Just five minutes walk from the Southsea seafront, with the distinctive sound of hovercraft marking daily life, Portsmouth High School occupies a unique position as one of the Girls' Day School Trust's more intimate institutions. Founded in 1882 by Alice Ledger, the school moved to its current Kent Road location in 1885 when the building was formally opened by Princess Louise. Over 140 years of continuous operation have refined its approach to educating girls across all phases from nursery through to sixth form, with a school community of approximately 463 pupils. At the A-level stage, the school ranks 823rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national typical performance band, with a 100% pass rate achieved in 2024 that was recognised by The Telegraph as outstanding value for money. The school's GCSE performance sits below England averages, ranking 4,066th in England (FindMySchool ranking), but the school's strength lies in its distinct commitment to girls' education without gender stereotyping and its genuine single-sex learning environment.
Past the Kent Road gates, the first impression is of purposeful calm. Girls move between lessons with quiet confidence. The architectural heritage is immediately apparent; Dovercourt, the Grade II listed building at the heart of the Prep School, dates to the 1920s and was built by the Southsea architect Thomas Ellis Owen. The original Senior School buildings retain period charm, though substantial investment by the Girls' Day School Trust has ensured that teaching spaces feel modern and purposeful rather than antiquated.
Under the leadership of Head Sarah Parker, who joined in 2024, the school has positioned itself as somewhere girls can genuinely be themselves. This is not rhetoric; the evidence sits in the house system structure inherited from decades of operation. Prep girls belong to Dolphin, Warrior, Nelson or Vernon houses; Senior girls to Gaskell, Austen, Bronte or Eliot. Inter-house competitions occur throughout the year, creating a sense of belonging without fierce competition. The school actively works to counter the confidence dip that research suggests occurs for girls around age 14, with dedicated pastoral structures and a new well-being centre called Daffodil House providing tailored support.
The school's traditions are genuinely embedded rather than performative. Since 1909, daffodils have been the school flower, and each February birthday celebration sees them distributed to every girl. A crème egg traditionally arrives as well. These small rituals matter; they signal continuity and care in an educational landscape often characterised by churn. Long-serving staff and a stable leadership structure mean girls can develop genuine relationships with adults who know them across multiple years.
The school's GCSE results occupy a complex position. In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score was 10.8. This ranks the school 4,066th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it below the England average and in the lower performance band. Of the cohort, 0% achieved grades 5 and above across the English Baccalaureate, a notably lower percentage than the national figure. This is the area where Portsmouth High School's academic position is most challenged.
However, context matters significantly. The school explicitly describes itself as welcoming girls of average ability and above, and the pastoral infrastructure is oriented toward maximising individual progress rather than chasing top-grade density. Many girls progress smoothly to the Sixth Form and achieve strong A-level results, suggesting that GCSE performance captures a moment in development rather than ultimate potential.
The sixth form is where Portsmouth High School's academic credentials become clearer. Students achieved a 100% pass rate at A-level in 2024, a figure that prompted Telegraph Money to name the school as the best value independent school in the region based on performance relative to fees. At the A-level stage, 56% of grades were A*-B, exceeding the England average of 47% and demonstrating that students make above-average progress during the sixth form years.
In subject-specific areas, specific disciplines show particular strength. Further mathematics, Latin, Chinese and Design Technology all achieved 100% A*-A grades. English and French saw 80% of entries at A*-A. The Extended Project Qualification, which 98% of sixth form students complete, saw 98% achieve A*-A grades. This discipline-specific breadth suggests teaching quality that supports both breadth and depth across humanities, languages, and sciences.
The school ranks 823rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle range. For independent schools in the Portsmouth area, this position represents competitive standing.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
56.25%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum across all phases reflects a commitment to academic rigour matched with individualisation. In the Prep School, specialist teachers deliver music, modern foreign languages, physical education, computer science and design technology, ensuring breadth even in earlier years. French teaching begins in Year 1, with the intention of developing genuine linguistic confidence rather than token early language learning.
The Senior School follows the traditional academic curriculum with clear attention to problem-solving and analytical thinking. Sciences are taught separately from Year 7, allowing deeper engagement with biological, chemical and physical concepts. Mathematics sets begin in Year 9. History, geography and languages remain core offerings, reflecting the school's belief that girls should encounter the full intellectual landscape.
What distinguishes the approach is the absence of pressure toward narrow specialisation. The school explicitly resists the narrative that girls should concentrate on humanities at the expense of sciences. GDST research suggests that girls from single-sex schools show higher confidence in pursuing STEM subjects without social pressure, and Portsmouth High School's results support this; 47% of A-level students took science and 39% took mathematics. The school functions as an environment where a girl choosing physics or engineering encounters no cultural resistance.
Teaching groups are reasonably sized at secondary level, averaging around 28 in lower years and dropping below 10 for some A-level groups. This allows differentiation without excessive streaming. Teachers have clear subject expertise; the staff directory lists specialist qualifications across all disciplines.
In 2024, 67% of leavers progressed to university, reflecting the school's trajectory toward higher education. However, complete university destination data by institution is not published on the school website, so precise naming of Russell Group or other university placements is not available. One student secured a place at King's College London to study History; another is pursuing Forensic Science at the University of Kent; another will read Chemistry with Cosmetic Science at Reading. A handful pursue degree apprenticeships rather than traditional university entry.
The singular Oxbridge achievement in recent data shows limited penetration at Oxford and Cambridge. In the measurement period, 1 student gained a place at Oxbridge from 7 applications. This reflects the school's position as a solid all-girls institution rather than a feeder school for the elite universities. For students seeking Oxbridge entry, local grammar schools and traditional independent schools offer more established pipelines.
Girls from the Prep School progress to the Senior School almost universally, creating a coherent journey through early childhood to sixth form. The decision to remain within Portsmouth High for secondary education is almost automatic for most families.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 14.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
The school's extracurricular landscape is extensive. According to published information, over 100 co-curricular clubs operate during lunch times, after school, and before school. Music receives substantial investment with dedicated peripatetic staff teaching voice and a full range of instruments; music fees run approximately £205 per term. Specialist ensembles include joint senior choirs that perform at major events, including the school's annual Birthday Service at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Drama occupies a significant space in school culture. Recent productions have included Les Misérables, with two nights of performances capturing what the school describes as breathtaking delivery from both cast and crew. The school maintains a main hall with stage facilities, plus dedicated drama studios. Students describe the experience as supportive of all ability levels, from those auditioning for major roles to those keen to be part of technical teams. The Sixth Form runs a two-night Fashion Show annually, organised entirely by students and serving as a fundraising vehicle for the chosen charity (currently Sophie's Legacy, supporting hospitalised children).
The music programme extends far beyond examination classes. In addition to lesson-based tuition, the school hosts Young Musician competitions, music tours (recent tours have taken students to the Netherlands and Dubai), and ensemble performances throughout the year. The Carol Service at Christmas remains a major event, with multiple years contributing to the musical offering. Piano instruction is available through the peripatetic system.
The school's sporting facilities include a Sport England standard sports hall with climbing wall, all-weather sports pitches, and netball/tennis courts on site. Additional access comes through co-ownership with the University of Portsmouth of a multi-use games area housing four floodlit courts, synthetic turf for hockey and football, and a grass athletics track. Swimming and athletics facilities are hired from HMS Temeraire. Sports tours occupy a significant place in the calendar; a hockey and netball team recently travelled to Barbados; cricket and netball fixtures have extended to Dubai.
The sports curriculum itself is broad and balanced, encouraging participation at all levels rather than elite pathway focus. Compulsory sport ends at Year 11; sixth form students participate through choice. A notable Sixth Form example is the world youth sailing champion who successfully balanced A-level studies (completing with strong grades) and training schedule, with the school providing flexibility to accommodate both.
The school hosts a range of academic societies. The Portsmouth Politics Society, transferred to the school in 2022 following the closure of nearby St John's College, brings external speakers including current and former politicians. Police Cadets operate at the school, enabling students interested in law enforcement to gain insight and experience. Science clubs and medical societies support pupils with interests in healthcare pathways. Design technology and coding clubs engage students in practical problem-solving.
The Duke of Edinburgh scheme runs through the school, with expeditions reaching Gold level. Outdoor learning is embedded in the Prep School through dedicated sessions in the woodland 'Dell' and forest school activities, introducing girls to nature and natural hazards from early ages.
The school's well-being centre, Daffodil House, provides a dedicated space for girls seeking support with emotional wellbeing, building confidence or managing anxiety. The centre operates as part of the pastoral infrastructure rather than as a separate clinical space, normalising wellbeing support as integral to school life.
Portsmouth High School operates as an independent school within the Girls' Day School Trust. Annual fees for 2025-26 are as follows: Reception to Year 2 costs £10,755 per year; Years 3-6 cost £14,178 per year; Years 7-13 (Senior School and Sixth Form) cost £19,953 per year. Lunches are charged separately at £314 per term (£942 annually).
Pre-School provision operates on a session basis at £27.95 for three-hour sessions, with lunch adding £12. Wraparound care from 7.30am to 6pm is free for full-time early years pupils; those attending part-time can access breakfast club for £5 or after-school care at £6.80 per hour.
Registration for admissions incurs a £60 fee (£100 for international pupils), with an acceptance deposit of £500 required to secure a place. Music tuition is available through the peripatetic system at approximately £205 per term, depending on the instrument and provider.
The school operates both need-based bursaries and merit-based scholarships. Bursaries are allocated to pupils whose performance in entrance examinations is exceptional; the maximum bursary can cover full fees. Demand for bursary support is reported as high, with the school acknowledging it cannot support all eligible families. Bursary applications are made online in the Autumn Term preceding entry. Merit-based scholarships are available for academic, sporting, artistic or musical achievement, with varying values typically ranging from 10-25% fee reduction. The school reports that "demand is high" for financial support, creating meaningful competition for assistance.
Telegraph Money's recognition of Portsmouth High as best value-for-money independent school in the region (based on 2024 A-level performance relative to fees) suggests that the fee structure delivers genuine academic return, particularly at sixth form level.
Fees data coming soon.
Wellbeing is explicitly positioned at the heart of the school's ethos. The school employs a dedicated pastoral team led by Mr Robert Smith (Deputy Head, Pastoral). Class tutors form the primary pastoral relationship, with girls seeing the same tutor across their journey through a phase. For sixth form students, there is dedicated sixth form pastoral oversight.
The House system contributes to pastoral structure; house staff know girls across year groups, enabling continuity and allowing peer mentoring between younger and older students. Girls describe the environment as one where they are "seen as individuals" and where staff develop genuine knowledge of their circumstances and aspirations.
Behaviour expectations are clear without being punitive. The school's behaviour policy explicitly references school values (Curiosity, Kindness, Perseverance), creating a shared language for what the school is trying to build. Exclusion is not mentioned in public materials, suggesting that restorative approaches predominate.
Admissions operate through separate entry points. Contact the school directly for enquiries. Contact the school directly for enquiries.
For Nursery and Pre-School, flexible hours attendance is accommodated, with wraparound care included free for those attending 30+ hours weekly. Admissions are rolling during the school year.
For Reception through Year 6 (Prep School), admissions flow from the Nursery/Pre-School or through external entrance exams. Girls move internally to Senior School at Year 7 almost universally.
For Senior School entry at Year 7, admissions are selective. Entrance examinations in English, Mathematics and Reasoning are conducted. Girls from the Prep School have priority. External candidates compete for available places. The school describes itself as selective in nature, accommodating girls of average ability and above.
For Sixth Form entry at Year 12, existing students progress automatically if they meet minimum grades in their GCSE results. External candidates sit entrance examinations and interviews. Sixth Form is not guaranteed for current Senior School students who do not achieve the required grades.
School open mornings and tours are available throughout the year by arrangement. The school actively encourages family visits before application, allowing girls and parents to experience the learning environment.
The school operates across two main sites: the Prep and Pre-School (with Early Years, Reception, Years 1-6) occupy 36 Kent Road; the Senior School and Sixth Form (Years 7-13) occupy 25 Kent Road. Both buildings are within the same locality, connected by walkable distance.
School hours for Prep are 8.30am to 3.30pm, with wraparound care available free from 7.30am to 6pm for full-time pupils. Senior School and Sixth Form hours follow the same pattern: 8.30am to 3.30pm with optional activities extending the day.
Transport is available through a school minibus service, though many families choose to walk or cycle given the Southsea location. The school is accessible by public transport; Portsmouth has train, bus and ferry connections.
GCSE results fall below England average. Unlike many independent schools, Portsmouth High School's GCSE performance sits in the lower percentile in England. Families prioritising top GCSE grades should weigh this carefully, though it's worth noting that many pupils progress successfully to strong sixth form outcomes and the school's structure emphasises individual progress over top-grade density.
Limited Oxbridge pipeline. The school is not a traditional feeder to Oxford or Cambridge. One place in recent data suggests that families with Oxbridge ambitions would need to supplement the school's own preparation with external support or tutoring.
All-girls environment is not universal appeal. The educational research on single-sex schooling is mixed; some pupils thrive in gender-segregated environments, whilst others prefer the social preparation of mixed schools. Parents should satisfy themselves that their daughter will benefit from the all-girls context before committing.
Sixth form is the school's academic sweet spot. The progression from lower GCSE results to strong A-level achievement is notable. The school works better as a long-term investment (entry at younger ages) than as a sixth form-only choice, given that external sixth form entrants face competitive examination.
Portsmouth High School offers a choice that appeal to almost any girl, but not at the expense of the personal touch. For families prioritising pastoral care, individual attention, and a girls-only learning environment over chasing top GCSE grades, this school delivers. The 100% A-level pass rate and Telegraph recognition of value for money suggest that sixth form education here is genuinely strong, particularly for students who develop their academic confidence progressively rather than early.
The school suits families seeking a supportive, stable environment where their daughter will be known and challenged appropriately. Best suited to girls who benefit from single-sex learning and families prepared to invest in a seven-year journey (from Prep through Sixth Form) rather than external entry at a single point. The seaside location near working hovercraft, the architectural heritage spanning 140 years, and the active alumnae network create a genuine sense of community that extends beyond academic metrics. This is a school that works deliberately to cultivate girls' independence and confidence without pressure to conform to narrow academic stereotypes, and for the right family, that is the right fit.
Yes. Portsmouth High School achieved "Excellent" in all areas of its 2023 Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection. The school achieved a 100% pass rate at A-level in 2024 and was recognised by The Telegraph as the best-value independent school in the region based on exam performance relative to fees. Girls from the school progress to a range of universities, with recent leavers attending King's College London, University of Kent, University of Reading and University of Portsmouth among others. The school ranks 823rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking).
Annual fees for 2025-26 are £10,755 for Reception to Year 2; £14,178 for Years 3-6; and £19,953 for Years 7-13 (Senior School and Sixth Form). Pre-School operates on a session basis at £27.95 per session with lunch at £12 additional. Lunches for main school are £314 per term (£942 annually) and are compulsory for Reception through Year 11. Wraparound care from 7.30am to 6pm is free for full-time early years pupils. Registration fees are £60; acceptance deposits are £500. Music tuition is available at approximately £205 per term.
Yes. The school describes itself as selective, accepting girls of average ability and above. Entry at Reception is less formal and may be rolling based on availability. Entry at Year 7 involves entrance examinations in English, Mathematics and Reasoning. Entry to Sixth Form from external candidates involves examinations and interviews. Girls from the Prep School progress to Senior School almost universally if they continue within the school.
Girls at Portsmouth High School report genuinely positive experiences of single-sex learning. The absence of gender stereotyping in subject choice is notable; nearly half of A-level students took science subjects and 39% took mathematics, percentages that exceed national averages for girls. Research commissioned by the Girls' Day School Trust suggests that girls in single-sex schools report higher confidence in taking risks and pursuing non-traditional subjects. However, not all girls thrive in girls-only environments; families should consider whether their daughter will benefit from socialising exclusively with girls throughout the school day.
Wellbeing is positioned at the centre of the school's ethos. A dedicated well-being centre called Daffodil House provides support for girls managing anxiety, building confidence or working through emotional challenges. Pastoral support is delivered through form tutors who maintain relationships across the school phase, and the house system allows older girls to mentor younger peers. The school actively works to address the confidence dip that research shows occurs for girls around age 14, with targeted support structures and low-pressure academic environments that prioritise individual progress over top-grade density.
The sixth form achieved a 100% pass rate at A-level in 2024, with 56% of grades at A*-B. Specific subjects show exceptional strength; further mathematics, Latin and Chinese all achieved 100% A*-A. The Extended Project Qualification is embedded, with 98% of participants achieving A*-A grades. The sixth form is intentionally described as a "free-thinking environment" that fosters independence and ambition. Telegraph Money recognised the sixth form as best-value independent education in the region.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
