The Portsmouth Grammar School is a happy and vibrant independent school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth and only a few minutes’ walk from the Solent.
The Portsmouth Grammar School was founded in 1732 by William Smith: Mayor of Portsmouth and Physician to its Garrison. Of humble origins, Smith flourished through spirit, vision, and learning. He was determined that, like him, the young people of Portsmouth should have access to a transformative education. And so, in his will, he asked his Oxford college, Christ Church, to establish a school in the town where he had prospered.
We remain true to William Smith’s vision today. A forward-looking school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth, we encourage our pupils to envision their life at 25, and we prepare them to make a positive contribution in whatever pathway they choose. Portsmouth is, after all, a city concerned with destinations.
We do this by nurturing the individual potential of each of our pupils. Our success in public examinations and in securing places at first-choice universities is combined with attention to personal flourishing and to the joy of lifelong learning. In our caring, family community, pupils develop through academic challenge, an astonishing breadth of co-curricular activity, and opportunities both to lead and to serve. Our guiding commitment is to support every pupil to be happy and successful; in that order.
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a fully co-educational independent day school. There are 1,152 pupils in the School.
The Pre-School offers outstanding care for girls and boys from age 2½ to 4, supporting them to become confident and happy children who are active, independent learners.
In the Junior School, our dynamic thematic curriculum engages pupils from Pre-School through to Year 6, exploring broad, enriching themes that stimulate curiosity and enquiry. Each term focuses on a ‘Big Question’ that weaves through all areas of learning, promoting interdisciplinary connections and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. The main ages of entry are 4 and 7, however there are places available for intermediate entry.
The Portsmouth Grammar Senior School offers girls and boys aged 11–16 outstanding academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities. Pupils flourish in a supportive and caring environment, achieving excellent results at GCSE. Pupils are enthusiastic and committed learners. They enjoy supporting others in their learning, using information and communication technology to enhance their understanding. Admission is by the School’s Entrance Assessment at 11+ and at 13+. Entrants at 13 are usually pre-tested at 11 to accommodate high demand for places. Pupils are admitted at other ages, should vacancies occur, subject to assessments and satisfactory reports from previous schools.
PGS offers a broad Sixth Form curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on academic challenge and enrichment. Admission to the Sixth Form is subject to satisfactory standard at GCSE and interview.
Curriculum. The Portsmouth Grammar School aims to create an environment in which pupils are keen to develop a range of analytical skills and creative talents. We encourage pupils to be enquiring and independent in their learning. We want our learners to evaluate their progress critically and learn to optimise their potential by setting themselves challenging goals and adopting effective study techniques. They should be willing to work collaboratively, with proper respect for each other’s different talents and mindful at all times of academic honesty. The Sixth Form A level curriculum offers all pupils the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which may be essay-based, creative or practical. They will have access to a wide range of taught academic enrichment courses, to extend their learning beyond their core subjects, through our Ignite! programme. Students may choose from a broad range of community partnership projects and work experience, receiving skills coaching and opportunities for leadership development.
A level subjects include: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Government and Politics, Greek, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Religious Studies and Spanish. The Personal Enrichment Curriculum offers pupils the resources, opportunities and coaching to develop and build personal qualities, personal perspective and ideas, extended thinking, confidence, the ability to take control of life and an understanding of what they enjoy. It is focused on personal development through exciting, rewarding and hugely enjoyable opportunities, providing an inspiring platform for the future.
The Sixth Form prepares candidates for entry to Higher Education, and the Universities and Careers Department provides excellent support with UCAS applications and close relations with various forms of employment.
Religion. The Portsmouth Grammar School is non-denominational.
Pastoral care. We firmly believe that a child’s happiness is an essential foundation for their wellbeing and for their progress in learning. It is also vital to their preparation for a flourishing and fulfilled life beyond school, as individuals, as lifelong learners, as citizens and within the world of work. Individualised care is at the heart of PGS life; our staff are enormously dedicated and go above and beyond to support the pupils in their care.
Sport. Rugby (boys and girls), netball and hockey are the main games in winter and spring; cricket (boys and girls), tennis and athletics in the summer. Cross-country running, squash, judo, badminton, gymnastics, basketball, aerobics, swimming and sailing are also available. The School has enjoyed national success in recent years in sports such as football (Junior School only), hockey, netball, athletics, and cricket.
The co-curriculum. There are significant opportunities for co-curricular involvement at the school. Music, Sport, Drama, CCF and Outdoor Pursuits, including Ten Tors and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, play a huge role in the development of pupils and provide them with a diverse and popular range of activities. Service to the local community and charity work is also an important feature of the school’s ethos. Many clubs and societies cater for a considerable range of co-curricular interests from the Model United Nations to Wildlife Club. Numerous expeditions, holiday activities and trips are actively encouraged and include many foreign tours for sports teams and music ensembles. The School has a flourishing exchange scheme with French, German and Spanish schools. Sports teams have recently gone on tour to Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa. Recent expeditions have seen pupils travel to Zambia and Uganda.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Senior School: £6,709; Junior School: £4,306–£4,775. (Fees quoted include direct debit discount but do not include VAT.)
Scholarships and financial assistance. A programme of scholarships and means-tested financial assistance is offered in the Senior School from 11–18 years and we are extremely grateful to all those whose generosity makes it possible for a growing number of pupils to join PGS each year, regardless of their financial situation.
Scholarships are non means-tested and awarded to recognise exceptional academic or co-curricular ability. Where appropriate, these awards may be augmented by a bursary.
Financial assistance (bursaries) is entirely means-tested and reflect the outstanding academic potential of an individual pupil regardless of ability to afford the school’s fees.
All candidates are automatically considered for academic scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
Additionally, scholarships can also be awarded for excellence in Art, Drama, Music and Sport at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Existing PGS pupils may also apply for consideration for these awards once they become eligible during their time at the school.
Full details of all scholarships and bursaries are available on the School’s website.
Buildings. The School is located within the historic quarter of Portsmouth. The Grade II listed buildings of the Junior and Senior School sit comfortably next to modern developments, including a Sixth Form Centre and Science Centre, a Music School, a modern dining and theatre complex and a fully refurbished library. The School sports facilities are located at the Hilsea Playing Fields and include an all-weather pitch and Sports Pavilion.
Honours. Just under 90% of pupils win a place at their first or insurance-choice university and we have frequent success in helping our pupils secure offers for prestigious degree apprenticeship schemes with organisations such as Dyson, Rolls Royce and Unilever.
Sportsmen include England Cricket Captain Wally Hammond and England Women's Team Cricket Player Charlie Dean, Athletics International Roger Black, and Paralympian Ross Morrison. Military distinction in abundance, including 3 VCs (one the first VC submariner), several Admirals, Generals and Air Marshals. Medicine is also a continuing theme – from pioneer ophthalmologist James Ware to Viagra researcher Ian Osterloh. Arts are well and diversely represented: dramatist Simon Gray, poet Christopher Logue, novelist James Clavell, film director James Bobin, Sky Sports reporter Mike Wedderburn, cathedral organist Christopher Walsh, and pop singer Paul Jones. Civil Servants, Judges and barristers galore, plus entrepreneur industrialist Alan Bristow.
Charitable status. The Portsmouth Grammar School is a Registered Charity, number 1063732. It exists to provide education for boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chairman: Mr W J B Cha, BA
Mrs S Baker, MA
Mrs K Bishop, BA
Mr T W Burden, MA
The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, BA, MPhil, PhD
Mr M R Coffin, BA Econ, FCA
Mrs V Durham, MA Oxon
Mrs S Gingell, MSc, DIPSW
Dr M Grossel, BSc, MA, PhD
Ms C Harries
Mr N D Latham, CBE, MSc, CEng, FIMarEST, FIMechE
His Honour Judge Lodder, KC, LLB
Mr P G Parkinson, BA, Dip Arch
Mr J D Poulton, BA Cantab
Dr S Ross, MB ChB, MRCGP
Senior Team:
Head: Mr D Wickes, MA
Senior Deputy Head: Mr R Bristow, MA Oxon, PGCE, FRSA, MCCT
Deputy Head (Academic and Staff Welfare): Mrs S Haslam, BA Hons, MA, QTS
Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning): Mr J Andrews, BA, MSc
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Ms L Ryan, BA, MA
Assistant Head (Sixth Form): Mrs R Clay, BA
Assistant Head (Pastoral): Miss F E A Bush, BA
Assistant Head (Admissions and Partnerships): Mrs J Jackson, BSc
Assistant Head (Co-Curriculum): Mr M Murray, MA
Assistant Head (Pupil Progress): Mr Martin Hill, BA Hons, MEd
Bursar: Mr J Read
Junior School and Nursery
Head of the Junior School: Mrs A Wilson-Smith, BA, PGCE
Deputy Head (Operations & Logistics): Mr J Ashcroft, BSc, PGCE
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs J Millward, BEd
Deputy Head (Academic): Mrs G Radford, BA