Plymouth College

Since 2024, Peter Watts, previously at Prior Park Gibraltar.

In March 2025 school announced that it had been acquired by a Chinese company, the Galaxy Global Education Group. Plymouth College is the fourth UK school to join this group—alongside Ruthin School, Durham High School and Malvern St James. Quoted in

School won’t tell us how many leave after GCSEs, but it is usually around 20 per cent – almost all to local grammars and sixth form colleges, though a ‘solid handful’ bounce back in again when they realise the grass isn’t greener. Others swiftly

In 2023, 40 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 26 per cent A*/A at A level (50 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 33 per cent A*/A at A level (56 per cent A*-B).

In a city boasting three single-sex, academically rigorous grammars, parents say this school is the hidden gem because, ‘instead of pressure, they offer a sense of belonging where pupils are accepted whatever their ability and talent, making them

‘Exceptional,’ say parents. Around 15 per cent of pupils have some form of mild educational need, with the learning support team (led by head of learning support SENCo plus two peripatetic teachers) offering tailored programmes that focus on

The most striking thing about this school is its all-action, adventurous heart. Not content to simply offer DofE and Ten Tors (both of which it excels at), the school has three full-time outdoor education experts who ensure that every pupil has

This has always been a sporty school, competing with Millfield and Mount Kelly as the top south-west school for elite swimming. It excels at taking the trauma of raising top athletes out of the hands of exhausted parents, delivering rigorous,

Two on-site single-sex boarding houses are located in a terraced row of large cream stucco 19th-century villas, with the head of boarding and his family in the middle property. Befitting their age, the houses have high embossed ceilings and large

‘Fantastic pastoral care, I utterly trust the school to spot if something is amiss and to be able to deliver incredible support when needed,’ said a parent. Nobody could slip under the radar here, we heard, which was demonstrated on our visit.

Pupils we met were lively, enthusiastic, modest and up for adventure. The ‘whole school’ ethic is a key focus, all helped by vertical inter-year relationships, peer mentors and sixth formers actively helping out at the prep. ‘Definitely not an ivory

Scholarships include all-round, academic, art, drama, music, performing arts and sport. Means-tested bursaries also available, as well as discounts for siblings and military families.

Muddy-faced, huge smile, boundless enthusiasm – that’s what this school would look like as a person. Oh, and did we mention they’d be dedicated to their passions and with intelligent opinions? There’s not much wrong with that!