Portsmouth High School GDST

Since September 2024, Sarah Parker, previously senior deputy head for four years. Brought up in Durham, where she returned for her PGCE after studying English at Oxford. Has taught in independent schools ranging from Royal Masonic School to Harrogate

Around a half the year 7 cohort have made the ‘seamless’ transition from Dovercourt, the prep school, the rest coming mainly from local state primaries and a few from local preps. School describes itself as ‘largely non-selective’ for external

Around a third leave post-GCSEs, mainly for co-ed options including Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester and colleges that offer more vocational pathways. Some parents feel it's 'a shame that staying or not staying is even a discussion -

In 2024, 52 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 97 per cent 9-4 in maths and English. At A level, 25 per cent at A*/A (72 per cent A*-B).

Parents tell us teaching is ‘tailored to the individual’ and ‘no-one gets left behind’. Approval too of minimising exam-related anxiety by getting them used to it through frequent testing. Current drive to improve clarity around the academic

‘Amazing’ support for the 20 per cent on the SEN register, say parents. ‘In another environment, my daughter would have struggled but here they embrace their needs without making them feel different.’ Dyslexia, ADHD, autism and SEMH most common. The

Music department prides itself on an outward-looking ethos, including via music tours – so while around 40 per cent of those signing up are musicians, the rest can bring other interests eg the classics. Recently the rock group toured Belgium and

Sport packs a punch for a relatively small city school. Traditionally hot on netball, parents and pupils are thrilled with the growing popularity of other sports such as hockey, cricket and football (the bright pink football strip in the photos sets

‘Simply superb,’ say parents about pastoral care. Pupils value the wellbeing centre and some find the weekly counsellor sessions really helpful – ‘better than seeing someone outside of school because this way you keep it all under the same roof so

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Not a hint of arrogance or privilege among the pupils we met, who were simply charming and also noticeably supportive of each other while having a good sense of who they are. Parents from a wide variety of professions, including some business owners

Fees competitive for the area. Means-tested bursaries up to 100 per cent. Scholarships in music, art, sport, drama, and academic, sometimes (but not always) including a small financial award.

Benefits from the expertise and security of the GDST group while nurturing an individual approach to educating girls so that they leave with plenty of confidence. A safe haven where no one falls through the cracks.