Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the mean of these numbers?
26, 29, 32, 25, 33
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 29
How to work it out
- Add them: 145.
- Divide by how many there are (5): 29.
Bournemouth School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Grammar school
- Pupils
- Boys
- Area
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, South West
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects)
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects)
Many local authorities (e.g. Trafford, Wirral, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Calderdale, Bournemouth & Poole, Gloucestershire) use GL papers in some mix of maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | English | 49 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Maths | 50 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Verbal Reasoning | 80 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Non-verbal Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
In this sentence, what word class is “Happiness”?
Happiness filled the crowded hall.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, noun
How to work it out
- “Happiness” is a noun.
- Nouns name a person, place, thing or idea.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next number in this series.
2, 43, 8, 40, 14, 37, ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 20
How to work it out
- Two series take turns: 2, 8, 14 (add 6) and 43, 40, 37 (take away 3).
- The next number continues the first: 20.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
- Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
- The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Other selective schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Bournemouth School use?
Bournemouth School uses the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Bournemouth School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Bournemouth School?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Bournemouth School?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Bournemouth School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.