The Portsmouth Grammar School

Since September 2022, David Wickes, previously head of Merchant Taylor’s School in Crosby. He has also been senior deputy head of Warwick School and deputy head (pastoral) at Abingdon School. Originally from this area, he read modern history at

Into pre-school from age 2 and a half. Academically selective from reception, with tests in maths, English, NVR, VR and an interview. From year 7, half of places internally filled, the rest from local schools, both private and state. Puzzle solving

Between three and six pupils leave after year 6, usually due to finances or relocation. A handful after GCSEs, mostly to sixth form colleges. Post 18, 90 per cent to university (over two-thirds to Russell Group), with 10-15 per cent taking a gap year

In 2024, 64 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (78 per cent A*-B).

An academic education, which parents say is delivered by ‘passionate experts in their subjects’ who ‘give extra time to support learning’. They’re far more than just teachers, we heard – often with relevant industry experience.

Emphasis on

School reports better academic outcomes for pupils with additional needs in recent years, with value added particularly good in the year we visited. Seventeen per cent on the SEN register (more in juniors) although the school supports many more

The music school’s wooden rotunda is a perpetual hub of rehearsals and performances. In addition to school performances (one on the night of our visit), students are encouraged to perform out in the community, eg the Student Collective, a

Strong reputation for sport, despite city location requiring travel to playing fields - the furthest is four miles away although there is access to pitches, swimming, athletics and tennis within walking distance. A-C teams in rugby (reaching national

Pupils and parents spoke of the ‘genuine care’ shown by teaching staff. One parent whose child had moved from a state school said, ‘They provided coaching from a male role model, got pupils to speak to him who’d had difficult times in previous school

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

Pupils we met were polite, self-assured and grateful to be here. Many locals, but some travel some distance, many by train, from as far as London, or hovercraft from the Isle of Wight. International students from as far afield as China. Mostly

Means-tested bursaries up to 100 per cent. Scholarships available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry in art, drama, music and sport. Academic scholarships are awarded based on entrance assessments or attainment at GCSE. Scholarships typically worth three to

‘A traditional grammar school that’s forward thinking and offers a huge range of options,’ sums up a parent. Well rooted in the local community, with teaching staff prepared to go the extra mile to get the best out of everyone.