Plymouth High School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG)
• Founded: 1874
• Type: State selective grammar school
• Location: St Lawrence Road, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6HT
• Student Numbers: Approximately 600 girls (Years 7-11), 200+ in coeducational Sixth Form
• Contact: +44 333 360 2230
• Motto: "For Life Not School We Learn"

About Plymouth High School for Girls

Plymouth High School for Girls has been at the forefront of girls' education in Devon for over 150 years. This selective grammar school combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment that encourages young women to pursue excellence across all areas of their development.

The school's distinctive ethos centres on preparing students for life beyond the classroom, reflected in their motto "For Life Not School We Learn". PHSG offers an exceptional breadth of opportunities, from advanced STEM programmes to creative arts and extensive leadership development. The school's location in Mutley provides excellent transport links whilst maintaining a peaceful learning environment away from Plymouth city centre.

What sets PHSG apart is its commitment to developing confident, articulate young women who excel academically whilst contributing meaningfully to their community. The school maintains strong university placement records, with many students progressing to Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge colleges.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Plymouth High School for Girls requires success in the 11+ examination, administered by Plymouth City Council. The assessment evaluates students across three core areas:

Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking using language-based problems. Students must demonstrate their ability to understand complex written information and draw logical conclusions.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness and pattern recognition through visual puzzles. This component evaluates logical thinking skills independent of language ability.

Mathematics: Covers arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning appropriate to Year 6 level. Students must show competency in number work, basic algebra, and mathematical logic.

The examination typically takes place in September of Year 6, with results communicated in October. Students must achieve the required standard across all three components to qualify for grammar school places.

How to Apply

The application process for Plymouth High School for Girls follows these essential steps:

Registration: Register your daughter for the 11+ examination through Plymouth City Council during the spring term of Year 6. Registration typically opens in March and closes in May.

Examination: Attend the 11+ test session, usually held in September. The examination takes place at designated centres across Plymouth and surrounding areas.

School Preference: Complete your secondary school application through Plymouth's online portal, listing PHSG as your preference. This must be submitted by the October deadline.

Results and Offers: Receive your 11+ results in October, followed by secondary school place offers on National Offer Day in March.

We strongly recommend visiting the school during their open events to understand the environment and expectations. Early preparation for the 11+ examination is essential, as competition for places is consistently high.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition specialises in preparing exceptional students for Plymouth High School for Girls and other selective grammar schools. Our proven approach combines academic excellence with strategic preparation tailored to PHSG's specific requirements.

Our experienced tutors provide comprehensive 11+ preparation covering all three assessment areas. We use practice materials that mirror the Plymouth examination format, ensuring your daughter feels confident and prepared on test day. Our small group sessions and individual tuition allow us to identify and strengthen areas requiring additional focus.

Beyond academic preparation, we help families navigate the entire admissions process, from registration deadlines to school preference strategies. Our detailed knowledge of PHSG's expectations and culture ensures your daughter presents herself as the ideal candidate.

Many of our students have successfully gained places at Plymouth High School for Girls and gone on to achieve exceptional academic results. We understand what it takes to succeed at this prestigious grammar school and provide the personalised support necessary to maximise your daughter's potential throughout her educational journey.