Bournemouth School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Bournemouth School for Girls
Bournemouth School for Girls is a selective state grammar in Charminster, Dorset, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024. Founded in 1917, it offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, high-quality teaching and a wide range of enrichment opportunities in music, drama, STEM and leadership.
Entry into Year 7 is through the 11 Plus, taken as part of the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium. The GL Assessment exam includes three multiple-choice papers in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning, sat under timed conditions on the same day across all four consortium schools.
Each year 180 places are available, with oversubscription criteria prioritising looked after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings and those living closest to the school within its defined catchment area. Applicants must register for the test through the school and also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to their local authority by 31 October.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bournemouth School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bournemouth School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bournemouth School for Girls
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Bournemouth School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bournemouth School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bournemouth School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bournemouth School For Girls Key Information
Below you’ll find key details for Bournemouth School for Girls, including contact information and parking arrangements.
School Address
Full Address:
Castle Gate ClDorset
Bournemouth
BH8 9UJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited on-site parking available at Bournemouth School for Girls. The East Way car park can accommodate up to 30 cars.
Additional parking off site
The school advises visitors to use nearby retail park car parks and other off-site locations, as on-site spaces are very limited.
Bournemouth School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Bournemouth School for Girls was judged Outstanding in all areas at its May 2024 Ofsted inspection.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well across a highly ambitious curriculum, with many progressing to top universities.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers use strong subject knowledge and clear explanations to deliver a broad, challenging curriculum that enables pupils to build deep understanding.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing kindness, respect and eagerness to learn in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders, trustees and staff work together to maintain rigorous oversight and effective safeguarding, ensuring all pupils feel valued and well supported.
11 Plus Exam Process for Bournemouth School for Girls
Bournemouth School for Girls is a member of the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium, which runs a shared entrance exam. As a result, applicants to any of the four schools only need to sit the test once.
Bournemouth School for Girls Entry Exam: Overview
Format
GL Assessment
The assessment, set by GL Assessment, is made up of three multiple-choice papers:
- Paper 1: English
- Paper 2: Mathematics
- Paper 3: Verbal Reasoning
The tests are created by GL Assessment and draw on Key Stage 2 curriculum content. Pupils complete pre-printed multiple-choice answer sheets under timed conditions, with all three papers sat on the same day across the consortium schools. To sit the exam, pupils must register with one consortium school, and results are then shared among all four schools to confirm eligibility for admission.
Subject Summary
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Scores are standardised and ranked, but achieving the qualifying standard does not guarantee a place since all four schools are regularly oversubscribed.
Catchment Area
If the number of eligible applicants in any category is greater than the places available, priority is given to those living closest to the school. The defined catchment area for Bournemouth School for Girls includes the following postcodes: BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH5, BH6, BH7, BH8, BH9, BH10, BH11, BH12 5, BH23 1, BH23 2 and BH23 3.
Additional Eligibility
When more candidates achieve the qualifying standard than there are places available, Bournemouth School for Girls uses the following oversubscription criteria:
- Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium applicants (subject to verification and a qualifying test score)
- Siblings of current BSG students
- Applicants living closest to the school (measured in a straight line)
- All remaining candidates, ranked by test score
If demand within any category exceeds the number of available places, priority is given to those living nearest to the school. Please note that all applicants must sit the entrance tests and also submit a Common Application Form (CAF) to their local authority.
For full details, please refer to the Bournemouth School for Girls 2025–2026 Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bournemouth School for Girls
The 11 Plus exam process can feel competitive, but there are many effective ways you can support your daughter as she prepares.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparing for the Bournemouth School for Girls 11 Plus in Year 4 or at the start of Year 5. This gives plenty of time for steady progress without unnecessary pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed GL-style practice papers in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning to build confidence with the format and strengthen exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of progress and focus extra time on topics or question types that your child finds more challenging.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and develop analytical thinking – all vital skills for success in the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools and platforms can provide structured practice, instant feedback and mock exams, helping your child prepare more effectively and stay motivated.
Best Chance of Success
A steady, organised approach combined with encouragement will help your child feel confident and well-prepared for the Bournemouth School for Girls entrance test.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are working to set up a network of local test centres offering in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely mirror the format used by Bournemouth School for Girls. These sessions will give your child valuable practice under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service is not yet available, you can register your interest using the form below, and we will get in touch as soon as mock exams are running in your area.
Bournemouth School For Girls Key Dates
Below are the key dates for the 2026 entry exams and application process.
Open Afternoon
Test Registration Deadline
Entrance tests
Results Released to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day for On-Time Applicants
Bournemouth School For Girls Application Process
The application process for Bournemouth School for Girls has three key steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Please read the Bournemouth School for Girls Admissions Policy PDF to make sure you and your child are fully informed about the process and eligibility requirements.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Consortium Test
You must register your child to sit the entrance exam at one of the consortium schools. Registration is completed online via the Bournemouth School for Girls website during the published registration window.
Visit School WebsiteSubmit the Common Application Form (CAF)
The CAF must be submitted to your local authority by 31 October 2025, with Bournemouth School for Girls listed as one of your preferences. Your child will only be considered if they both achieve the qualifying score in the test and are named on your CAF.
Bournemouth School For Girls FAQs
To apply, you must register your child for the consortium entrance test via the Bournemouth School for Girls website during the registration window. Your child must sit this test and achieve the qualifying standard to be considered. In addition, you must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31 October 2025, naming Bournemouth School for Girls as one of your preferences. Your child will only be considered if they both qualify in the test and are listed on your CAF.
The exam is provided by GL Assessment and consists of three multiple-choice papers:
- Paper 1: English
- Paper 2: Mathematics
- Paper 3: Verbal Reasoning
All papers are based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, taken under timed conditions on the same day across the consortium schools. Scores are age-standardised and shared across all four schools in the consortium.
Entry is highly competitive. There are 180 Year 7 places available each year, but far more pupils sit the consortium test across the region. Only those who achieve the selective standard can be considered, and places are offered according to oversubscription criteria, which include looked after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings and distance from the school.
Yes. When more candidates qualify than there are places available, priority is given to those living nearest to the school. The defined catchment area covers the following postcodes: BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH5, BH6, BH7, BH8, BH9, BH10, BH11, BH12 5, BH23 1, BH23 2 and BH23 3.