Poole Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Good
Poole Grammar School
Poole Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school for ages 11–18, based in Poole, Dorset. Known for its excellent academic results and commitment to developing independent, confident learners, it remains one of the most sought-after schools in the region. The sixth form is mixed, welcoming both male and female students.
Established in 1904, Poole Grammar provides a broad and balanced curriculum supported by outstanding facilities and a rich extracurricular programme. Pupils can get involved in music, sport, science clubs, and leadership opportunities that build skills for life beyond school.
Entry into Year 7 is based on results from the 11 Plus exam, taken as part of the Dorset grammar school consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Poole Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Poole Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Poole 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 Poole Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Poole Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Poole Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Poole Grammar School Key Information
Under this section, we regularly update key information for Poole Grammar School, including contact details, addresses and key statistics useful for prospective students and their parents.
School Address
Full Address:
Poole Grammar School, Gravel HillPoole
Dorset
BH17 9JU
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited parking at Poole Grammar School. In the event there is no parking space on site at the school, alternative venues are listed below, within a 30 minute walk.
Additional parking off site
- Story Lane Car Park, Merley BH18 8EQ (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Station Approach, Merley BH18 8AX (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Poole Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good, with Outstanding for behaviour, attitudes, and personal development.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve excellent GCSE and A Level results, supported by high expectations and strong subject knowledge from teachers.
Teaching and curriculum: The curriculum is ambitious and broad, though some lessons need more consistent checks for understanding and activity planning.
Behaviour and culture: Exceptional behaviour, inclusivity, and respect create a positive, disruption-free learning environment where pupils thrive.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is ambitious and supportive, staff well-being is prioritised, and safeguarding procedures are robust and effective.
Poole Grammar School 11+ Format
Poole Grammar School is part of the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium, which uses a single 11 Plus exam process for all four participating schools. This means families can apply to multiple schools without their child needing to sit more than one test.
The Bournemouth Consortium 11+: Overview
The tests are produced by GL Assessment and based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Answers are completed on pre-printed sheets under timed, formal exam conditions, with all consortium schools running the test on the same day.
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
The Bournemouth GL 11+ Assessment Criteria
| Non Verbal Reasoning | English | Verbal Reasoning | Maths | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no published pass mark for the Poole Grammar School 11 Plus exam. Entrants’ marks are standardised and ranked, and the qualifying standard varies each year based on applicant numbers and performance.
Catchment Area
There is no official ‘catchment area’ for Poole Grammar School. However, boys living in ‘the Historic Borough of Poole’ or have Poole postcodes are prioritised within the Oversubscription criteria.
The postcodes of Poole, or the Historic Borough of Poole are:
- BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17, BH18 and BH21 3
Additional Eligibility
If more pupils meet the required standard than there are available places, Poole Grammar School prioritises applications in this order:
-
Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
-
Pupil Premium applicants with a qualifying test score
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Siblings of current students
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Applicants living closest to the school (measured by straight-line distance)
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All other applicants, ranked by distance
To be considered, applicants must both register for the entrance test and submit an application through their local authority.
Click here to view the full Poole Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Poole Grammar School
Getting ready for the 11 Plus can be a smoother experience with the right support:
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 Poole 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.
Poole Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Poole Grammar School requires strict adherence to dates and deadlines in the application and admission process to the school. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand this can be alot for prospective students and parents, especially alongside exam preparation. For this reason, we regularly update key dates below.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
Open Events
Test Registration Deadline
Entrance tests
Results Released to Parents by Post
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day for Applicants
Poole Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Poole 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 Poole Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register directly with one consortium school (e.g. Poole Grammar) to sit the shared entrance test. This must be done before the deadline in early September 2025.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Poole 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.
Poole Grammar School FAQs
To apply, register your child for the consortium 11 Plus exam through one of the participating schools, then submit a Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31 October 2025, listing Poole Grammar as a preference.
The exam is set by GL Assessment and includes three multiple-choice papers in English, maths, and verbal reasoning. It is taken under formal exam conditions on the same day across all consortium schools.
Entry is highly competitive, with far more applicants than available places each year. Scores are standardised and ranked, and meeting the qualifying standard does not guarantee a place.
The school prioritises applicants living closest by straight-line distance when oversubscribed. While there’s no strict catchment boundary, proximity to the school can influence place allocation.