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What it's like

Founded in 1882 by the Girls' Day School Trust, it is situated in the heart of Southsea, close to the sea; the junior school is two minutes walk. A recent, extensive building programme has created a new sports hall, design and technology suites, a sixth form centre and a modernised dining and cafe area; there is an award-winning early-years building. A broad education is provided in a caring and supportive environment. Pupils make the most of a virtual learning environment (VLE) and access to school work at home. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. There is much emphasis on pastoral care. A varied programme of extra-curricular activities, with sport, music and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme figuring prominently.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 550 day girls. Senior department, 11-18, 400 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 4, 7, 11, 14 and 16. Own entrance tests used. For sixth form entry, 7 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 40% of new intake at Year 7, own junior pupils provide 40% senior intake (enquiries to the Headteacher, Portsmouth High Junior School, Dovercourt, 36 Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3ES).

Scholarships & bursaries

Academic and music scholarships awarded at 11, 13 and 16; also sixth-form scholarships in art, sport and drama. Means-tested bursaries available. Fees include public examination entry fees, textbooks, and careers consultancy.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Jenny Clough, in post since 2006. Educated at Cambridge University (natural sciences). Previously Deputy Head of Sherborne Girls' School. Teaching staff: 43 full time, 19 part time. Annual turnover 4%.

Exam results

GCSE: 70 pupils in Year 11; all gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 47 in upper sixth, all passing in 3+ subjects with a final point score of 352.

Pupils' destinations

All sixth form leavers typically go on to a degree course (20% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 22% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 14% in science and engineering, 16% in humanities, 18% in social sciences, 10% in art, drama and music, 10% in modern languages and 10% in business and law related courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3-4 at A-level; critical thinking is taught as part of sixth-form enrichment programme. 18% take science A-levels; 34% arts/humanities; 48% both. Vocational: Work experience compulsory post-GCSE. Special provision: Coaching as necessary. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. 200+ computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take ICAA short course in ICT, with the option of taking the full GCSE.

The arts

Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8+ musical groups including string orchestra, wind band, chamber choir, orchestras, other choirs and groups. Public performances at eg Blenheim Palace, Winchester Cathedral and a live broadcast for BBC Daily Service. Several pupils in both county and youth training orchestras. Drama and dance: Dance offered; theatre studies at GCSE, AS and A-level. LAMDA and New Era exams may be taken. School productions for each year group; sixth formers took a play to the Edinburgh Fringe (2008). Art and design: On average, 55 take GCSE, 11 take AS/A-level. School regularly purchases current and past students' work to display.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, swimming, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, gym, dance, basketball, trampolining. Pupils in various county squads (netball, tennis, gymnastics). Senior pupils can take sports leaders awards. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Also World Challenge, Barnados Business Enterprise Scheme; community service optional in sixth form. Clubs include aerobics, cheer leading, computing, debating, drama, pottery, Islamic, chess, first aid, as well as music and sports clubs.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn; dress-for-work code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: House system in place. Head girl and 2 deputies, elected by senior girls and staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Morning assembly unless withdrawn for religious reasons. Social: Concerts, plays, debates, musicals, lectures with local schools. Exchanges with France, Germany, Spain; group cultural visits; skiing trips; netball and hockey tours to eg Cyprus, Barbados. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike to school (no parking provided for cars). Meals self-service, with cashless catering system.

Discipline

High standards of behaviour are expected with self discipline and respect for others. Pupils actively involved in a peer support scheme and senior girls act as form mentors. Those bringing illegal substances into school for use or distribution likely to be excluded.

Former pupils

Meg Hillier MP, Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP, Jane Hill (crime writer and broadcaster), Denise Black (actress), Dr Frances Saunders (chief executive, Porton Down), Dillie Kean (actress), Gemma Spofforth (Olympic swimmer), Sam Davies (single-handed yachtswoman).