Mr J E Priory, MA
The Portsmouth Grammar School, the oldest in the city, was founded by Dr William Smith in 1732. As Mayor of Portsmouth and Physician to its Garrison, Dr Smith wanted to create a school which would allow children to gain the skills needed to play an active role in their growing community.
The catchment area extends towards Southampton to the west, Arundel to the east,Haslemere to the north and the Isle of Wight. The school's aim to create pupils who are happy and successful - in that order - remains unaltered. The school also likes to think about where pupils will be when they are 25, rather than 18.
The school has three parts: Nursery (2½ - 4); Junior School (4 - 11); Senior School (11 - 18).
'We are a family school' says the Headmaster, Mr James Priory, 'educating girls and boys from 2½ to 18 within the secure structure of a strong pastoral system.'
This is a happy, thriving school, regularly one of the top co-educational schools in the country, with a fine Music, Drama and Science tradition. A new Science Centre opened in 2010, a new Sixth Form Centre in 2014 and a new Performing Arts Centre is currently planned.
A wide range of co-curricular activities is available, and families are encouraged to be involved through events like the Junior School's Grandparents' Day. There is a thriving CCF contingent and many pupils are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The quantity and quality of sport on offer is exceptional and in 2007 and 2008 the School was selected as the only independent co-educational school in the country in The Daily Telegraph's Sports Awards, with PGS pupils regularly competing in National Finals in Hockey, Netball, Cricket and Athletics.
PGS is at the leading edge of Sixth Form Studies. Pupils can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and A Levels. Students achieve excellent academic results enabling them to pursue their chosen university courses and careers. Over 90% of leavers achieve a place at their first choice of university.
PGS's work in partnership with local and international businesses, schools and a whole array of museums and cultural organisations has won considerable national prominence and includes the Portsmouth Festivities, an annual celebration of young people and the arts across the city.
We welcome visitors and have open afternoons throughout the year. Please contact the Admissions Office for a prospectus and further details.
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