The Portsmouth Grammar School
Tracing its roots to 1732, The Portsmouth Grammar School has grown into a large all-through independent school of around 1,142 pupils, taking children from age three through to the sixth form. It is co-educational and non-boarding, with a notable 11+ entry point for those joining at secondary level. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. With more than a quarter of pupils receiving SEN support, the school combines strong academic results with a clear commitment to supporting a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
63%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
61%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
86%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 23 September 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 63% of GCSE entries were graded 9-7, against a national average of 23%. At A-level, 61% of grades were A*-A and 86% A*-B, comfortably ahead of the national figures of 28% and 55%. The sixth form of around 275 pupils leans heavily towards the sciences and mathematics, with physics, chemistry, biology and economics among the most popular choices, and the EPQ is offered alongside the standard A-level programme.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · David Wickes
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 275
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is wide-ranging, with rugby, football, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket and athletics all on offer. Scholarships in art, drama, music and sport sit alongside academic awards, signalling that achievement beyond the classroom is taken seriously.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1732
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 27.58%
- EHC plans
- 0.09%
Mobile phone policy
Pre-school to year 2 not permitted. Years 3-8 hand in at start of day. Years 9-11 only before/after school. Sixth form can use before school and during breaks/lunch in sixth form cafe.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £15,811 - £24,631
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Means-tested bursaries available up to 100 per cent
Schools nearby
Portsmouth High School GDST
South East
Portsmouth High Prep School
Southsea, South East
Mayville High School
Southsea, South East
Madani Academy
Portsmouth, South East
Ryde School with Upper Chine
Ryde, South East
All's Well
Fareham, South East
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A high-achieving independent school with deep historical roots and means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent, opening access well beyond those who can meet the full day fees.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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The Portsmouth Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.