Poole Grammar School (PGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Poole Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Poole, Dorset. It is one of the two grammar schools in Poole (the other being Parkstone Grammar School for Girls) and is widely recognised for its academic excellence, tradition of achievement, and all-round education.
🏛️ History of the School
- Founded: 1904
- Originally opened in the centre of Poole as Poole Secondary School for Boys, later becoming Poole Grammar School.
- In 1966, the school moved to its current, spacious campus on Gravel Hill, which has since seen major modern developments in science, technology, and sports facilities.
- Gained academy status in 2011, allowing greater independence and curriculum flexibility.
👨🎓👩🎓 Pupil Numbers
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Total Students: Approximately 1,300
- Years 7–11 (Boys only): ~950
- Sixth Form (Co-educational): ~350 students (including girls from other schools)
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Entry into Year 7 is via the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam, coordinated with Parkstone Grammar School and Bournemouth School for Girls as part of a shared testing system.
🎓 Academic Reputation
Poole Grammar has a long-standing reputation for academic rigour and university success. It is one of the top-performing schools in Dorset and offers a broad curriculum with particular strength in STEM subjects, humanities, and languages.
📈 Academic Results:
- GCSE Results :
- Around 85–88% of grades were 7–9 (A–A*)
- A-Level Results:
- Around 75–80% A–B grades*
- Strong outcomes in Maths, Physics, Economics, Chemistry, and History
🎓 University Destinations:
- High number of students proceed to:
- Russell Group universities
- Oxford and Cambridge
- STEM, Medicine, Law, and Economics degrees
- Dedicated careers and university application support, including for Oxbridge and UCAS
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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Ofsted Rating:
- Good, with many “Outstanding” features (latest inspection)
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Regular features in:
- The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide
- Department for Education (DfE) performance tables for high Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores
🏫 Poole Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Poole Grammar School
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Poole Grammar School
Gravel Hill
Poole
Dorset
BH17 9JU
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1202 692132
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Twitter/X: @poole_grammar
📝 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 Poole Grammar School (PGS) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Poole 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 Poole 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 Poole 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 Poole 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.
Poole 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 Poole Grammar School (PGS).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Poole Grammar School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Selective Boys’ Grammar School | Poole, Dorset | GL Assessment
🏫 School Overview
Poole Grammar School is a selective boys’ grammar school located in Poole, Dorset, admitting students aged 11–18. It is one of two grammar schools in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area – the other being Parkstone Grammar School (for girls).
Entry into Year 7 is based on academic ability demonstrated through performance in the GL Assessment 11+ test.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
📌 Year 7 PAN (Published Admission Number): 180 boys
To be eligible for a place, a candidate must:
🔹 1. Sit and Pass the GL Assessment 11+ Test
The entrance test includes:
- Paper 1: English & Verbal Reasoning
- Paper 2: Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning
✔️ Format:
- Multiple-choice
- Age-standardised
- Tests are written and marked by GL Assessment
Candidates are awarded a standardised total score, and a minimum qualifying score (pass mark) is set annually.
🔹 2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more boys meet the qualifying score than there are places available, Poole Grammar School applies the following criteria in this order:
- Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
- Boys eligible for Free School Meals / Pupil Premium
- Siblings of current students
- Distance from home to school (straight-line)
📍 Note: There is no fixed catchment area, but proximity is a key tiebreaker.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 Entry
✅ Step 1: Register for the 11+ Entrance Test
- Opens: April
- Closes: Early September (exact dates TBC)
- Register online via the school’s website:
🔗 www.poolegrammar.com
⚠️ You must register directly with the school. Only registered pupils may take the test.
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Date: Late September (exact date announced by the school)
- Candidates take the test at Poole Grammar School
✅ Step 3: Receive Results
- Released: Mid-October
- You’ll be informed of your child’s score and if they met the qualifying standard
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit via your home local authority (e.g., BCP Council or Dorset Council)
- Deadline: 31st October
- List Poole Grammar School as one of your ranked preferences
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers released: 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
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Poole Grammar Admissions Page:
https://www.poolegrammar.com/admissions -
BCP Council School Admissions:
www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk
