Welcome…
Founded in 1882 and
of
Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST),
At Portsmouth High School the well-being of all our girls is the first priority. Girls learn best when they feel safe, secure and happy in a school environment where they know professional help, advice and guidance is at hand every day. Each girl is nurtured, encouraged and challenged. We take time to get to know each one of our pupils as an individual, helping to build her confidence and leadership skills in preparation for the future.
I can proudly say that Portsmouth High School also has an enviable reputation for academic success whether that is at the prep or senior school. Each summer we celebrate impressive examination
results both at A Level and GCSE. We credit our success to the hard work of our girls, specialist teachers, disciplined classes and highly regarded, traditional courses, which give our girls a firm foundation for academic excellence.
We aim to foster an atmosphere of ambition and enterprise. We encourage every pupil to develop her own voice and her own views; we enable them to build on their strengths and above all we inspire in our girls the confidence to take risks and tackle new challenges. We recognise our pupils as individuals and aim to nurture not only their intellect but their wellbeing too.
Our prep school is set in wonderful grounds with plenty of space for the girls to play and discover the outdoor classroom.
This lively environment is an exciting place to learn and there are many opportunities to participate in clubs and activities that extend and enrich the school day. During their time here girls are prepared very well for the next stage of senior school.
Our senior school is a vibrant and thriving environment for creative arts, music and sports. A year round calendar of drama productions and art exhibitions showcases the girls’ creative abilities whilst ensembles, orchestras and choirs cater for all levels of musical talent. Girls excel in all areas of the curriculum and, unencumbered by subject
stereotyping, are just as likely to choose sciences and mathematics as they are arts based subjects.
We nurture the talents of our upand-coming sports stars and offer a huge variety of sporting options from trampolining to cricket, as well as making the most of our location by the sea by offering popular sailing courses.
Life at Portsmouth High School is busy, always enjoyable and tremendous fun. Do come and visit and discover this stimulating environment and just what makes our school different and so special.
Jane Prescott Headmistress, Portsmouth High School
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part
the
we are proud of our history and reputation and of continuing excellence in both the academic and wider curriculum.
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This is a school where curiosity, confidence and courage is developed and where girls enjoy learning through a huge range of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. The Prep School team use their considerable expertise to ensure that the girls in our school are explorers, using thinking skills that apply across the curriculum and beyond into sport, music and drama.
To learn we need to have a variety of skills. Our ability to think, problem solve and apply knowledge is essential to making progress. At Portsmouth High Prep School we work with the girls to create curious explorers. Not just children who are mere attenders dividing their day into different subjects, but those who think imaginatively and are resilient when faced with a problem. They make links between topics and are
encouraged to be independent in thought. They are collaborative, resilient and work together in teams to accomplish their goals.
We are fortunate to have outstanding grounds at our disposal. An oasis in the heart of the city, our gardens allow the girls to express themselves, have space to roam and enjoy a range of outdoor activities including forest and beach schools. The family atmosphere promotes exceptional pastoral carealongsidehigh-levelacademic performance. Girls here are confident, composed, committed and courageous.
Quite simply, this is a school where girls learn without limits.
Paul Marshallsay Headmaster, Portsmouth High Prep School
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It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Portsmouth High Prep School.
Pre-School
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Young Explorers…
Step inside Portsmouth High Pre-School and experience the excitement and sense of curiosity the children have as they explore the world around them.
Our purpose-built and modern pre-prep building provides an excitingandinspiringenvironment where girls enjoy learning through a range of activities both inside and outside the classroom. Set in large gardens, the pre-school is well-equipped with an enclosed safe area outdoors to encourage exploration and imaginative play.
Your daughter’s well-being is paramount. Class sizes are small enough for staff to give regular one to one support helping children grow in confidence and shine. Girls are encouraged to explore their own ideas, be bold, develop resilience and always be ready to try something new.
Our aim is for your daughter to have the best pre-school experience possible to set her on course for success as she moves through the school.
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Purposeful…
Your daughter is unique and at Portsmouth High Pre-School educational plans will be tailored to enable her to reach her full potential. Individual care and attention from your daughter’s teacher will provide her with an engaging, happy and, above all, a safe educational environment.
In the early years there is a strong element of phonics and numeracy in the daily routine. Phonics is taught through games, music, songs and actions making learning fun. Girls begin to write sentences with simple punctuation and start to structure stories. Mathematics is taught daily starting with number skills and progressing through to addition and subtraction.
A hands-on introduction to scientific discovery is a key feature of early learning at Portsmouth High Pre-School. Girls explore a discovery garden introducing them to simple scientific concepts. Immersive forest school activities explore the natural world in the school’s impressive grounds.
Dedicated and well-qualified early years’ staff are supported by specialist teachers for French, music and ballet as well as ICT, forest school and philosophy. External speakers come into school to complement learning and there are trips out and about in the local area. Children reach their early learning goals and develop a solid foundation to support their learning across different subjects as they move through the school.
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Our Pre-School encourages intellectual curiosity right from the start and girls enjoy learning through investigation, listening and watching.
Prep School
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A great place to start…
Girls can enjoy the great outdoors in the large gardens at Portsmouth High Prep School and generations of girls have fond memories of playing amongst the trees, grass and the much-loved Dell. Lessons often move outside and our purpose-built outdoor classroom is a hub of learning for girls across the school. Forest school lessons take place outdoors whatever the weather and, with the sea just a five minute walk away, beach school lessons are popular too.
Our Discovery Laboratory provides a focus for scientific excellence and older prep school girls are able to take advantage of the senior school’s impressive science facilities. Languages are taught from pre-school and, by the time girls move on to senior school, they have a foundation in French, Latin and even a taste of Mandarin.
Sports are high on the agenda too. Girls play sport to the highest level and represent the school both in local fixtures and in GDST sporting fixtures across the country where the standard is excellent. Tennis and netball courts, and an astroturf hockey pitch, are located on site with a large sports hall a few minutes walk away at the senior school.
Excellent facilities, academic excellence, a plethora of opportunities and well-being are at the heart of everything to ensure girls move on to senior school with confidence and enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.
Impressive facilities are a foundation for success across so many levels
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Prep School Explorers
The explorers approach is a catalyst for learning throughout the school and the theme also runs through extended homework projects and activity days.
Confident Explorers
Plenty of opportunities in sport, music and drama build confidence and self-esteem. A spirit of enquiry motivates girls to explore ideas and arguments in a generous, critical and constructive way.
Composed Explorers
When asked to do something difficult, girls are composed and combat their fear. They show grit and determination and will explore every avenue using their thinking skills. Girls are taught to communicate well with both adults and other children. They are intrinsically motivated and self-directing, taking responsibility for their own learning.
Committed Explorers
Our girls are committed to their school and work well with the people around them. They do their best to work for each other so that school teams are successful. Girls play sport to the highest level and look forward to representing the school to the best of their ability. There is value in creating and sharing knowledge and girls are receptive to learning new things and new skills.
Courageous Explorers
Girls are encouraged to explore their feelings and be positive in the face of adversity. They are enterprising and willing to take the initiative. Numerous opportunities give experience of and an aptitude for leadership.
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Our explorers approach to learning is highly successful and ensures girls use thinking skills that apply across the curriculum and beyond into sport, music and drama.
Teamwork…
When your daughter joins Portsmouth High School she will become part of the school and GDST family. Everyone supports each other in a unique learning environment where girls are not held back by a fear of failure and are willing to have a go and try something new.
Excellent home-school links build a real sense of teamwork creating a positive partnership to help each girl become the best she can be. From playing in the orchestra to singing in the chamber choir, or from being centre stage in a drama production to captaining a sports team, girls have many opportunities to acquire the life skills they need to carry them forward. Confidence blossoms and girls build grit and determination from a young age. These are qualities that will help them achieve the success they deserve.
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Girls achieve their very best when they feel supported and part of a strong community…
Senior School
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Inspiring…
Portsmouth High School preserves the very best of a traditional education combined with modern teaching methods. The school offers highly regarded educational subjects taught by well-qualified teachers in disciplined classes. Teachers are experts in their subjects and foster a passion for learning. They set clear and challenging goals, actively encouraging students to take ownership of their studies. Girls are enabled to achieve a firm foundation for academic excellence and personal success.
A rich and varied co-curricular programme alongside academic studies captures the interests of every pupil and girls are strongly encouraged to take part. New activities encourage girls to take risks outside their comfort zone and develop new skills.
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With almost 140 years experience in delivering outstanding education for girls, it is hardly surprising we have an enviable reputation for success achieving excellent GCSE and A level results year after year.
Confidence…
The secret of our success?
Portsmouth High School has a family feel and there is a real sense of belonging to a warm and friendly community. We take time to get to know each one of our girls, to listen to their ideas and share each stage of their exciting journey. A strong pastoral team and the support of teaching staff gives each girl the opportunity to achieve her very best.
We recognise of course that a good education is about more than excellent examination results. Right from the start we focus on developing key competences in effective communication, teamwork and problem solving. Skilled tutors develop each girl’s understanding of her own strengths in regular tutorial sessions and a team of peer supporters and staff ensure girls of all ages always find a listening ear.
Even our youngest pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities and leadership opportunities are available across the school. Confidence grows as girls realise what they can achieve, facing risks and taking on new challenges with a‘can-do’attitude that takes them forward in leaps and bounds.
A real focus on well-being.
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Pupils make progress when they are happy, when they feel listened to and when they feel valued.
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Our girls achieve success on the sports field and creative arts are showcased throughout the year in a busy calendar of drama productions, musical performances and art exhibitions
Success…
There is a passion for achievement in sports and a great team spirit. Professional coaches support PE staff and nurture talent in a wide variety of activities. A packed schedule of fixtures, tournaments and sports tours stretch girls to perform at their very best. GDST sporting events are held across the country offering opportunities to compete with peers at other GDST schools and the standards are consistently high.
Portsmouth High School has a creative, open culture where all talents flourish; aspiring actresses, set designers and producers all work together and you can see for yourself in our superb productions how much this fosters enthusiasm and confidence.
All musical talents and levels are catered for in our wide variety of ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Girls quickly progress in our lively music department and perform at prestigious venues or on one of the regular music tours overseas.
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Sixth Form
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Welcome to Portsmouth High Sixth Form and to an exciting new phase in your life…
Being a member of our sixth form means being part of a unique, close-knit community of ambitious and adventurous learners, who work creatively and collaboratively to achieve their very best. Our pupils delight in both the academic and co-curricular opportunities we provide, as well as the important friendships that are forged and life lessons learned during this next important chapter of your life.
We offer a wide range of A Level subjects and will create a bespoke, personalised timetable for each of our pupils. This allows you to continue studying the subjects that you love, extending your understanding and exploring them in greater depth. You may also, of course, decide to pursue a new option and additionally, you can make use of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is offered to all pupils, to enable you to research an area of particular interest and to further enhance your university applications.
PHS Sixth Formers are ambitious learners, who we encourage to seek out challenges, take risks and embrace opportunities. Our classes provide the chance for you to experience individualised learning and to form strong and productive working relationships with staff and peers alike.
Outside of the classroom, we offer a multitude of leadership pathways and initiatives to develop your sense of social responsibility. You may stand for election to the Head Girl or House Captain teams, offer peer support to your fellow pupils, represent the school in public speaking or as a member of one of our Duke of Edinburgh expedition teams, lead a charity fundraising project – the list is endless.
Through our Athene Programme, you will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle all aspects of the next phase of your life. From careers guidance to money matters, cookery to
driving, impressing at interview, and delivering the perfect presentation – we’ve got you covered.
The hallmark of a Portsmouth High School Sixth Former can be seen in both her success and her spirit. We will provide you with the confidence and competence you need to achieve; the lessons you learn here will stay with you throughout your life.
Katie J Wood Head of Sixth Form, Portsmouth High School
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Talk to any of our sixth form and you will notice an air of confidence, a sense of purpose, independence and self-belief. Based in our purpose-designed Sixth Form House, these two years are particularly fast-paced and offer a huge range of opportunities enabling students to grow both personally and academically.
The sixth form curriculum is challenging yet hugely rewarding, offering a range of respected courses which open doors to top universities and beyond. The Portsmouth High Sixth Form experience is truly unique and is designed to fulfil the academic and personal potential of every student giving them an unparalleled preparation for life beyond the school gates.
Independence…
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The Sixth Form is the best experience education has to offer and is an essential stepping stone to university life and beyond.
Nothing daunts a Portsmouth High School girl. Whether she is trekking in the mountains as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award or giving a presentation centre stage, she will find the inner resources she needs to face any challenge. In a shrinking world we make sure our pupils connect across continents, forging links with countries such as South Africa and China.
Portsmouth High School aims to liberate the potential of girls empowering them to take up opportunities and prove they have what it takes to be the best. Girls leave us as confident, well-informed young women, ready to embark on the next stage of their lives. During their time here they have made enduring friendships with similar spirits and will have the emotional intelligence for the exciting journey ahead.
How do you recognise a Portsmouth High School girl? You will note it in her success. But you will see it in her spirit…
Future…
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Potential…
Portsmouth High School
alumnae harbour
a huge breadth of knowledge covering diverse fields of expertise
Every alumna at Portsmouth High School is welcomed into life membership of the GDST alumnae network, a vibrant community of over 70,000 women which is growing. Current pupils also benefit from these links and contacts.
Regular reunions bring together the whole school community, both past and present. Once a PHS girl, always a PHS girl.
Anne McMeehan Roberts (Class of 1972) Company Director, Trustee Chair of Governors, Portsmouth High School, 2013 - 2019
Looking back, I realise that it was Portsmouth High School that taught me the confidence to seize the opportunities that presented themselves throughout my career. And perhaps even more importantly, I learned that I could create opportunities, not just for myself but for others too. I have retired from the City where I was a company director and financial communications specialist.
Anjana Gadgil (Class of 1994) BBC presenter and reporter
I made friends for life at PHS. An invaluable support network of ambitious women first starting out in the world of work and now juggling jobs and families. I developed a love of team sports and left school with the confidence that I could pursue the career I wanted. I also learnt that hard work pays off and the importance of a deadline; very handy for a broadcast journalist.
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The support and encouragement
I received from the teaching staff at PHS to pursue my interest in a career in science and engineering was first rate as you would expect. However, in some ways, it was the experiences I gained from additional activities such as drama, public speaking and musical performance, that gave me the confidence and resilience to take on increasing responsibility and deal effectively with the challenges that arise at work or, indeed, in life.
My time at PHS was invaluable to my future career. Through expert teaching, pastoral care and sense of community, I enhanced my confidence and life-skills which have aided me in launching my own Marketing Agency. Equally importantly, I made friends for life who have been instrumental in supporting my leap of faith in starting my own business.
My time at PHS helped create not only the foundation of my further studies, but also provided important guidance in how to conduct myself in friendships, relationships and in the development of new life skills. The extremely special relationships I developed with my friends and my teachers ensured a healthy and happy environment where I could excel academically. I couldn’t have attained my First Class Honours in Textile Design from the University of Leeds without my 14 years at Portsmouth High School. However, the biggest impact the school has had on my life is the formulation of truly wonderful friendships as without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
PHS taught me to tackle challenges head on, seize opportunities with both hands, and always extended help to those around you. What I learnt, extends far beyond the academic, and has empowered me to accomplish things I would never have imagined possible.
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Dr Dame Frances Saunders DBE, CB, FREng, HonFInstP (Class of 1972)
Non-Executive Director, Advisor and Trustee
Olivia Piepe (Class of 2005) Co-Founder and Director of Juniper Marketing and Communications
Madeleine Michell (Class of 2014) Graduate
Zoe Williams (Class of 2010) Product Manager, Deliveroo
Senior School & Sixth Form
Sixth Form House Dining Hall, Computer
English & Humanities
Drama Studio
Music Department
Assembly Hall
Modern Languages
Multi-use Games Surface Geography and Modern Languages classrooms
Sports Hall and Food Technology
Art and Design Technology
Daffodil House
Well-being Centre
Science Department
Reception
Sciences
& Mathematics
30 Pre-School & Prep Main building Sports
Pre-Prep
The
Outdoor
Vegetable
Art and Craft Discovery Lab 7 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Hall
and Pre-School
Dell Play Area
Classroom KS2 Building for Years 3, 4 & 5 Astroturf sports pitch Mini Beast Jungle and Butterfly Garden
Garden
Senior School & Sixth Form 25 Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3EQ 023 9282 6714 headsec@por.gdst.net Pre-School & Prep School 36 Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3ES 023 9282 4916 porjunioradmin@uk..gdst.net www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk www.gdst.net The Girls’ Day School Trust is a Limited Company, Registered in England No 6400. Registered Charity Number 306983.
