Private and Grammar Schools | Dorset
Grammar and private secondary schools in Dorset offer exceptional educational opportunities, celebrated for their high academic standards and selective admissions processes.
In Dorset, grammar schools like Bournemouth School and Parkstone Grammar School are renowned for their tradition of academic excellence. These institutions provide rigorous curricula within supportive environments that nurture both intellectual growth and personal development.
Private schools in Dorset, including Canford School and Sherborne School, offer outstanding educational experiences. Canford School is known for its holistic approach to education, combining academic rigor with a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Sherborne School provides a nurturing environment where students excel academically and socially, supported by dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Dorset. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Dorset
Bournemouth Collegiate School
Address: Bournemouth Collegiate School, College Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1899.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 2–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Bournemouth Collegiate School, established in 1899, offers a broad and balanced education that emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth, and a rich variety of extracurricular activities, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for students to excel and develop into well-rounded individuals.
Resources:
Bournemouth Collegiate School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Bournemouth School
Address: Bournemouth School, East Way, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9PY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1901.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school (with co-educational Sixth Form).
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Bournemouth School, founded in 1901, is renowned for its academic excellence, strong community ethos, and extensive range of extracurricular activities, providing a stimulating environment that encourages students to achieve their full potential and become responsible and engaged citizens.
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Bournemouth School for Girls
Address: Bournemouth School for Girls, Castle Gate Close, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9UJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1918.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school (with co-educational Sixth Form).
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Bournemouth School for Girls, established in 1918, is celebrated for its academic excellence, supportive community, and wide range of extracurricular opportunities, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel and develop into confident and capable individuals.
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Bryanston School
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1928.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 13–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: Bryanston School, founded in 1928, is renowned for its individualized approach to education, strong emphasis on creativity, and extensive extracurricular program, providing a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions and achieve their full potential.
Resources:
Bryanston School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Budmouth Academy
Address: Budmouth Academy, Chickerell Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9SY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1972.
Type Of School: Academy, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Budmouth Academy, established in 1972, offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment, focusing on academic achievement, personal development, and extracurricular opportunities, preparing students for success in higher education and the wider world.
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Canford School
Address: Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1923.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 13–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: Canford School, established in 1923, is known for its academic excellence, extensive extracurricular program, and strong sense of community, providing a supportive and stimulating environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Resources:
Canford School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Clayesmore School
Address: Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8LL, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1896.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 2–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Clayesmore School, founded in 1896, offers a balanced and enriching education with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and extracurricular opportunities, fostering a supportive community where students are encouraged to explore their passions and reach their full potential.
Resources:
Clayesmore School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Leweston School
Address: Leweston School, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6EN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1891.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Leweston School, established in 1891, is known for its holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with a strong emphasis on personal development, creativity, and outdoor learning, providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive and flourish.
Resources:
Leweston School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Parkstone Grammar School
Address: Parkstone Grammar School, Sopers Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7EP, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1905.
Type Of School: Selective, girls' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Parkstone Grammar School, established in 1905, is distinguished by its strong academic tradition, supportive community, and commitment to empowering young women to excel academically and develop into confident and independent individuals prepared for future success.
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Poole Grammar School
Address: Poole Grammar School, Gravel Hill, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9JU, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1904.
Type Of School: Selective, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Poole Grammar School, established in 1904, is renowned for its academic excellence, strong sense of community, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education, preparing students to excel academically and become responsible and engaged citizens in the global community.
Resources:
Poole High School
Address: Poole High School, Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BW, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1904.
Type Of School: Comprehensive, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam, testing English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Poole High School, established in 1904, is known for its inclusive and supportive learning environment, offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to help students achieve their full potential and prepare for their future endeavours.
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Sherborne Girls' School
Address: Sherborne Girls' School, Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3QN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1899.
Type Of School: Independent, girls' day and boarding school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Entrance.
Notable Features: Sherborne Girls' School, founded in 1899, combines academic excellence with a supportive and nurturing environment, offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and intellectual growth, and empowering young women to become confident, compassionate, and successful individuals.
Resources:
Sherborne Girls' School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Sherborne School
Address: Sherborne School, Abbey Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AP, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1550.
Type Of School: Independent, boys' boarding school.
Age Range: 13–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: Sherborne School, established in 1550, is one of the oldest and most prestigious boys' boarding schools in the UK, renowned for its academic excellence, rich history, and strong tradition of fostering character development and leadership skills in its students, preparing them for success in the modern world.
Resources:
Sherborne School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Talbot Heath School
Address: Talbot Heath School, Rothesay Road, Talbot Woods, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9NJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1886.
Type Of School: Independent, girls' day school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam, testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Talbot Heath School, founded in 1886, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, holistic education, and strong sense of community, providing a supportive and nurturing environment where girls can flourish academically, socially, and personally.
Resources:
Talbot Heath School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information