Dorset Quest 11+: a parent’s guide to the September 2027 test

Which Dorset 11+ does this guide cover?

The Dorset Consortium is changing to Quest Assessments for the test taken in September 2027, for children starting secondary school in September 2028. Earlier GL Assessment information relates to a different entry cycle. Parkstone’s admissions page confirms the change.

The consortium includes Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Parkstone Grammar School and Poole Grammar School. They share one set of entrance tests.

Key dates for the 2027 test and 2028 entry

Parkstone publishes the exact registration and test dates below. Quest’s consortium page supplies the results window and later milestones. Keep the school’s current instructions to hand.

What is the Dorset Quest test format?

Quest describes three paper-based multiple-choice papers in one session, with a supervised break and additional time for instructions.

Bournemouth School states that the test will not include content beyond the Year 5 National Curriculum. Its page has separate sections for different cohorts: use the section about the 2027 tests for 2028 admission.

How are answers marked?

Children receive a question booklet and a separate OMR answer sheet. They mark a chosen box with a horizontal line. Quest says there are usually five answer options, and some questions ask for more than one answer. The official familiarisation booklets include answer sheets to practise using.

How can we prepare?

Begin with Quest’s free Dorset familiarisation materials to see the question instructions and paper answer sheets. The board recommends broad reading, school learning and regular, manageable practice.

A way to work through an example together

1. Read the instruction first. Decide whether it asks for one answer, two answers or all that apply.
2. Let your child explain a possible method before looking at the solution.
3. Compare the reasoning with the worked answer. Identify the step that changed the result.
4. Return to that skill in a later practice session, rather than only remembering the answer.

The worked examples below are written by Elevenate. They explain a few useful skills and answer formats; they do not predict a paper’s question mix or your child’s eventual result.

Registering for the test and applying for a school

Treat test registration and your secondary school application as two separate tasks. Follow the consortium school’s registration instructions, then complete the application required by your home local authority. Read the admissions policy for each school you intend to name; a test result alone does not allocate a school place.

For registration, venues, results and access arrangements, Quest directs families to the individual grammar schools. If your child needs access arrangements, contact the school early and check its documents and deadlines.