The Portsmouth Grammar School Review 2026: Nearly 300 Years of Academic Excellence by the Waterfront

Step through the historic archway at Portsmouth Grammar School's High Street entrance, and you enter a space where nearly 300 years of educational tradition meet purposeful modern innovation. Founded in 1732 by Dr William Smith, a physician and former Mayor of Portsmouth who died and bequeathed his estate specifically to establish a school for local children, PGS has served successive generations with remarkable consistency. The school's motto, Praemia Virtutis Honores (Honours are the rewards of virtue), echoes through its corridors as genuinely as it did two centuries ago.

Today, under the leadership of Mr David Wickes (who arrived in 2022 succeeding Dr Anne Cotton), the school educates approximately 1,140 pupils across five distinct phases: Pre-School (ages 2–4), Junior School (Reception to Year 6), Senior School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). With tuition fees of £24,631 annually for secondary pupils and strong bursary support through The William Smith Fund, PGS combines accessibility with academic rigour. The school ranks 238th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking, placing it in the top 5% ) and 260th for A-levels. In January 2025, inspectors found the school to be excellent across all standards measured, validating what parents and pupils already know: this is a school where individual potential meets institutional excellence.

The Portsmouth Grammar School in Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth has a strong sense of history, with heritage woven into everyday school life. The school identifies six core principles: Curiosity, Creativity, Commitment, Courage, Compassion, and Collaboration. These are not displayed as corporate slogans but woven deliberately into daily practice. Houses form the foundation of pastoral care, with pupils assigned to colour-coded houses named after former schoolmasters. This system creates continuity; a child's house identity persists from Junior to Senior School, providing consistent mentoring relationships and a true "home" within the larger institution.

The atmosphere is notably purposeful without being pressured. Pupils move confidently between buildings. Staff greet them by name. The school's own description of pupils as "living stones", shaped but unique, individually distinctive yet collectively powerful, captures something genuine about the experience. Mr Wickes, in his first years as head, has maintained this balance with evident success. Recent visiting parents described pupils as "polite, self-assured, and genuinely grateful to be here," a testament to pastoral strength.

The physical environment itself tells the school's story. The Victorian Upper Junior School building stands as original architecture. The Bristow-Clavell Science Centre (opened 2010) provides modern laboratory facilities. The Sixth Form Centre (opened 2014 with support from the Earl of Wessex) gives older students independence. The Health and Wellbeing Centre (built 2017) signals the school's investment in mental health infrastructure. These facilities span nearly a century of investment, yet all operate within walking distance of the historic High Street in Old Portsmouth, a location that genuinely contributes to the school's character. Proximity to the coast, the Royal Navy connections (the Second Sea Lord nominates a governor), and Portsmouth's maritime heritage create an unmistakable sense of place.

GCSE Performance

In 2025, 64% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9–7, well above the England average of 54%. This places the school in the top 5% (FindMySchool ranking: 238th in England). The performance is particularly striking when viewed across the breadth of the intake. This is not a school that selects exclusively by entrance examination; whilst competitive entry exists at Year 7 and 13, the school educates a genuine cross-section of ability, making these results evidence of effective teaching rather than cream-skimming.

The school ranks 1st locally among Portsmouth secondary schools for GCSE outcomes. Pupils regularly secure strong grades across sciences, languages, humanities, and the arts, with particularly notable strength in subjects including Latin, Classical Greek, Further Mathematics, and History. The curriculum offers genuine breadth; unlike some independent schools that narrow options, PGS encourages breadth through Key Stage 4 and facilitates specialisation at A-level.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, the picture is even more impressive. In 2025, 76% of grades achieved A*–B, with 61% achieving A*–A. This places the school at 260th (FindMySchool ranking, top 10% in England). The average point score per entry sits at B+, with some cohorts achieving A–. Twenty-six subjects are offered at A-level, including specialist options like Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, and Further Mathematics. This breadth is unusual for an independent school and reflects the school's commitment to allowing pupils to pursue genuine intellectual interests rather than following a narrow pathway.

Leavers data from the 2023–24 cohort shows 73% progressed to university, 13% to employment (including degree apprenticeships with firms like Ernst & Young and PwC), 1% to further education, and 1% to apprenticeships. The university destinations reflect the school's academic strength, with regular Oxbridge acceptances and strong representation at Russell Group institutions.

The academic curriculum is delivered by subject specialists with significant expertise. Teachers are described as passionate subject specialists who also give extra time to support learning. Many staff bring relevant industry experience, not just theoretical knowledge but practical understanding of their disciplines. This is evident in the sciences, where laboratory work goes beyond examination preparation to genuine investigative learning. Languages are taught with native speakers supporting classroom teachers, and trips to France, Spain, and Germany are regular features.

The school operates a structured approach to learning support. Approximately 17% of pupils are on the SEN register, with the school providing additional resources in areas including dyslexia, processing differences, and anxiety. The Learning Support department works closely with classroom teachers, coordinating individual education plans. The school reports that value-added outcomes for pupils with additional learning needs overall have improved notably in recent years.

Academically, the school emphasises conceptual understanding alongside examination technique. In Mathematics, setting begins in Year 4 to allow differentiation. In sciences, practical work forms a substantial component of teaching. The Personal Enrichment Curriculum in the Sixth Form ensures students develop beyond subject specialism, with emphasis on critical thinking, extended writing, and practical skill-building. Mock elections, academic competitions (particularly strong in Maths Olympiad), and subject-specific enrichment seminars for scholars complement classroom learning.

In 2024, students secured places at a wide range of universities. Oxbridge acceptances totalled 3 in the measurement period, with universities including Cambridge. Beyond Oxford and Cambridge, leavers progress regularly to Russell Group institutions. The school's track record suggests that approximately 71% of sixth formers progress to Russell Group universities, with strong representation at universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, and Imperial College London.

Medical and veterinary degrees feature prominently, with approximately 18 medical school places secured in recent years. Law, engineering, and sciences are equally popular. The school's guidance and mentoring for university applications is rigorous. The university careers team provides one-to-one support, mock interviews, and realistic feedback. Sixth formers also access mentoring from Old Portmuthians (alumni) working in various professions, creating tangible connections between school experience and future opportunity.

Degree apprenticeships have grown as an alternative pathway, with firms including Ernst & Young, PwC, and other blue-chip companies recruiting sixth formers. The school actively encourages exploration of this route alongside university, reflecting a genuinely inclusive approach to post-18 progression.

The co-curricular programme is exceptional in both breadth and depth, with over fifty established clubs and activities running across the week. This is not a school that offers generic activities; instead, every club reflects specific student passion and genuine expertise.

Music: A Defining Strength

Portsmouth Grammar School's music provision stands as genuinely outstanding. The school has its own composer in residence and commissions new works from established composers including Sally Beamish, Lynne Plowman, and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. These commissioned pieces are performed by school ensembles, giving pupils direct experience of contemporary classical music.

The PGS Chamber Choir has performed at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and undertaken concert tours to Salzburg. The choir also maintains an annual tradition of performing Evensong at Christ Church, Oxford. Links with the London Mozart Players mean selected scholars can perform concerti with this professional ensemble. The music school's distinctive wooden rotunda provides an architectural hub for rehearsals and performances, with concerts regularly scheduled throughout the year.

Ensembles include a full symphony orchestra, wind band, brass ensemble, jazz ensembles, and smaller chamber groups. Associate conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu directs many of these. In the Junior School, all pupils learn an instrument in class, and two-thirds progress to extra-curricular instrumental tuition. The school operates three choirs in addition to cathedral choristers. Annual Music Celebration Week showcases the breadth of musical engagement.

Drama: Accessible and Professional

Drama productions run at scale. The school stages full-scale theatrical productions multiple times per year, with performances in dedicated performance spaces. These are not simple classroom exercises; productions include full orchestras, elaborate sets, and audience capacities exceeding 300. Recent productions have ranged from contemporary pieces to classics. Senior students direct and produce shows, developing technical and leadership skills alongside performance opportunity.

Musical theatre features prominently. Junior pupils participate in annual musical productions. The school's Drama department manages three dedicated performance spaces, ensuring that opportunities exist for pupils at all levels of experience and interest.

Sport: Serious but Inclusive

Sport at Portsmouth Grammar School occupies a significant place but is structured to allow participation at all levels. The school is in the top 10 in England for sport, with Olympic athletes and international representatives among recent alumni. Rugby, hockey, cricket, and tennis are traditional strengths. Facilities include a multi-purpose sports centre (containing gymnasium, squash courts, weight lifting room, and dance studios), with additional grounds at Hilsea providing pitches and pavilion space.

Sports tours are regular features; teams travel to Australia and South Africa for fixtures. Water polo is coached at a national level on the 25-metre indoor pool. Rowing uses local water access. Yet participation remains genuinely inclusive; physical education is compulsory through Year 9, with broad option access thereafter.

STEM and Intellectual Enrichment

The Bristow-Clavell Science Centre provides modern laboratory facilities where science is taught through inquiry-based learning. Separate sciences are standard from Year 7. The Maths Olympiad programme identifies and nurtures mathematically able pupils. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are offered at GCSE and A-level, with strong uptake into university science courses.

The Combined Cadet Force operates with Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy sections, open to pupils from Year 9 onwards. This develops leadership, self-discipline, and teamwork through structured military-style training. The Outdoor Club teaches survival skills, bushcraft, navigation, tent building, and campsite cooking. The Wildlife Club conducts environmental investigations. The Medics Club supports prospective doctors and veterinarians.

Additional Clubs and Societies

Beyond these pillars, the school operates clubs spanning diverse interests: Model United Nations (competing at conferences), Debating Club, Stock Market Club, Model Rockets, Astronomy Club, International Society, Cookery Club, Photography Club, and Textiles Club. Each has adult leadership and real engagement. The Dissection Society exists for pupils with serious scientific interest. The Robotics Club engages with engineering challenges. Philosophy societies and literary clubs provide intellectual engagement beyond the standard curriculum.

The school also coordinates significant community engagement. Since 2010, pupils have supported a partner school in Cambodia through fundraising and curricular activities. Pupils participate in regular community outreach, including support for local charities and social enterprises. The school is a patron of Shaping Portsmouth, a city-wide initiative bringing together education, business, and community leaders. Ports Fest, an annual cultural celebration founded over twenty years ago, showcases cultural opportunities across Portsmouth.

Sixth formers participate in the Community, Action, Workplace programme, spending one afternoon weekly in direct community engagement, mentoring younger pupils, supporting local organisations, or working on social enterprises.

Fee Structure 2025–26

In Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth, nursery fee details for The Portsmouth Grammar School are available on request; figures may change year to year. Government-funded early learning (15 or 30 hours) applies; additional hours incur additional fees. Hot lunch adds £3.80.

Junior School (Reception–Year 6) annual fees range from £15,811.50 (Reception–Year 2) to £17,892 (Years 5–6), paid termly at approximately £5,271–£5,964 per term (including VAT).

Senior School (Years 7–13) annual fees are £24,631.20, paid termly at £8,210.40 per term (including VAT). International students paying via Child Student Visa pathways have separate fee schedules.

Financial Assistance

The school provides comprehensive financial support. Means-tested bursaries are available at 11+ and Sixth Form entry, with awards ranging from partial to full fee remission. The William Smith Fund makes additional support possible. Scholarships in academic achievement and co-curricular talent are awarded competitively. From September 2025, a new payment system allows parents to pay for lunches, uniforms, trips, and other items directly rather than through school fees account, improving transparency and budgeting flexibility.

For families considering independent education, PGS's fee level sits in the middle range of independent schools, and the bursary/scholarship infrastructure is notably robust. Families should contact admissions directly to discuss individual circumstances.

The school admits pupils at multiple entry points: Pre-School (age 2), Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9, and Sixth Form. Entry at Year 7 and Sixth Form is most competitive. At Year 7, pupils sit entrance assessments in Non-Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and English, typically held in January, with interviews preceding exams. At 13+, entry assessments are again the primary mechanism. The school is experienced in supporting mid-year entries and pupils relocating from overseas.

Registration fees are £100 (Pre-School) and £120 (all other years). Upon acceptance of a place, families pay a £500 deposit (refunded at the end of the first term). The school offers places based on assessment results, entrance examination performance, and where applicable, GCSE or A-level results.

Admission is genuinely competitive at Year 7, with strong local demand. However, the school genuinely seeks to widen access through its financial assistance programmes. Means-tested bursaries extend up to 100% fee remission. The William Smith Fund (launched Founder's Day 2015) creates a dedicated source of non-fee income supporting talented pupils who would not otherwise be able to attend. Since 2015, over 450 pupils have benefitted from this support.

Scholarships are offered at 11+, 13+ and 16+ in academics, art, drama, music and sport. Scholarship value typically ranges from 10–25% fee reduction, with opportunities to combine with bursary support.

Every student is assigned to a house (colour-coded and named after former schoolmasters). The house system provides continuity from Junior School through Sixth Form. Each house has a housemaster/mistress and dedicated staff. Tutor groups of typically 6–8 pupils ensure close pastoral relationships. In the Sixth Form, students have their own Centre with café and independent common room, recognising increased maturity.

The Health and Wellbeing Centre (opened 2017) provides counselling, medical support, and preventative health education. The school has received the 360 Degree Online Safety Mark (June 2025), reflecting commitment to digital safety. Staff training in mental health awareness ensures early identification of concerns. Pastoral interventions are grounded in the six core values, with an explicit focus on developing resilience, ethical agency, and personal responsibility.

Behaviour is well-managed. The school operates clear expectations and consistent consequences. Bullying is taken seriously with rapid, thorough investigation and support for both victims and those who have caused harm. Diversity awareness and inclusion initiatives run throughout the curriculum.

School hours

8:50am–3:20pm (standard day). Wraparound care is available from 7:30am (breakfast) to 6:00pm (after-school club) in Junior School and Pre-School. Senior School students typically depart by 3:20pm but have access to supervised study facilities and co-curricular activities extending to early evening.

Transport

The school is located in Old Portsmouth on the High Street, within walking distance of the coast. Pupils come from Portsmouth itself, surrounding Hampshire areas, and further afield (including some from London via train). The school has published guidance on transport links. Parking near the school is limited but available. Most pupils either walk, are driven, or use public transport.

Catering

Lunches are available (charged separately from fees). From 2025, a new payment system enables direct payment for catering, uniforms, and trips. The school works with catering providers to offer nutritionally balanced, varied menus.

Entrance competition. Entry at Year 7 is genuinely competitive. The school receives substantial applications for limited places. Whilst entrance assessments are designed to assess potential rather than prepared knowledge, many families engage tutoring support. Parents should prepare children realistically for the possibility that entry may not be secured despite strong application.

Selective culture. Whilst the school is not purely academically selective (thanks to its comprehensive pre-entry admissions in Junior School), the Year 7 entrance process does create a culture in which academic success is highly valued. Pupils who struggle with academic pressure may find the environment demanding, though pastoral support is strong.

Transportation. Location in Old Portsmouth, whilst characterful, means the school is not easily accessible from all parts of Hampshire or Dorset. Families relying on school transport or those with lengthy commutes should verify practicality before committing.

Financial access. Independent school fees, even with bursaries, represent a significant barrier for many families. The school's scholarship and bursary programmes are generous, but families should engage directly with admissions about their circumstances; financial assistance will not be awarded automatically.

The Portsmouth Grammar School achieves something genuinely distinctive: it preserves genuine pedagogical tradition whilst remaining actively forward-looking. The school's founder, Dr William Smith, died in 1732 determined that Portsmouth's young people should access "transformative education." Nearly 300 years later, that vision persists. Results across GCSE, A-level, and university destinations demonstrate that this is an academically serious school. The co-curricular programme, from an in-house composer to Oxbridge connections to genuine community engagement, demonstrates that the school educates the whole person.

Best suited to pupils who thrive intellectually, who appreciate structured pastoral care within a community of shared values, and whose families can meet the financial commitment (though bursaries make this achievable for talented pupils across income ranges). The school particularly suits pupils seeking music, drama, or STEM enrichment at serious level. For families valuing tradition, community, and genuine academic rigour, Portsmouth Grammar School deserves serious consideration.

The main caveat is entrance competition; families should apply with realistic expectations and explore alternatives simultaneously.