The three Plymouth grammar schools use Quest Assessments in September of Year 6: English and maths on two Saturdays, each paper 40 minutes and 60 questions in two sections, multiple choice on a separate answer sheet. Devonport High School for Boys adds its own English writing paper, which is marked and must be passed. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
At a glance
Subjects
Maths and English, plus writing
Answers
Multiple choice, plus a writing task
Usually held
September
Set by
Quest Assessments
Schools
3
The papers
Stage
Paper
How it is answered
Prism practice paper
Test days
English
Multiple choice
60 questions, 40 minutes
Test days
Maths
Multiple choice
60 questions, 40 minutes
Test days
Writing (Devonport High School for Boys)
Writing task
One task, 40 minutes
Test setters rarely publish how many questions a paper has, so the question counts are the length of Prism’s practice papers; timings follow the setter’s published guidance where there is any. Arrangements change from year to year: always check them with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the Plymouth
The Plymouth 11+ (Quest) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
A library has 160 books. 5% of them are about animals. How many books are about animals?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 8
How to work it out
Find 10% first: 160 ÷ 10 = 16.
Build 5% from it: 8.
Why the other options are wrong
B (4): This is half the correct answer, 8. Check whether you halved when you should not have.
C (16): This is 10% of 160; build 5% from it.
D (5): This is the percentage, 5, used as if it were the answer.
E (152): This is how many are left over, not 5% of 160.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word completes the sentence with the correct spelling?
I will _____ remember my swimming kit tomorrow.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, definitely
How to work it out
I will definitely remember my swimming kit tomorrow.
It comes from finite: de-fin-ite-ly.
No a anywhere.
Why the other options are wrong
A (defanitely): The wrong vowel is used: “definitely” has “i” in “fin”, but this writes “a”.
B (definitly): A vowel is missing: “definitely” has an “e” after “it”.
D (definately): The wrong vowel is used: “definitely” has “i” in “nit”, but this writes “a”.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the Plymouth?
The Plymouth tests maths and English, and includes a piece of writing.
When is the Plymouth?
The main test usually takes place in September of Year 6. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the Plymouth?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Plymouth format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.