Parkstone Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 192
Ofsted Rating: Good
Parkstone Grammar School
Parkstone Grammar School is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11–18, based in Poole, Dorset. Known for its strong academic results and commitment to developing independent, confident learners, it ranks among the top-performing schools in the region. The sixth form is mixed, welcoming both girls and boys.
Established in 1905, Parkstone Grammar offers a broad and engaging curriculum supported by a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students can take part in STEM clubs, music, drama, and sports, as well as leadership and community projects that build confidence and life skills.
Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the 11 Plus exam, which forms part of the Dorset grammar schools consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Parkstone Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Parkstone Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Parkstone Grammar School
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 Parkstone Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Parkstone Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Parkstone Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Parkstone Grammar School’s Contact Information and More
Contact details, address, and parking information for Parkstone Grammar School.
School Address
Full Address:
Sopers LnPoole
Dorset
BH17 7EP
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no on-site parking at Parkstone Grammar School.
Additional parking off site
- Nearby options include residential streets and the public car parks in Poole Park
Parkstone Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly across a broad curriculum, particularly in the sixth form, where a wide range of subjects and enrichment activities are offered.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is strong and encourages independent learning, though assessment methods are not yet fully consistent across all subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Excellent behaviour and a strong sense of pride create an outstanding learning environment where pupils feel valued and included.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders are ambitious and supportive, with effective safeguarding in place, though school improvement could be guided by more detailed self-evaluation.
Parkstone Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
Parkstone Grammar School is a member of the Dorset Grammar Schools Consortium, meaning applicants to any of the four schools take the same shared entrance test.
Parkstone Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
The GL Assessment papers are based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Pupils record their answers on pre-printed answer sheets, and all exams are held in person on the same date at the school where the parent registered.
Paper One
Mathematics (GL Assessment) Time Allowed: 50 minutes
Paper Two
English (GL Assessment) Time Allowed: 45 minutes
Paper Three
Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment) Time Allowed: 50 minutes
Subject Summary
| Non Verbal Reasoning | English | Verbal Reasoning | Maths | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Test results are shared across all four consortium schools. Each student may take the test only once and must be registered with one consortium school to sit it.
Test scores are standardised and used to determine eligibility. However, being deemed eligible does not guarantee a place due to high demand.
Catchment Area
The school uses a ‘Catchment area’ in its oversubscription criteria, to prioritise which girls should be given offers to the school.
Parkstone Grammar School’s catchment area includes the historic Borough of Poole and the surrounding postcodes BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17, BH18, and BH21 3.
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants qualify than there are available places, Parkstone Grammar School applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
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Pupil Premium applicants who meet the qualifying standard
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Siblings of current Parkstone Grammar School students
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Applicants living nearest to the school (measured by straight-line distance)
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Other qualifying applicants, ranked by distance
To be considered under any of these categories, applicants must meet the required standard in the entrance exam and submit all application forms by the stated deadlines.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Parkstone Grammar School
Helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus can make a big difference. Here are some ways to support them:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Parkstone Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Parkstone Grammar School’s Key Dates
Here are the dates relevant to the entry exam and application process for 2026.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
Open Evening
Test Registration Deadline
Entrance Tests
Results Released to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day for On-Time Applicants
Parkstone Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Parkstone Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Parkstone Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register your child with one of the consortium grammar schools (such as Parkstone) to take the entrance test. The registration form will be available on the school’s website during the spring or summer term.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Parkstone Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Parkstone Grammar School FAQs
To apply for a Year 7 place, you’ll need to complete two separate forms:
- The Parkstone Grammar School registration form (available on the school’s website during the spring or summer term), which registers your child for the entrance test.
- The Common Application Form (CAF), submitted to your local authority by 31st October 2025, listing Parkstone Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Both forms must be completed by the deadlines for your child’s application to be valid.
The 11 Plus exam for Parkstone Grammar School is provided by GL Assessment and is shared across the Dorset Grammar Schools Consortium. Pupils sit three written papers based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum:
- Mathematics – 50 minutes
- English – 45 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning – 50 minutes
All exams take place in person on the same day at the school where you registered. Answers are marked on pre-printed answer sheets, and results are standardised before being shared with all four consortium schools.
Entry is highly competitive. There are 192 Year 7 places available each year, and demand regularly exceeds the number of spaces. While test results are used to determine eligibility, there is no fixed pass mark – the qualifying standard changes each year depending on applicant performance and numbers. Meeting the qualifying standard does not automatically guarantee a place, as oversubscription criteria may then apply.
Yes. Parkstone Grammar School gives priority to applicants who live within its catchment area, which includes the historic Borough of Poole and postcodes BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17, BH18, and BH21 3.
If more pupils qualify than there are available places, the school applies its oversubscription criteria, giving priority to looked after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings of current students, and those living closest to the school.