hall
School Lane
Lympstone
near Exmouth
Devon
EX8 5JY

Our tests are planned so that they are as close to the experience of the real test as possible. The difficulty is aimed to give children the opportunity to practise all the skills required in the real test, including knowledge of subject matter, time management and exam strategies.

Our test will be the new Quest style test papers which will include a creative writing paper.

All papers are accompanied by the test audio. Mock test papers are written specifically for the mocks and are not published with our other Gulliford Tutors practice papers. Papers are updated regularly as the Quest tests change or new sections are introduced.

Quest  do not publish practice papers and target schools will change sections every year. Therefore Quest style practice papers and mocks have been written by us to mimic the real tests as closely as possible using our knowledge of the exams but also to include new and unknown sections to create resilience.

This is always difficult to answer because every child is different. However, we always advise that children do at least two mocks. One at the beginning of the summer so you can see what to focus on over the summer holidays, and one at the end of the summer so you can see the improvement and know what to focus on in the last couple of weeks.

Children often tell us they were very nervous in their first mock and it affected how they performed. Once they realise it really is not a bad experience, they often feel far more relaxed at their next mock.

We find that children born later in the year often blossom in July and August, so it can be worth holding your nerve if you have a summer birthday child. In those cases, the third mock can be helpful close to the real exam, because children often show their ability in those later mocks.

If a test has gone badly, booking another can help rebuild confidence. We do not offer mocks early in the year because we believe it is too early for many children, especially boys who often mature into the process later. Starting too early can overwhelm children and can damage confidence and enjoyment if they are not ready.

Mock morning timetable

As we research and write the new Quest style formatted mock papers, this timetable might change so that we give the children the closest experience to this new format.

Papers are marked and analysed individually. You will receive feedback by email within 48 hours of your child sitting the mock. This will tell you your child’s scores and compare them against the cohort taking that exam and also against previous cohorts who have been successful in gaining a place.

We go further by letting you know how your child coped during the exam morning and giving you our detailed analysis of the results so you know what to work on.

Jane will advise on how to support your child to improve in weaker areas. This may be through exam strategy, timing, specific topics, or by suggesting practice books from a range of publishers that she finds genuinely useful. Jane is always happy to talk through results and give advice by phone or email as part of the mock morning service.

You will receive your child’s mock question papers on the day. Scans of marked answer sheets and creative writing will be sent with our analysis within 48 hours, and often within 24 hours.

We try to get results and feedback out within 24 hours, but we would rather take 48 hours if we need to so that you receive a thorough analysis with practical advice. We are not a computerised service because we want you to benefit from over thirty years of experience helping children succeed in their Colyton exam.

You can find the Gulliford Tutors FSCE style 11+ practice papers and books written by Jane and Mark on the Gulliford Tutors website and through the usual book retailers. If you are unsure which books are most suitable for your child, you are welcome to ask and we will help you choose something appropriate without overloading them.

The registration portal for Year 7 entry in September 2027 opens on 31st March 2026. The closing date for registration has not been published, so please check with Colyton directly.

Test date
Saturday 12th September 2026

Open days

• Wednesday 1st April at 1.45pm
• Wednesday 22nd April at 10.30am and 1.45pm
• Tuesday 23rd June at 1.45pm
• Monday 6th July at 10.30am and 1.45pm
• Tuesday 7th July at 10.30am and 1.45pm

Colyton deadline for test registration
17.00 on 31st July 2026, to be confirmed

Colyton selection test
Saturday 12th September 2026

Torquay grammars

Both Torquay Girls and Torquay Boys grammar deadline for test registration is 12.00 on 15th July 2026 preferred, or Friday 4th September 2026.

All Torquay grammars selection test is Saturday 19th September 2026.