Advertisement
The Good Schools Guide
Select search type
No locations matching your search. Try schools.
Showing results for

View all reviewed UK schools Search all UK schools
No articles matching your search.
Reviewed

Parkstone Grammar School

State school · Poole, BH17 7EP
  • Secondary
  • Girls
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,222 pupils
Academically selective state school
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

Provides opportunities for girls to find their niche in addition to plenty of academic challenge. Girls are happy and confident in their friendship groups and fully accepting of others around them. There is an appreciation of being in an unpretentious academic environment. An ideal place for self-motivated types willing to learn and participate in all aspects of school life.

Why read our school review?

Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

Unlock to access
Watch Behind-the-scenes of a school review

Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,222 ·
Sixth form numbers
329 ·
Religion
None
Local authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Area guides

Headteacher

Headteacher

David Hallsworth

Since 2019, David Hallsworth BEd, previously deputy and then acting head. Educated in Bridgend, Wales, he entered education as a way of combining a career with a passion for rugby. First post at Bishops Wordsworth Grammar, Salisbury, teaching

Entrance

Oversubscribed, with nearly 500 applications for the 192 year 7 places (numbers can creep up to 33 in some lower school classes). Multiple choice English, maths and verbal reasoning tests in late September. Applicants come from over 40 feeder

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
November (sixth form); July (whole school)

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 19 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Baden-Powell and St Peter's Church of England Junior School 17 %
Unknown 10 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Broadstone Middle School 7 %
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Poole 5 %
Bishop Aldhelm's Church of England Primary School 4 %
Longfleet Church of England Primary School 4 %
Oakdale Junior School 4 %
Lockyer's Middle School 4 %
St Michael's Church of England Middle School, Colehill 4 %
Heatherlands Primary School 4 %
Allenbourn Middle School 3 %
Ocean Academy Poole 3 %
Canford Heath Junior School 3 %
Manorside Academy 2 %
8393614 2 %
Hamworthy Park Junior School 2 %
Haymoor Junior School 2 %
Data highlight

Exit

Around three-quarters stay for sixth form. Most to university, Russell Group popular. Cardiff, Exeter, Bournemouth, Plymouth, Surrey and Sussex all feature. One to Cambridge in 2023, and five medics. None overseas in 2023, though there are in some

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
89%
LA avg.
65%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2024, 50 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 38 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 59 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 38 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
74%
Eng. avg.
60%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
41.58
LA avg.
36.30
Eng. avg.
35.69
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

As an oversubscribed selective grammar, the school expects high grades and self-motivation from pupils, although no suggestion of pressure from teachers. Homework demands refreshingly light. Pupils say they ‘like how academic it is’, and that ‘you

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
69
Number of teachers
18:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

This is the school of choice for many parents looking to combine SEN support with academic rigour. It now has close to one in five pupils identified as needing some level of support and it’s an area that has fast risen up the agenda. Additional staff

1 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
12.7 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

A wonderfully active music department. Over 250 students in various groups running the gamut from orchestra and concert band to strings, guitar ensembles and even hand chimes. Choirs ranging from chamber to rock. International trip every other year,

Sport

Results are impressive, with numerous teams picking up honours across the SW region. County netball, cross country, cricket and football champions across varying age groups. National finalists in football, athletics, and swimming – although the

Ethos & heritage

Founded in 1905 as a mixed school for 57 pupils, the school became all-girls in 1934 and moved to its present site in 1961. Clearly designed with functionality in mind, the buildings are capable of housing the exponential growth in numbers, if not

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

Safeguarding lead reports three times the number of cases as in previous years. Structures are in place to deal with extreme cases and wellbeing staff receive universal praise from pupils, although support at tutor level can be patchy. Wellbeing

Pupils & parents

Draws pupils from a catchment stretching from the affluence of Sandbanks to significantly more under-privileged areas, encompassing children whose parents will not have attended university and those who have chosen the school over local independent

1,222
Number of pupils

The last word

Provides opportunities for girls to find their niche in addition to plenty of academic challenge. Girls are happy and confident in their friendship groups and fully accepting of others around them. There is an appreciation of being in an

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Short inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Good

Leadership and management Good

What the school says

Parkstone Grammar School is an 11-18 selective girls grammar school providing excellent educational opportunities to girls from Poole and the surrounding area. We are a converter academy and have a collaborative Sixth Form with Poole Grammar School.

Please contact the school for further information about us or look on our website.

Contact the school

Address

Sopers Lane
Poole
Dorset
BH17 7EP
Get directions

Telephone: 01202 605605

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk/

Local authority: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

View Larger Map

Have you considered?

See all schools
School data & information Parkstone Grammar School Sopers Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7EP
1,222 Pupil numbers
329 Sixth form numbers
7 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
6 % Pupils whose first language is not English
18:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
69 Number of teachers
6 Number of teaching assistants
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Parkstone Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
100%
LA avg.
74%
Eng. avg.
60%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
67.80
LA avg.
50.20
Eng. avg.
44.20

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.43 Score Above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 47 6
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 65 8
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 175 7
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 58 6
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 7
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 7
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 49 7
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 7
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 82 8
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 57 7
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 7
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 7
Economics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 25 7
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 34 7
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 37 6
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 46 7
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 31 7
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 175 7
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 71 7
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 7
Astronomy GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 6
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 31 8

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
22%
LA avg.
20%
Eng. avg.
20%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
41.58
LA avg.
36.30
Eng. avg.
35.69

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Sociology GCE A level 25 A
Religious Studies GCE A level 7 A
Psychology GCE A level 56 A
Physics GCE A level 13 A
Media/Film/Tv Studies GCE A level 17 A
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 6 A
Mathematics GCE A level 35 B
History GCE A level 6 A
Government and Politics GCE A level 13 A
Geography GCE A level 16 A
English Literature GCE A level 33 A
English Language GCE A level 15 A
Economics GCE A level 6 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 6 B
Chemistry GCE A level 33 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 22 A
Biology GCE A level 57 A
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 9 A*

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Parkstone Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Girls identified as requiring SEN provision are supported through the work of the Learning Support Team. The School has a very active Learning Support Department, with roughly 10% of the school population identified as requiring additional support. The School firmly believes that each student should be given equality of opportunity to achieve her full potential – spiritually, academically and socially – by recognising the uniqueness of each individual and providing a rich and varied learning experience for all. Where required, girls receive individual learning support for a range of needs, including specific learning difficulties; emotional difficulties and physical and sensory impairment. The School has a history of excellent provision in supporting the varied special educational needs of academically high achieving students. Detailed records are kept of provision made and targets set where classroom intervention is necessary. The progress of all SEN students is monitored by the Learning Support Coordinator and provision regularly reviewed and amended as necessary. Parkstone actively encourages students to recognise and accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses and support one another to reach their goals. Although the majority of girls identified as SEN by the school are categorised as School Action and School Action Plus, when supporting an individual statement of Special Educational Needs, the School ensures that all prescribed support is fully provided and that a constant dialogue is maintained between students, parents, specialist teachers and external agencies. 09-09

1 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
12.7 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Short inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Good

Leadership and management Good
Our data explained
Advertisement