GrammarCo-educationalOfsted · Outstanding
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Colyton Grammar School

Colyton, Devon · EX24 6HN

AAB+ A-level

58.2%

9–7 GCSE

80.6%

Pupils

1,061

Inspection

Outstanding

Read report
School website

Colyton Grammar School is a long-established, selective day grammar school in rural Devon, founded in 1546 with a strong academic tradition and commitment to intellectual curiosity. The school serves approximately 1,061 pupils across ages 11–18 and emphasizes a 'perfect balance of support and challenge' alongside values of humility and service. Located in a picturesque market town setting, it combines rigorous academics with a substantial co-curricular programme, notably outdoor education and Ten Tors participation.

  • Strong selective entry and proven academic outcomes in a smaller-town setting
  • Emphasis on outdoor education, resilience-building, and extracurricular depth (Ten Tors, expeditions)
  • Historic ethos and values-driven approach; notable accessibility compared to southern prep-fed grammar schools

Who thrives here

Ambitious, intellectually curious pupils who thrive in a supportive grammar environment and appreciate outdoor pursuits and community service. Families seeking a traditional, values-centred selective education outside major city centres will find Colyton's rural Devon setting and low-pressure pastoral culture particularly appealing.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers100th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeGrammar · Day
Founded1546
Number of pupils1,061
Age range11–11
GenderCo-educational
FeesFree (state grammar)
Settingrural
LocationRural location in mid-Devon; most pupils travel by car or school coach. Limited public transport; Axminster railway station (20 mins) provides service to Exeter and Waterloo.

Contact & visit

Whitwell Lane, Colyford

Colyton, Devon

EX24 6HN

www.colytongrammar.com
01297552327
Mr Tim Harris, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Axminster20 min
Honiton25 min

Frequently asked questions

How much does Colyton Grammar School cost?

Colyton Grammar School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.

How do you get into Colyton Grammar School?

Colyton Grammar School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Colyton Grammar School's exam results?

At Colyton Grammar School, 58.2% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 80.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Colyton Grammar School a boarding school?

Colyton Grammar School is a day school in Colyton and does not offer boarding.

What is Colyton Grammar School's latest inspection rating?

Ofsted rated Colyton Grammar School “Outstanding” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong academic standards and selective ethos

Outstanding outdoor education and resilience-building (Ten Tors, expeditions)

Values-driven pastoral care and 'calm, inspiring' school culture

Supportive, family-like community in a rural setting

Excellent value compared to southern independent schools

Common concerns

!Rural location and limited public transport may constrain accessibility for some families

!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; limited external validation for quality assurance

!Selective entry creates pressure for feeder school pupils