Bournemouth School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective grammar academy for girls aged 11-18
• Location: Castle Gate Close, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UJ
• Student Numbers: Approximately 1,200 students (300 in sixth form)
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (May 2024)
• Contact: 01202 526289 | wearebsg.uk
• Entrance Requirements: 11+ examination success

About Bournemouth School for Girls

Bournemouth School for Girls has been educating young women to the highest standards since 1918, establishing itself as one of Dorset's premier educational institutions. With its inspiring motto "Work Hard, Be Kind, and Be Ambitious", BSG cultivates an environment where academic excellence meets personal development.

Located in the heart of Bournemouth, this selective grammar academy serves approximately 1,200 students across Years 7-13, with a thriving sixth form of 300 students. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities whilst nurturing each student's individual talents and aspirations.

BSG's academic programmes are designed to challenge and inspire, with a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for leading universities and successful careers. The school particularly excels in STEM subjects, humanities, and creative arts, offering students numerous pathways to explore their interests and develop expertise in their chosen fields.

Beyond academics, BSG fosters a vibrant community spirit through extensive co-curricular activities, including competitive sports teams, performing arts groups, and leadership opportunities. The school's house system promotes healthy competition whilst building lasting friendships and developing essential life skills.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Bournemouth School for Girls requires successful completion of the 11+ examination, administered through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This selective assessment evaluates students' academic potential across four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses vocabulary, comprehension, and language manipulation skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tests spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical competency, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning
• English: Measures reading comprehension, grammar, and written expression

The examination is typically held in September for the following academic year's entry, with results determining placement on the school's admissions list. Students must achieve the required standard across all four components to be considered for admission.

BSG sets high academic standards, seeking students who demonstrate not only intellectual capability but also the motivation and work ethic necessary to thrive in a challenging grammar school environment.

How to Apply

The application process for Bournemouth School for Girls follows a structured timeline managed by the local authority:

Step 1: Registration
Complete your application through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's online portal by the specified deadline, typically in early summer for the following September entry.

Step 2: 11+ Examination
Attend the scheduled examination date in September at your designated test centre. Students will complete all four assessment components in a single session.

Step 3: Results and Allocation
Receive your 11+ results and school allocation notification in October. Successful candidates will be offered places based on their examination performance and the school's admission criteria.

Step 4: Acceptance
Confirm your acceptance of the offered place by the specified deadline to secure your daughter's position at BSG.

It is essential to submit applications before the deadline, as late applications cannot be considered for the main allocation round. The school strongly recommends early preparation for the 11+ examination to maximise success prospects.

Preparing for the Bournemouth School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Bournemouth School for Girls 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.