Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) is a selective girls’ grammar school with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Poole, Dorset. It is one of the two grammar schools in the area (alongside Poole Grammar School for boys), and is known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and rich co-curricular offering.
🏛️ History of the School
- Established: 1905
- Originally founded as a school for girls by Poole Borough Council, it has grown steadily and become one of the top-performing girls’ state schools in the South West.
- The school moved to its current site on Sopers Lane in 1960, and has undergone extensive development, with modern facilities added for science, technology, and performing arts.
- Now operates as an Academy Trust, giving the school greater autonomy in curriculum and leadership.
👩🎓👨🎓 Pupil Numbers
- Total students: Approximately 1,350
- Years 7–11 (Girls): ~1,000
- Sixth Form (Co-ed): ~350
- Entry into Year 7 is through the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test, managed jointly with Poole Grammar School and Bournemouth School for Girls.
🎓 Academic Reputation
Parkstone Grammar School is highly regarded both locally and nationally for its strong academic outcomes, particularly in STEM subjects, modern languages, and humanities. It also has an excellent reputation for supporting student wellbeing and personal development.
📈 Academic Results:
- GCSE Results:
- ~88–90% of students achieved grades 7–9 (A–A*)
- A-Level Results:
- ~75–80% of grades were A–B*
- High progression to:
- Russell Group universities
- Oxford and Cambridge
- Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Arts degrees
🏆 Awards & Recognition
-
Ofsted Rating:
- Last inspection: Outstanding
-
Featured regularly in:
- The Sunday Times Parent Power rankings for top grammar schools
- DfE performance tables for high Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores
-
Success in national competitions such as:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Science Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Public Speaking and Debating Competitions
🏫 Parkstone Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Parkstone Grammar School (PGS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Girls (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Parkstone Grammar School
Sopers Lane
Poole
Dorset
BH17 7EP
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1202 605605
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
https://www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @PGS_Poole
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 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 Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 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 Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 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 Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 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.
Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) 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 Parkstone Grammar School (PGS).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Selective Girls’ Grammar School | Poole, Dorset | GL Assessment
Parkstone Grammar School (PGS) is a selective state grammar school for girls aged 11–18, located in Poole, Dorset. It admits boys into its co-educational Sixth Form, but Year 7 entry is for girls only. Entry is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ Test.
PGS is one of two grammar schools in the area (along with Poole Grammar School, for boys), and both are part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) local authority.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
📌 Places Available:
- Year 7 PAN (Planned Admission Number): 180 girls
✅ 1. GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test
To be considered for admission, girls must take the GL Assessment 11+ test, which includes:
- English & Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning
📝 Test format:
- Multiple-choice
- Age-standardised
Scores from both papers are combined to give a standardised total score. A qualifying score (pass mark) is set each year based on the performance of all applicants.
✅ 2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more applicants meet the required standard than places available, the following priorities apply:
- Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
- Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium (Free School Meals in the last 6 years)
- Siblings of current students attending PGS
- Distance from the school – measured in a straight line from home to school
📍 No formal catchment area, but proximity matters if the school is oversubscribed.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 Entry
✅ Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
- Opens: April
- Closes: Early September
- Register online via the school’s website: 🔗 www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk
⚠️ Registration is essential — girls who are not registered cannot take the test.
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Test Date: Late September
- Held at Parkstone Grammar School
✅ Step 3: Receive Test Results
- Date: Mid-October
- Parents receive their child’s standardised score before submitting school preferences
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit through your home local authority (e.g., BCP Council or Dorset Council)
- Deadline: 31st October
- List Parkstone Grammar School as one of your ranked preferences
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers made on 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
-
PGS Admissions Page:
https://www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk/admissions -
BCP Council School Admissions:
www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk
