Portsmouth High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for girls
• Age Range: 2½ - 18 years
• Location: 25 Kent Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3EQ
• Headteacher: Mrs Sarah Parker
• Founded: 1882 by the Girls' Public Day School Trust
• Student Numbers: Approximately 650 pupils
• Academic Results: 79% A*-B grades at A Level, 69% A*/A grades at GCSE
• Catchment Area: Hampshire, West Sussex, and Isle of Wight

About Portsmouth High School

Portsmouth High School represents one of the oldest and most established girls' schools in the South Coast region, having educated young women for over 140 years. Located just moments from Southsea's seafront, this Girls' Public Day School Trust institution combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment that celebrates individual achievement and personal growth.

The school's unique coastal setting provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, whilst its proximity to Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage offers exceptional opportunities for cultural and historical education. From the early years in Pre-school through to Sixth Form, Portsmouth High School maintains consistently high academic standards, with recent results demonstrating the school's commitment to excellence across all key stages.

What distinguishes Portsmouth High School is its personalised approach to education, ensuring each girl develops confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning. The school's strong pastoral care system supports students through their academic journey, whilst extensive co-curricular programmes develop leadership skills and broaden horizons beyond the classroom.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Portsmouth High School publishes day fees of £6,984 per term for 2026/27, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Written entrance examinations in English and maths held in the morning, followed in the afternoon by activity-based assessment, alongside a report from the candidate's current school. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Portsmouth High School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's academic environment and contribute positively to its community. The assessment process typically takes place in the autumn term for September entry into Year 7.

Assessment Components:

• Cognitive Ability Tests: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments that evaluate logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities
• Mathematics Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation covering number work, algebra foundations, geometry, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 6 level
• English Assessment: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills assessment demonstrating literacy competence and potential
• Interview: Personal discussion with senior staff to assess motivation, interests, and suitability for the school community

The school seeks candidates who demonstrate academic potential, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning, rather than requiring extensive preparation or tutoring. Portsmouth High School values well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the school's vibrant community life.

How to Apply

The application process for Portsmouth High School begins well in advance of your daughter's intended start date, with early registration strongly recommended.

Application Timeline:

• Initial Enquiry: Contact the admissions team to register interest and arrange a school tour
• School Visit: Attend a personalised family tour to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities
• Application Submission: Complete and submit application forms by the autumn deadline
• Assessment Day: Attend the 11+ assessment session, typically held in January
• Interview: Successful candidates invited for individual interviews with senior staff
• Offers: Places offered in February, with acceptance required promptly

Portsmouth High School encourages early engagement with prospective families, offering regular open events and individual tours throughout the year. The admissions team provides comprehensive guidance on preparation expectations and can discuss any specific requirements or considerations for your daughter's application.

Preparing for the Portsmouth High School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Portsmouth High School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the South and South West and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.