Poole Grammar School
97%
Capacity
1,199
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Poole Grammar School
Poole Grammar School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,199 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,236 places).
Ofsted has rated Poole Grammar School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Katie Etheridge, it falls under Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.55 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 71.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 433rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 21 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Poole Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 313 applications for 176 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 212 were first-preference applications.
Poole Grammar School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 89% recommending the school (205 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Poole Grammar School include Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Science Labs, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Athletics, Cross Country, Gymnastics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Choir, Model UN and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 5.3%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Poole Grammar School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Gravel Hill, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH17 9JU |
| Headteacher | Katie Etheridge |
| Local Authority | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
| Number of Pupils | 1,199 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 5.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,199 / 1,236 (97% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 May 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 17 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.55)
433rd of 3,141
Nationally
25th of 306
In South West
3rd of 21
In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.7
'22/23
40.3
'23/24
39.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
205 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed176
313
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
212 families put this school as their 1st choice (68% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poole Grammar School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Gravel Hill, Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH17 9JU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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