Poole Grammar School
Poole, BH17 9JU · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · Grammar school
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5th of 23 secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 24 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 251 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3/10 among them, against 9.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 92.7 · 97 | 46% | 4.46 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.55 · 86 | 38% | 3.30 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 70.2 · 97 | 15% | 1.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Poole Grammar School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 95.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 70.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.55 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.5 out of 10 among them, against 9.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Climbing, Chess, Drama, Science, Gardening, Music, and Model Railway clubs. Sports include Football, Rugby, Basketball, Badminton, Cross Country, and Mountain Bike. Arts and music offerings feature the Jazz Band, Orchestra, Big Band, Brass Ensemble, PGS Voices, Percussion Ensembles, and Art Club. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,224 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,375. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain their progress scores relative to similar-intake peers? What specific support is available for students aiming to exceed the national median in Attainment 8?
What Ofsted said about Poole Grammar School
Overview
Poole Grammar School is described as an ambitious institution where pupils achieve "excellent academic outcomes" and demonstrate high levels of respect and integrity. The report highlights a "disruption free environment" with "exemplary" behaviour, fostering a strong community spirit and personal development. While leadership and teaching are generally effective, the report notes that improvements to the quality of education are "yet to be fully realised," resulting in some variability in teaching quality.
Strengths
- Pupils display "consistently excellent attitudes to learning" and are "resilient when faced with challenges."
- The school celebrates difference and does not tolerate discriminatory behaviour, supported by initiatives like 'Free and Equal' ambassadors.
- Pupils benefit from extensive opportunities to develop leadership skills, such as mentoring and student voice roles.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with staff possessing "strong subject knowledge" that supports confident discussion and debate.
- The 'Life Skills' programme is "highly aspirational," helping pupils manage modern life and encouraging open dialogue about mental health.
Areas to improve
- In some curriculum areas, teaching quality is variable because "activity choice is not well considered" and checking for understanding "lacks precision."
- The school must ensure activities "deepens their knowledge" so pupils build understanding as successfully as they could.
- The impact of additional literacy support for pupils who need it is currently "variable."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 71.3 |
| 2024/25 | 70.2 |
| 2025/26 | 70.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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