Founded in 1882 and part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), we are proud of our history and reputation and of continuing excellence in both the academic and wider curriculum.
It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome you to Portsmouth High School.
A school where you can be sure your daughter will thrive. Because we are resolute in our ambition to make sure that whoever she is, and whoever she wants to become, we will be there – every step of the way –to help her fulfil her promise, and her ambitions.
We have a long and unrivalled track record in educating girls, and so we understand precisely what a girl needs to be the best she can possibly be. We know, for example, that girls learn best when they feel safe, secure and
happy. And where they know professional help and guidance is a constant. With this front and centre of all we do, we nurture every girl. We encourage her, and we’ll challenge her, too.
It starts with our Pre-School and the excitement of early explorations during her formative years.
In our prep school, her horizons will start to expand, as she discovers learning in new and creative ways, in a range of inspiring spaces – from play areas set in wonderful gardens, to outdoor classrooms, and bright and lively indoor spaces. She will be her own person and part of
our community, participating in clubs and activities. And before she knows it, she’ll be ready for her next step – into our senior school.
The senior school at Portsmouth High School brings together a powerful blend of academic studies, creative arts, music and sports, along with a host of cocurricular activities, to give your daughter a joy of learning in a vibrant, yet safe environment. Think what she can go on to achieve with this as her school experience – in a place where girls can excel in all areas of the curriculum, and find their passions, free from stereotyping.
Our sixth form is when your daughter’s ambitions will take flight. An independent
environment where she will begin to shape her own future, and be empowered to succeed in it.
That’s what an all-girl learning environment provides, and that is what we can promise she will find at Portsmouth High School. Please do visit us to find out more. You can arrange a visit through our Admissions Registrar, who will be pleased to help. We look forward to welcoming you and your daughter to Portsmouth High School.
Sarah Parker Head
Portsmouth High School GDST
Prep and Pre-School
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Portsmouth High Prep School, incorporating both our preschool (for ages 3-4) and our main prep school (from 4-11 years).
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. The family atmosphere promotes exceptional pastoral care alongside high-level academic performance. Girls here are confident, composed, committed and courageous.
Quite simply, this is a school where girls learn without limits and their ambitions start to take off.
Paul Marshallsay Headmaster, Portsmouth
High Prep School
Pre-School
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 exciting and inspiring environment where girls enjoy learning through a range of activities both inside and outside the classroom. Set in large gardens, the pre-school is wellequipped 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.
It all starts here
Our pre-school encourages intellectual curiosity right from the start and girls enjoy learning through investigation, listening and watching.
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 outdoor 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 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.
Prep School
Prep School Explorers
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.
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.
An environment designed for discovery
Young minds need variety
Unrivalled facilities, academic excellence, unlimited opportunities and happiness are what our prep school is all about. Our approach gives our girls wings, enabling them to move seamlessly into the senior school with confidence and enthusiasm for the future.
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 and Latin.
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.
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-based lessons take place outdoors whatever the weather and, with the sea just a five minute walk away, beach lessons are popular too.
Family
Girls shine when they know they are supported, and are part of a strong community.
By joining us, your daughter will also become part of the Girls’ Day School Trust family. A unique learning environment where she will be supported to achieve anything she sets her mind to.
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.
Senior School
Inspiring
Our girls inspire us, with their energy, determination and fearlessness, just as we aim to inspire them.
We do this through a combination of traditional learning and the best of what modern teaching methods offer. And with over 140 years’ experience in educating girls, we have seen what they are capable of: year after year, they go on to achieve GCSE and A Level results at the highest levels.
We offer highly regarded academic subjects taught by expert teachers, who foster a passion for learning in their subjects. By setting clear and challenging goals, they actively
encourage students to take ownership of their studies, giving them a firm foundation for academic excellence and personal success.
All of this is set alongside a rich and varied co-curricular programme, designed to help fire girls’ interests, learn new skills and embolden them to take on new challenges outside their comfort zone.
Confident to be herself
Self-belief and confidence are the keys to your daughter’s success. We know that girls make progress when they are happy, when they are listened to, and when they are valued.
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.
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.
Our girls are curious, energetic and eager to learn where their passions lie. Successes in sport and the creative arts are celebrated throughout the year in our busy calendar of drama productions, musical performances, art exhibitions and sporting competitions.
Expanding horizons
There is a passion for achievement in sports and a great team spirit. In sport, professional coaches support PE staff and nurture talent across the sporting spectrum. 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.
Sixth Form
Welcome to Portsmouth High Sixth Form and to an exciting new phase in your life…
Welcome to Portsmouth High Sixth Form, an independent, free-thinking environment where girls can shape their own futures. 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.
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
Through our enrichment programme, you will also be equipped with the knowledge
The Sixth Form years are when your daughter will be growing in independence, taking control of her own learning and building the skills she will need for whatever life she chooses beyond school.
The future is now
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 fastpaced 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.
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…
Trailblazers
Our alumnae
We are enormously proud of our alumnae –women whose achievements, knowledge, expertise and diverse experiences inspire our pupils daily.
Every alumna at Portsmouth High School is welcomed into life membership of the GDST alumnae network, a vibrant community of over 100,000 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.
Dr Dame Frances Saunders
DBE, CB, FREng, HonFInstP (Class of 1972)
Non-Executive Director, Advisor and Trustee
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.
Olivia Piepe (Class of 2005)
Co-Founder and Director of Juniper Marketing and Communications
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.
Madeleine Michell (Class of 2014)
Social Conscience Communications Manager, Toast
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!
Zoe Williams (Class of 2010)
Director of Deal Execution, Arkenstone
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.
