Boys' grammar school · Poole
Poole Grammar 11+ tutoring
Calm, expert preparation for the new Quest 11+ — the test Poole Grammar School uses from September 2027, for Year 7 entry in 2028. One-to-one or in small online groups.
Test: September 2027 · Entry: September 2028 · Set by Quest Assessments
About the test
Getting into Poole Grammar
Poole Grammar School is a selective boys' grammar school in Poole, and places are competitive. From September 2027 (for entry in 2028), places are decided by the Dorset 11+ set by Quest Assessments — three multiple-choice papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, 40 minutes each, sat in one session. Nothing goes beyond the Year 5 National Curriculum.
All four Dorset grammar schools share the same test, so one sitting covers every school on your list. Qualifying scores and admission arrangements are set by the schools and can change each year — always check Poole Grammar's admissions page for the current details. We'll tailor your child's preparation to Poole Grammar and any other schools you're considering.
What's tested
The three Quest papers
English
A reading booklet with a passage, then questions on meaning, inference and the writer's language — plus punctuation, grammar and vocabulary.
Mathematics
Year 5 maths done quickly and accurately — arithmetic, fractions, measures and shape, plus puzzles like missing digits.
Verbal Reasoning
Vocabulary and logic — closest and opposite meanings, analogies, odd ones out, missing letters and short deduction puzzles.
New with Quest: some questions ask for two answers — or all that apply — marked on a separate answer sheet. We practise these specifically, because children used to one-answer questions can easily lose marks. See Quest's own Dorset guidance and sample booklets.
Our approach
How we prepare children for Poole Grammar
- A free, honest assessment — We see exactly where your child stands across Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning — and tell you honestly what's realistic.
- A plan built for Poole Grammar — A tailored programme targeting the gaps that matter, paced to the September 2027 test.
- Quest exam technique — 40-minute timing, the separate answer sheet, questions with more than one answer, and managing nerves — the things that win marks beyond knowledge.
- Timed practice papers — Practice in the Quest format so the real day feels familiar — most children stumble on nerves, not knowledge.
Choose one-to-one tutoring (online, or in person on request) or a small online group — we'll recommend the right fit after the free assessment.
- Enhanced DBS-checked
- Quest-ready preparation
- Free first assessment
- Online · in person on request
Aiming for Poole Grammar?
Start with a free, no-obligation assessment — we'll show you exactly where your child stands and the best path to Poole Grammar in September 2027.
Prefer to message? WhatsApp us on 07877 527759
Poole Grammar 11+ FAQs
Questions, answered
Which 11+ test does Poole Grammar School use?
From September 2027 (for Year 7 entry in 2028), Poole Grammar School and the other three Dorset grammar schools use one shared 11+ set by Quest Assessments: three multiple-choice papers — Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning — 40 minutes each, sat in one session with a short break. The test on 26 September 2026 is the last one set by GL Assessment.
When is the Poole Grammar 11+ test for 2028 entry?
The first Quest test is in September 2027. Quest says registration opens in April 2027 and results are released in mid-October 2027; secondary school applications close on 31 October 2027. The exact test day hasn't been published yet — we'll confirm it as soon as the schools do, and you can check Poole Grammar's admissions page.
What's different about the Quest test?
Each paper lasts 40 minutes, all three are sat in one session, and nothing goes beyond the Year 5 curriculum. Answers go on a separate answer sheet, and some questions ask for two answers — or all that apply — which children used to one-answer questions can easily miss.
How do you prepare children for Poole Grammar?
We start with a free assessment, then build a plan across the three Quest papers — Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning — with timed practice in the Quest format, answer-sheet practice and plenty of multi-answer questions. Calmly, and in good time.
Do you offer in-person and online tuition?
Mostly online: one-to-one and small-group lessons run live on Microsoft Teams. In-person one-to-one lessons are available on request across Bournemouth, Poole and Parkstone.