About Bournemouth Collegiate School
Bournemouth Collegiate School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school in Bournemouth, Dorset. As an independent school it does not use the state grammar school entrance test process. Entry to Year 7 is via the school's own assessment and interview process. Fees apply and bursaries/scholarships are available.
Bournemouth Collegiate School provides an excellent education with high academic standards and a broad curriculum. GCSE 9–7: 60%. A-Level A*–B: 70%.
About Admission to Bournemouth Collegiate School
Bournemouth Collegiate School (BCS) is a selective independent (fee‑paying) co‑educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18 in Dorset, on the South Coast. It runs across two sites — a Prep School in Lower Parkstone, Poole, and a Senior School a short walk from the beach in Southbourne, Bournemouth. Entry is by the school’s own assessment and you apply directly to the school — there is no local‑authority Common Application Form and no National Offers Day.
The main senior entry point is 11+ (Year 7), where applicants sit the school’s own papers in English (a multiple‑choice comprehension and a writing paper) and Mathematics. The comprehension and maths papers use a GL‑style multiple‑choice format, but BCS is an independent school, so you apply directly. Day and boarding places (including weekly and full boarding) are available, and the school prides itself on an inclusive, ‘add value’ approach for pupils of differing abilities and interests.
This guide explains how entry works, the key steps and dates, results and school life. Always confirm the latest details on the school’s official admissions pages before applying.
Bournemouth Collegiate School Admissions Guide (11+ Entry)
How Bournemouth Collegiate Selects Pupils
Entry is by the school’s own assessment, considering academic potential alongside each child’s strengths. There is no exam‑board qualifying mark and no statutory oversubscription criteria.
- ✓11+ (Year 7): a multiple‑choice English comprehension paper, an English writing paper, and a Mathematics paper (GL‑style multiple choice).
- ✓Day and boarding places are available, including weekly, full and international boarding.
- ✓Entry is also possible at other ages, from the Prep School (from age 2–3) through to Sixth Form (16+).
- ✓The school takes an inclusive approach, supporting pupils of differing abilities and interests.
Key Dates & How It Works
| 📌 Open events & taster days | Through the year |
| 📌 Registration | Ahead of assessment |
| 📌 11+ assessment & visit | Arranged with the admissions team |
| 📌 Outcome | Offers follow assessment |
How to Apply to Bournemouth Collegiate School
Step 1 — Visit & register
Arrange a visit or taster day and register your child with the admissions team.
Step 2 — Assessment
For 11+, your child sits the English and Maths papers (and may have a taster experience in school).
Step 3 — Offer & acceptance
Offers follow the assessment; the team will talk through day or boarding options and fees.
What the 11+ Assessment Covers
The comprehension and maths papers use a GL‑style multiple‑choice format and test core skills and problem‑solving; the writing paper rewards imagination, organisation and clear writing.
11+ Practice Papers (English & Maths)
BCS sets its own 11+ papers, with GL‑style multiple‑choice English and Maths. These practice papers build exactly those core skills — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Bournemouth Collegiate School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Bournemouth Collegiate School (GCSE & A‑Level Results)
As a smaller, inclusive independent school, BCS places equal weight on academic achievement and personal development, focusing on ‘adding value’ for every pupil.
- ✓A broad GCSE and A‑Level curriculum, with strong individual progress across subjects.
- ✓In a recent year, around two‑thirds of A‑Level entries were graded A*–B.
- ✓Pupils are supported to reach their potential and progress to a wide range of universities and pathways. (Independent‑school results are reported at subject level and vary year to year; ask the school for the latest.)
Pastoral Care, Boarding & Co‑curricular Life
BCS prides itself on a nurturing, all‑inclusive and culturally diverse community where the happiness of pupils comes first — captured in its motto, ‘Enjoy, Achieve, Aspire’.
Boarding & setting
The Senior School sits a short walk from the beach in Southbourne, offering day as well as weekly, full and international boarding.
Co‑curricular & trips
A wide co‑curriculum makes the most of the Dorset coast, New Forest and Cheddar Gorge, with trips further afield to Iceland, France and Spain helping pupils grow into well‑rounded young people.
Bournemouth Collegiate School Admissions — FAQ
How do I apply to Bournemouth Collegiate School?
You apply directly to the school — there is no Local Authority Common Application Form. Arrange a visit, register with the admissions team, and your child sits the school’s assessment. Entry is possible from age 2–3 through to Sixth Form.
Is BCS a grammar school? Does it use the GL Assessment?
No — BCS is an independent (fee‑paying) school. Its 11+ English comprehension and Maths papers use a GL‑style multiple‑choice format, but you apply directly — there is no CAF or National Offers Day.
Is it co‑educational, and does it offer boarding?
Yes — it is co‑educational for ages 2 to 18 and offers day places as well as weekly, full and international boarding.
What does the 11+ assessment involve?
A multiple‑choice English comprehension paper, an English writing paper and a Mathematics paper. The school considers academic potential alongside each child’s wider strengths.
What are the results like?
As a smaller, inclusive independent school, BCS focuses on ‘adding value’ and strong individual progress across a broad curriculum, with results reported at subject level. Ask the school for its latest GCSE and A‑Level outcomes.
What is school life like?
BCS offers a nurturing, all‑inclusive community with a wide co‑curriculum, a beachside Senior School in Southbourne, and trips ranging from the Dorset coast, New Forest and Cheddar Gorge to Iceland, France and Spain.