The Portsmouth Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational independent day school
• Age Range: 2-18 years
• Founded: 1732
• Location: High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2LN
• Current Roll: Approximately 1,296 pupils
• Headmaster: Mr David Wickes
• Fees: £3,022 to £6,510 per term
• Contact: 023 9236 0036
• Website: www.pgs.org.uk

About The Portsmouth Grammar School

The Portsmouth Grammar School represents nearly three centuries of educational excellence in Hampshire's historic naval city. Founded in 1732, this distinguished co-educational independent school has evolved into one of the region's most respected educational institutions, seamlessly blending traditional values with modern pedagogical approaches.

Located in the heart of Portsmouth's historic quarter, the school benefits from a unique setting that combines rich maritime heritage with contemporary facilities. The school's position within this vibrant coastal city provides pupils with exceptional opportunities for cultural enrichment and community engagement, whilst maintaining the focused academic environment essential for scholarly achievement.

The school's commitment to academic rigour is evident in its comprehensive curriculum, which extends far beyond traditional subjects to include innovative programmes in technology, creative arts, and global citizenship. With approximately 1,300 pupils across its age range, PGS maintains an optimal balance between intimate learning environments and the breadth of opportunities typically associated with larger institutions.

Under the leadership of Headmaster Mr David Wickes, the school has continued to strengthen its reputation for developing confident, articulate, and academically accomplished young people. The school's ethos emphasises intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and service to others – values that resonate particularly well with families seeking an education that prepares children for leadership roles in an increasingly complex world.

The 11+ Assessment Process at The Portsmouth Grammar School

The Portsmouth Grammar School employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify pupils who will thrive within its academically demanding environment. The assessment framework evaluates both current attainment and future potential, ensuring that successful candidates possess the intellectual capacity and personal qualities necessary for success.

The entrance examination covers four core areas: mathematics, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The mathematics component assesses problem-solving abilities, mathematical reasoning, and numerical fluency appropriate to Year 6 level. Candidates encounter questions requiring logical thinking and the application of mathematical concepts rather than mere computational skills.

The English assessment evaluates reading comprehension, written expression, and linguistic reasoning. Pupils engage with challenging texts that test their ability to analyse, interpret, and respond thoughtfully to complex material. The writing component requires candidates to demonstrate clarity of expression, sophisticated vocabulary usage, and well-structured argumentation.

Verbal reasoning examines pupils' capacity to process written information, identify patterns in language, and demonstrate logical thinking through word-based problems. This component particularly assesses the analytical skills essential for success across the humanities and sciences.

Non-verbal reasoning evaluates spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and the ability to process visual information systematically. These skills prove crucial for success in mathematics, sciences, and design technology, making this component an important indicator of future academic potential.

The school may also conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates, providing an opportunity to assess personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and alignment with the school's values and expectations.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at The Portsmouth Grammar School follows a structured timeline that families should plan for well in advance. The school recommends beginning the application process during Year 5 to ensure adequate preparation time.

Registration Process:
Parents must complete the online registration form available through the school's website. This registration should be submitted by the specified deadline, typically in the autumn term preceding the intended year of entry. Early registration is strongly advised as places for the entrance examination may be limited.

Entrance Examination:
Registered candidates sit the entrance examination, usually held in January of Year 6. The examination takes place at the school and spans approximately two hours, with appropriate breaks between components. Parents receive detailed information about examination arrangements, including timing, location, and what candidates should bring.

Assessment and Interview:
Following the written examination, the school may invite selected candidates for an interview. This provides an opportunity for the school to assess personal qualities and for families to experience the school environment firsthand.

Offer Process:
The school communicates decisions by early February, allowing families sufficient time to consider their options. Successful candidates receive either unconditional offers or offers conditional upon maintaining academic standards through Year 6.

Acceptance and Preparation:
Families must confirm acceptance of offers by the specified deadline. The school then provides comprehensive information about transition arrangements, including taster days, uniform requirements, and academic preparation guidance.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in Portsmouth Grammar School admissions stems from our deep understanding of the school's specific requirements and assessment methodology. Our comprehensive preparation programme ensures that your child approaches the entrance examination with confidence and the skills necessary for success.

Our experienced tutors provide targeted preparation across all four assessment components, using materials specifically designed to reflect the style and standard of questions encountered in the actual examination. We focus particularly on developing the analytical thinking and problem-solving approaches that The Portsmouth Grammar School values highly.

For mathematics preparation, we strengthen computational fluency whilst emphasising the logical reasoning and problem-solving strategies essential for success. Our English programme develops sophisticated reading comprehension skills and enhances written expression, ensuring pupils can engage confidently with challenging texts and articulate their ideas clearly.

Our verbal and non-verbal reasoning preparation employs proven techniques for pattern recognition and logical analysis, building the cognitive skills that underpin success across multiple subject areas. We provide extensive practice with examination-style questions whilst developing the strategic approaches that maximise performance under timed conditions.

Beyond academic preparation, we offer guidance on interview techniques and school-specific insights that help families understand what The Portsmouth Grammar School seeks in prospective pupils. Our mock examination programme provides invaluable experience of formal assessment conditions, building confidence and identifying areas for focused improvement.

Throughout the preparation process, we maintain close communication with families, providing regular progress updates and strategic advice about the application timeline. Our holistic approach ensures that your child not only succeeds in gaining admission but arrives at The Portsmouth Grammar School fully prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

Taylor Tuition's track record of success with Portsmouth Grammar School admissions reflects our commitment to understanding each school's unique culture and requirements, ensuring that our preparation is precisely aligned with what schools seek in their prospective pupils.