Dorset Grammar Schools 11+ Guide for Parents
The Dorset grammar school 11+ route is best understood as the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium test. Four selective grammar schools share one set of entrance tests so that children applying to more than one consortium school do not need to sit multiple tests.
This guide explains which schools are in the consortium, what the current GL Assessment entrance test includes, how registration and school applications work, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium?
The Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium is the shared selective entrance testing arrangement used by four grammar schools in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
There is one set of selection tests for the four consortium schools. This saves children from having to sit separate entrance tests for each of the schools if parents want the child to be considered by more than one grammar school.
The entrance test is used to decide whether a child is eligible for consideration for a place. Eligibility is not the same as being offered a place. These grammar schools are usually oversubscribed, so each school’s admissions policy and oversubscription criteria still apply.
Which Grammar Schools Are in the Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole Consortium?
The four schools in the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium are:
| Grammar School | School Type | Entrance Route |
|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth School | Boys’ grammar school | Shared Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium test. |
| Bournemouth School for Girls | Girls’ grammar school | Shared Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium test. |
| Parkstone Grammar School | Girls’ grammar school | Shared Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium test. |
| Poole Grammar School | Boys’ grammar school | Shared Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium test. |
Parents should read the admissions policy for every school they are considering. Although the schools share a test, the admissions criteria, priority arrangements and oversubscription rules are school-specific.
Who Provides the Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole 11+ Test?
The consortium entrance tests are provided by GL Assessment.
The current official school guidance describes three GL Assessment multiple-choice papers:
- Mathematics
- English
- Verbal Reasoning
Scores from the GL Assessment papers are standardised by age. This means a child’s age within the school year is taken into account when scores are calculated.
What Does the Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole 11+ Assess?
The current consortium test assesses three main areas:
- Mathematics — based on Key Stage 2 work
- English — comprehension, vocabulary and punctuation
- Verbal Reasoning — language-based reasoning and problem solving
In practical preparation terms, pupils should build confidence across:
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths problem solving
- Maths word problems
- Key Stage 2 number, measurement, geometry and data
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Careful reading of instructions
- Verbal Reasoning
- Word meanings and relationships
- Codes, patterns and logic
- Multiple-choice technique
- Working accurately under strict time limits
Test Format and Timings
Current school guidance describes three GL Assessment papers. The question style is multiple choice, with answers marked on pre-printed answer sheets.
| Paper | Current Timing | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 minutes | Key Stage 2 Maths, arithmetic, problem solving, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and data. |
| English | 45 minutes | Comprehension, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar accuracy and careful reading. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 50 minutes | Vocabulary, word relationships, codes, verbal logic and unfamiliar reasoning questions. |
GL Assessment tests are designed to be taken under strict time limits. Pupils should therefore practise accuracy first, then gradually build speed and stamina.
Multiple Choice Answer Sheets
The consortium GL Assessment papers use multiple-choice questions, with candidates entering answers on a pre-printed answer sheet.
This makes answer-sheet technique important. Pupils should practise:
- matching the question number to the answer number
- marking the chosen answer clearly
- not making unnecessary marks on the answer sheet
- using rough working sensibly
- checking that answers have been transferred correctly
- moving on from difficult questions when needed
- working accurately under strict time limits
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice, which helps pupils build exam discipline and reduce avoidable answer-sheet errors.
Registration and School Applications
Parents must register their child for the entrance tests within the official registration window for the relevant admissions year.
The tests are taken at the school where the parent has registered the child. The consortium test may only be taken once at one consortium school.
Test registration is not the same as applying for a school place. Parents must also apply through their home Local Authority application system and list the grammar schools they want to apply for.
Application for admission is not made directly to the school. If the family lives outside the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area, the home local authority passes the expression of interest to BCP Council as part of the coordinated admissions process.
Eligibility, Oversubscription and Offers
After the tests, parents are told whether the child is eligible or ineligible for consideration for a place at a Bournemouth and/or Poole grammar school.
Being eligible does not guarantee a place. The consortium schools are often oversubscribed, and each school applies its own admissions and oversubscription criteria.
Parents should check:
- the admissions policy for each school
- catchment or priority area rules where relevant
- Pupil Premium or disadvantaged-pupil priority rules where relevant
- looked-after and previously looked-after child criteria
- distance and tie-break rules
- whether late testing or late applications are treated differently
Access Arrangements and Illness
If a child has a special educational need, disability, medical need or usual school-based test arrangement, parents should check the current access-arrangements process for the relevant consortium school.
Supporting evidence is usually required. Parents should raise access needs early rather than waiting until close to the test.
If a child is unable to sit the entrance tests because of illness, bereavement or another circumstance beyond the control of the parent, the consortium may make alternative arrangements where evidence is accepted. Parents should follow the latest school guidance for the relevant admissions year.
Pupil Premium and Familiarisation Support
Some consortium schools provide or signpost free familiarisation support for children eligible for Pupil Premium or free school meals.
Parents whose child has been eligible for free school meals should check the current school admissions page and complete any required verification process early.
Familiarisation material is useful for understanding question style and answer-sheet layout, but it should be used alongside steady preparation in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Bournemouth and Poole grammar school preparation should focus mainly on English, Maths, Maths word problems, Verbal Reasoning, vocabulary and SPAG.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation VR, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB, for vocabulary development
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG, for language accuracy
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets can be useful if a child is preparing for several 11+ areas, but for the Bournemouth and Poole consortium alone, preparation should prioritise English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning.
Non-Verbal Reasoning should be added only if the child is also preparing for another grammar school area that tests NVR.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear categories. For Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole, the most relevant areas are English, Maths, Maths Word Problems, Verbal Reasoning, SPAG, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ VR
11+ Mock Exams
- 11+ SPAG — useful for English accuracy, vocabulary and language confidence.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — useful for broader mixed 11+ preparation, especially if also applying outside the Bournemouth and Poole consortium.
11+ Foundation
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
Maths Preparation
The Maths paper is based on Key Stage 2 work and rewards accuracy, problem solving and speed under pressure.
Your child should practise:
- times tables and mental maths
- written calculations
- fractions
- decimals
- percentages
- ratio and proportion
- measurement
- geometry
- statistics and data handling
- number patterns
- word problems
- multi-step problem solving
- checking calculations carefully
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced Maths
English Preparation
The English paper tests comprehension, vocabulary and punctuation. Pupils should build strong reading accuracy and language confidence.
Your child should practise:
- reading comprehension
- retrieving information from a passage
- inference
- vocabulary in context
- synonyms and antonyms
- spelling accuracy
- grammar and punctuation
- sentence structure
- proofreading
- careful reading of question wording
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
Verbal Reasoning Preparation
The Verbal Reasoning paper is designed to assess a pupil’s academic potential and includes unfamiliar reasoning questions. Pupils who have not practised this subject may find it very different from normal school work.
Your child should practise:
- word meanings
- synonyms and antonyms
- word relationships
- compound words
- letter and word codes
- logical word sequences
- vocabulary-based reasoning
- careful instruction reading
- eliminating incorrect answer choices
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ VR
- 11+ Foundation VR
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ SPAG, for language accuracy support
Printed Paper Sets for Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
For Bournemouth and Poole consortium preparation, prioritise English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning printed practice. Add mixed or Non-Verbal Reasoning papers only if the child is also preparing for other 11+ routes.
Suggested Weekly Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly plan for Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole consortium preparation could include:
- 2 days per week: Maths or word problems
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 1 to 2 days per week: Verbal Reasoning and vocabulary
- 1 day per week: printed paper practice, answer-sheet practice or mistake review
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed practice. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter, focused sessions and review mistakes carefully.
Common Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- assuming the test includes Non-Verbal Reasoning when current consortium guidance lists English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning
- practising only Maths and not enough English or Verbal Reasoning
- ignoring vocabulary development
- doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- not practising pre-printed answer-sheet technique
- starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- missing the test registration window
- forgetting that test registration is separate from the Local Authority school application
- assuming eligibility guarantees a place at a specific school
- not checking each school’s oversubscription criteria
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make Bournemouth and Poole grammar school preparation more effective by keeping it balanced, calm and accurate.
Helpful habits include:
- check the current admissions pages for all target schools
- register for the entrance test within the official window
- complete the Local Authority school application separately
- build Maths fluency through short regular practice
- read daily and discuss vocabulary
- practise Verbal Reasoning consistently
- use SPAG practice to strengthen English accuracy
- review mistakes after each test
- keep a notebook of weak topics
- use online practice to target gaps
- use printed papers for exam discipline
- practise answer-sheet technique
- focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools are in the Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium?
The four consortium schools are Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Parkstone Grammar School and Poole Grammar School.
Do children need to sit separate tests for each school?
No. There is one set of selection tests for the four consortium schools. The tests may only be taken once at one consortium school.
Who provides the Bournemouth and Poole grammar school test?
The tests are provided by GL Assessment.
What subjects are tested?
Current school guidance lists three GL Assessment papers: Mathematics, English and Verbal Reasoning.
Is Non-Verbal Reasoning tested?
Current Bournemouth and Poole consortium guidance does not list a separate Non-Verbal Reasoning paper. NVR should be added only if the child is also preparing for another grammar school area that tests it.
How long are the papers?
Current school guidance describes Mathematics as 50 minutes, English as 45 minutes and Verbal Reasoning as 50 minutes.
Are the tests multiple choice?
Yes. The three GL Assessment papers are multiple choice, and candidates mark answers on a pre-printed answer sheet.
Are scores age-standardised?
Yes. Scores achieved in the GL Assessment papers are standardised against national criteria by age.
Does passing the entrance test guarantee a place?
No. Being eligible for a place does not mean a place will be allocated. The schools are usually oversubscribed, and each school’s admissions policy applies.
Is test registration the same as applying for a school place?
No. Parents must register for testing and also apply through their home Local Authority application system.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ VR, 11+ SPAG, Advanced VOCAB, Advanced English and Advanced Maths.
Are printed paper sets useful?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, answer-sheet technique, timing and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Final Advice
Dorset / Bournemouth and Poole grammar school preparation should focus on the actual current consortium test areas: English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning.
Pupils should build strong reading comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths, word-problem, Verbal Reasoning and multiple-choice answer-sheet skills, supported by regular mistake review.
Parents should also remember that the entrance test is only one part of the process. They must register for testing, complete the Local Authority school application, check individual school admissions policies and understand that eligibility does not guarantee a place.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen the key test areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, answer-sheet technique, timed work, careful mistake review and up-to-date admissions checking, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the Bournemouth and Poole Grammar Schools Consortium 11+.