Bournemouth School 11+ Guide

About Bournemouth School

Bournemouth School is a selective secondary school in Dorset. For children to get into Bournemouth School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Bournemouth School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the vibrant coastal town of Bournemouth, Bournemouth School is a beacon of academic excellence and personal growth for boys aged 11 to 18. This esteemed grammar school has garnered an outstanding reputation for its unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of each student, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.

At the heart of Bournemouth School's ethos lies a dedication to fostering a challenging yet supportive learning environment. The meticulously crafted curriculum is designed to ignite intellectual curiosity, encourage independent thinking, and promote equal opportunities for all students. With over 25 hours of structured learning per week, complemented by a wealth of extracurricular activities, pupils are given the platform to explore their passions, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. From the camaraderie of the Combined Cadet Force to the artistry of music classes and the thrill of sporting events, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to grow and flourish.

The school's success is underpinned by its exceptional teaching staff, whose unwavering passion and expertise create an atmosphere that celebrates individual achievements and inspires students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the school's outstanding Ofsted rating, a testament to the remarkable academic progress and personal development of its pupils. Bournemouth School takes great pride in its students' contributions to both the school community and the wider world, instilling in them a strong sense of respect, leadership, and social responsibility.

As a grammar school with a mixed sixth form, Bournemouth School provides a seamless transition from secondary education to higher learning. The school's strong academic standards and expectations prepare students for the rigors of university life and beyond, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on society. With its rich history, vibrant community, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Bournemouth School stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when young minds are nurtured, challenged, and inspired.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Bournemouth School together with their admissions contact details.

Bournemouth School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,163 pupils attend Bournemouth School and it's led by the Headteacher, Dr Dorian Lewis.

Bournemouth School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Bournemouth School for the 2022-23 academic year.

Dorset 11+ Information

In order to get into Bournemouth School, children need to pass the Dorset 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Dorset 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Dorset 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• Maths
• English
• Verbal reasoning

The Dorset Consortium 11 plus entrance exam is the admissions test used by Bournemouth School to assess prospective students. This comprehensive examination consists of three distinct papers designed to evaluate the candidate's abilities in key academic areas.

The exam includes a 50-minute Maths test, a 45-minute English assessment, and a 50-minute Verbal Reasoning section. Each of these papers is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions, allowing for an objective evaluation of the student's skills and knowledge.

To record their responses, students are provided with separate answer sheets, which are then electronically marked to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the grading process. This standardized approach to testing and scoring enables the school to identify the most suitable candidates for admission.

Other Schools using Dorset 11+

As well as Bournemouth School, several other schools also use Dorset 11+. These are:

• Bournemouth School for Girls
• Parkstone Grammar School
• Poole Grammar School

Dorset 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Bournemouth School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Dorset 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Dorset 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Bournemouth School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Ofsted Information

Bournemouth School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/09/2011 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/10/2011, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Bournemouth School was inspected by Ofsted on 27 February 2024 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding achievements across various aspects of education. Bournemouth School has successfully created an environment that fosters academic excellence, positive behaviour, and personal growth among its students. The leadership and management team has been instrumental in driving the school's success and ensuring high-quality education for all pupils.

The sixth form provision at Bournemouth School was also deemed Outstanding, indicating that the school effectively prepares its students for higher education and future careers. The report underscores the school's commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in their future endeavours.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Bournemouth School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Unfortunately, Bournemouth School has not made any of their past 11+ papers publicly available.

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Dorset 11+ Ensure you double-check with Bournemouth School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.