Dorset Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Dorset is home to two selective grammar schools, both located in Bournemouth. These are state-funded, academically selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test for Year 7 admission.
These schools consistently rank among the top-performing grammar schools in the South West of England, with excellent GCSE and A-Level results, and strong university progression, including to Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Dorset (GL Assessment)
- Bournemouth School – Boys (with co-ed Sixth Form)
- Bournemouth School for Girls – Girls
📍 1. Bournemouth School
- Type: Boys’ grammar (Co-educational Sixth Form)
- Founded: 1901
- Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
- Pupil Numbers: Approx. 1,250 (including Sixth Form)
- Ofsted: Outstanding (2011)
📚 Academic Reputation:
- High academic performance at both GCSE and A-Level
- GCSE: ~80–85% grades 7–9 (A–A*)
- A-Level: ~75–85% A*–B
- Particularly strong in Sciences, Maths, and Modern Languages
- Many students progress to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge
🏆 Awards & Achievements:
- Regular success in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Physics and Chemistry Olympiads
- Debating and Model UN
- Strong extracurricular programme in sports, computing, and music
- Sixth Form rated highly for its breadth and university guidance
📍 2. Bournemouth School for Girls
- Type: Girls’ grammar (Years 7–11), Co-educational in Sixth Form
- Founded: 1917
- Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
- Pupil Numbers: Approx. 1,100
- Ofsted: Outstanding (2022)
📚 Academic Reputation:
- Consistently one of the top-performing girls’ grammar schools in the South
- GCSE: ~90% grades 7–9
- A-Level: ~80–90% A*–B
- Known for excellence in English, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Languages
- High numbers of students progress to Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, and Medicine
🏆 Awards & Achievements:
- Ofsted “Outstanding” across all categories
- Recognised for pastoral care, leadership opportunities, and academic challenge
- High participation in:
- STEM clubs, science fairs, and Olympiads
- Music and drama productions
- Public speaking and charity events
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Dorset Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Dorset Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Dorset Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Dorset Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Dorset Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Dorset Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Dorset Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
🧠 11+ Admissions (GL Assessment)
✔️ Entrance Test Format (Both Schools):
- Provided by GL Assessment
- Test Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
Applicants must register for the test via the school’s website, usually between April and June of Year 5.
- Test Date: Early to mid September of Year 6
- Results released before the national school application deadline (31 October)
- Parents then apply for a place via BCP Council’s admissions portal
🎯 Summary Table
| School | Type | Pupil Numbers | GCSE (7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Sixth Form | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth School | Boys (Co-ed 6F) | ~1,250 | ~80–85% | ~75–85% | Yes | Outstanding |
| Bournemouth School for Girls | Girls (Co-ed 6F) | ~1,100 | ~90% | ~80–90% | Yes | Outstanding |
🎖️ Key Strengths of Dorset Grammar Schools
- Academic excellence with Oxbridge and Russell Group success
- Exceptional STEM, Languages, and Humanities departments
- Strong focus on character development, leadership, and enrichment
- Rich extracurricular life including:
- Music, drama, and art
- Sports teams and competitions
- Debating, Young Enterprise, DofE
The Dorset grammar schools — Bournemouth School and Bournemouth School for Girls — offer a top-tier selective education through the GL Assessment 11+ route. With outstanding academic results, well-rounded enrichment, and exceptional Sixth Form progression, they are among the best grammar schools in southern England.
Dorset Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools – 2025 Entry)
There are two grammar schools in Dorset, both located in Bournemouth. These schools use the GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test for Year 7 entry and operate as part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Dorset (BCP Area)
| School | Location | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth School | Bournemouth | Boys (co-ed Sixth Form) |
| Bournemouth School for Girls (BSG) | Bournemouth | Girls (co-ed Sixth Form) |
✅ Both schools are state-funded selective grammar schools and use the same GL Assessment 11+ test.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To gain admission to either grammar school, students must:
🔹 1. Pass the GL Assessment 11+ Test
The test is set by GL Assessment and includes:
- Paper 1: English & Verbal Reasoning
- Paper 2: Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning
📝 Both papers are:
- Multiple-choice
- Standardised for age
Qualifying standardised score: Usually set by the school (e.g. around 111 or higher, depending on yearly performance)
🔹 2. Meet Oversubscription Criteria (if more students pass than there are places)
Each school applies its own admissions policy, but criteria usually include:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals eligibility
- Children of staff
- Siblings
- Distance from the school
- Rank order of 11+ score
📍 No catchment area, but distance can be used as a tie-breaker.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7
✅ Step 1: Register for the GL Assessment Test
-
Opens: April
-
Closes: September (early)
-
Register online via each school’s admissions portal:
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Test Date: Late September
- Held at each respective school
✅ Step 3: Receive Results
- Results are sent in October
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Apply via BCP Council (or your home local authority)
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your chosen grammar schools in rank order
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers made on 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
-
Bournemouth School:
www.bournemouth-school.org -
Bournemouth School for Girls:
www.bsg.bournemouth.sch.uk -
BCP Council School Admissions:
www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk
