Welcome to the Sixth Form
Helping girls’ ambitions take off
The sixth form is bursting with opportunities to help every single girl develop into the best version of herself. “ ”
Welcome
Welcome to Portsmouth High School Sixth Form and to the next exciting chapter in your educational journey...
Being a member of our sixth form means being part of a unique, closeknit 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 subjects to study at A Level that are regarded as the gold standard as far as academic study is concerned. All our options are highly respected by top universities. We 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. Undoubtedly you will find the work more challenging at this level, but also more satisfying. 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 with the equivalent of an AS Level. PHS sixth formers are ambitious learners, encouraged 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 enrichment 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.
This is an incredibly exciting time for you, as you start to plan your future, beginning with your A Level
choices. I am sure you will enjoy having a good read through this prospectus. I am always on hand for a chat or to answer any questions. Drop me an email or call in to see me in my office within sixth form house, my door is always open, and I would welcome the opportunity to tell you more.
Mrs
Katie J Wood
Assistant Headteacher (Pupils) and Head of Sixth Form
k.wood@por.gdst.net 023 9282 6714
Academic Success
Girls learn differently and we set no limits on the ambitions that they set for themselves...
This summer saw another round of highly successful examination results for PHS sixth form students. Girls at PHS consistently achieve above their potential and thrive within our dynamic learning culture.
Their success is borne of their hard work and ambition but also bespoke and excellent teaching within the classroom. Girls are taught in small class sizes which enables highly personalised and targeted teaching. Their learning experience mirrors that of university seminars and encourages them to take risks and think creatively. At PHS we recognise that girls learn differently and we set no limits on the ambitions that they set for themselves.
Study Programme
Girls typically choose three A Level options for study. Along with their A Level subjects they will have Athene lessons and some
sessions of physical education. The remainder of the time is available for private study. You will meet your tutor every morning for registration and have an hour long tutorial once a week. One morning a week there is also a whole sixth form assembly.
Athene (Enrichment Programme)
Our enrichment programme is designed to ensure that the sixth form experience is focused on the whole education of the individual and not just examination results.
The programme consists of two hours a week of dedicated time to the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and typically 98% of the cohort obtain A*/A grades. This is an AS level equivalent and it is designed to ensure that students develop the skills required for university – such as research methods and time management.
Tutors mentor small groups of no more than six girls on a research project of their own choosing where 40% of the marks available are given for ‘how’ the project is completed and not just the outcome. Highly regarded by university admissions tutors, the project allows students to extend their learning beyond the A Level syllabus and to pursue an area of interest in detail. It is a great way of developing confidence in presenting work and is excellent preparation for university.
In addition we offer a range of ‘life skills’ courses taught in hourly sessions including: driver awareness, cookery, employability skills, financial awareness and presentation skills.
We also offer a Wellbeing course designed to help students understand how best to manage their workload, co-curricular activities and life in general.
Meet our students...
Emma
A Level subjects - History, Politics and Economics
I joined Portsmouth High School in Nursery in 2010. Ever since, I have become deeply involved within the PHS Community.
PHS has given me so many opportunities and I have loved every part of my time here. These include Charity Week in the Sixth Form, having the opportunity to partake in the Year 12 LEAD (Leadership and Enterprise Advanced Diploma) programme and our humanities trip to Poland in 2024 to name a few.
I am currently taking A Levels in History, Politics and Economics. I am currently pursuing an EPQ that explores the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court in prosecuting war crimes since 1945. This topic encompasses politics
and law, which I would like to study at university. It also includes history, which I thoroughly enjoy.
I am extremely grateful to have been elected as Head Girl for 2025-26. It is an honour and responsibility that I value deeply. I’m excited to play a meaningful role in shaping a welcoming and supportive environment for all students as well as being extremely thankful to be part of a great Senior Prefect Team. By collaborating with fellow staff and students, I hope to make a lasting and positive impact on our school community. This year, we are fundraising for Sophie’s Legacy which the Head Girl Team believe is an extremely important charity. We are all exceptionally excited for the year ahead.
Effie
A Level subjects - Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology
I joined Portsmouth High School in Year 7. Coming from a much smaller primary school, it was a big change, but I immediately felt welcome and supported by the staff and students. Since then, PHS has given me countless opportunities to grow, both academically and personally.
I’m currently studying Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology at A Level, and I’m hoping to study Biochemistry or Natural Sciences at university. I’m excited to see where my curiosity takes me next.
As a sports scholar, I have been fortunate to represent PHS in a range of sports including sailing and cricket, but hockey has always been a particular passion of mine. It will be a real honour to captain the hockey team in my final year and to be part of such a dedicated
group of players. Sport has played a huge part in my school experience, teaching me leadership, resilience and how to work effectively as part of a team.
I’m proud to be Deputy Head Girl for Pupil Voice. I am excited to chair school council meetings, listen to the opinions of other students, and help bring their ideas to life. It’s a privilege to represent the student body and to work alongside such an inspiring team of Senior Prefects. I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity and to helping every student feel heard and empowered.
I’m incredibly grateful to PHS for the support, encouragement and friendships I’ve found here. I look forward to giving back to the school community and making a positive impact in my final year.
“I enjoy the Sixth Form because the environment is focused, the teachers are caring and it gives me the freedom to learn in a way that works for me.
” IZZY
My time at PHS has given me the confidence to push myself, it has especially helped me become more independent and prepared for the future.
JASMINE
A unique and vitally important feature of our sixth form offer is our programme of pastoral support and care.
Pastoral Care and Well-being
Girls are placed in tutor groups and have a form tutor. The form is like a mini family, where students look out for each other and share their insights and experiences of the A Level journey. Their tutor plays a highly supportive and nurturing role; and our tutors know their tutees incredibly well.
Alongside this, our Head of Sixth and her deputy provide pastoral support and care for the sixth form girls. We have a ‘the door is always open’ culture within the sixth form and our girls feel supported to talk openly about issues that are important to them. The sixth form has a successful mentoring system, which promotes resilience and independence. At the heart of our tutorial and enrichment programme is a commitment to student well-being and student happiness which leads the ethos of our school.
Outside the classroom...
If you want something done, ask a busy person. Work hard, play hard. “
”
The Co-curricular Offer
Busy students are happy students, and there is a rich programme of activities beyond the classroom which ensures that all sixth formers enjoy a rewarding experience. Students run academic societies, in everything from medicine and science to philosophy, which provide opportunities to take their knowledge to the next level. Guest speakers, discussion forums and Sixth Form Council bring our students into contact with the world beyond the school gates, whilst an endless variety of music ensembles and sports teams encourages outstanding performance and team spirit. With musicals, plays and art exhibitions every year, there is a chance for everyone to show off their creative side too.
Physical challenge is part of the mix: bonding events and BBQs encourage everyone to push their own limits higher. Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions set the standard for fitness and resilience (especially in the wind and rain of Mount Snowdon). We go further afield too and our more intrepid types enthusiastically embrace the challenges of volunteering expeditions, most recently to South Africa.
Sixth form students make a real difference to the wider community — and learn a good deal about themselves in the process. Charity work is at the heart of sixth form life and each year we aim to raise at least £10,000 to support a variety of ventures, local and further afield. Fashion Shows, sponsored sky dives, battles of the bands and charity balls are just some of the events which get the whole community buzzing.
Bespoke Careers Advice
Careers is a key aspect of sixth form life at Portsmouth High School and students have unlimited access to a full-time, dedicated Careers Advisor
Skills Workshops
In Year 12 Employability Skills workshops form a valuable part of the Sixth Form Enrichment Programme. This culminates during the summer term with a visit to a university open day (University of Oxford every other year, alternating with Surrey or Sussex).
There is also a Careers Countdown event featuring alumnae in a Q&A panel offering, “Advice to my 16-year-old self”. This is followed by a skills workshop and a networking lunch when Year 12 host returning alumnae and are given the opportunity to put their new found skills into practice.
Careers Appointments
Careers appointments are readily available with our dedicated member of staff on hand to conduct ad hoc research for individuals and to identify and pursue opportunities for specific ambitions. Involvement in such activities adds value to each individual’s personal statement and university application really setting them apart from the crowd.
GDST Opportunities
As pupils of a GDST school our sixth formers are able to access a wealth of opportunities through GDST Insight Days at companies such as Gardiner and Theobold, Sky, Nomura, PWC, Rolls Royce and Siemens. Preparing candidates for the world of work has never been so important and we put a huge emphasis on exposure to the workplace as part of our careers education.
Morrisby Profiles
Each student’s Morrisby psychometric report and unique online careers page helps our careers team work with each individual to make plans for their
Head
of Careers, Mrs Davies
university application and support each student to develop their career goals. Although these profiles are done the year before joining the sixth form, students who are new to the school in Year 12 will be profiled and have the same level of support and advice.
Insight Days
Working closely with the local business community and the GDST to arrange insight days, competitions and work experience placements, the careers department is able to organise, for example, individual insights to an industry or profession.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews with industry professionals also form an invaluable aspect of the university application process and are arranged for every Year 12 student in the early stages of the autumn term. Pre-med workshops are organised for aspiring medics, vets and dentists in the spring of Year 12.
What does it mean to be an alumna?
Being a Portsmouth High School and GDST alumna offers endless opportunities. The GDST have recently partnered with rungway.com, the online mentoring platform to create a pioneering app – GDST rungway – giving current sixth formers instant access to the wisdom of our alumnae – at the touch of a button.
And for alumnae just starting out in their careers, there is the option of one-to-one mentoring with volunteer alumnae willing to share the secrets of their own success.
On your way to becoming a leader...
Each student has a personal development plan, recording their skills and achievements in individual and team projects.
Sixth formers can apply to be Prefects or stand for election as Head Girls and House Captains. Prefects are offered opportunities in PR and Marketing, Clubs and Societies, Eco-Team projects and liaison with the prep school. Peer Supporters move up to become Peer Leaders, and all students receive presentation skills training which proves invaluable in their future careers.
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I have benefitted hugely from my time at PHS; I have learnt so much that will carry me through higher education and beyond.
” ERIN
Meet our students...
Jasmine
A Level subjects - Mathematics, Physics and Geography
I joined Portsmouth High School at the age of three and have grown up within its caring and supportive environment.
The school has always encouraged me to strive for my best, to embrace new challenges and to develop into a confident, well-rounded individual. Now in the Sixth Form, I’m studying A Levels in Maths, Physics, and Geography — subjects I love for their variety, the way they stretch my thinking, and their realworld relevance. I’m really enjoying Sixth Form life; the independence, dedicated space, and continued support from staff allow me to thrive academically while taking full advantage of the many wider opportunities the school offers.
Beyond academics, music and drama are a huge part of my life. As a music
scholar, I’ve been involved in many music concerts across the school and I’ve loved being part of our school productions. These experiences have helped shape my confidence and creativity, and I particularly enjoy the sense of community they bring.
Being appointed Deputy Head Girl for Wellbeing is a role I am truly passionate about. I’m proud to be part of such a supportive and enthusiastic Head Girl Team, I’m especially looking forward to organising wellbeing events, connecting with younger students and supporting our chosen charity, Sophie’s Legacy. Most of all, I hope to be someone others feel they can turn to — someone who listens, encourages, and contributes to making our school a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Rosie
A Level subjects - Mathematics, Biology and Physical Education
I started at Portsmouth High School in year 7 and since then I have been so lucky for the education I have been given.
For my A Levels, I am taking Mathematics, Biology, and PE alongside an EPQ on the topic of sport. I would like to do a degree in Sport Science and then hopefully going further and potentially doing Physiotherapy.
The school has offered me many opportunities, such as DofE, many trips, and I am even going on the Dubai sports tour this autumn, which will be a once in a lifetime experience for me. These experiences have helped push me out of my comfort zone and helped me gain more confidence
in myself. I have gained skills that I wouldn’t have from other places, and I know these skills will help me throughout the rest of my education.
I am so grateful to have been chosen as the Deputy Head Girl for charities, and am so excited for the events planned in the upcoming year. I know how much everyone loved charity week last year so I’m so happy that I get to play a part in organising it. Sophie’s Legacy is a wonderful charity and it spreads so much awareness, therefore we would like to raise as much money as we can to support their charity.
The Charity Fashion Show has been running for over 30 years and is organised entirley buy the Sixth Form. The event is a much-anticipated highlight of the social calendar.
During my time at PHS the teachers have been so supportive in helping me achieve my best. EFFIE
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headsec@por.gdst.net
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