Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Plymouth, Devon. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, strong focus on leadership, and commitment to personal development. PHSG consistently ranks among the top-performing grammar schools in the South West of England.
1. History & Background
- Founded in 1874, Plymouth High School for Girls is one of the oldest girls’ grammar schools in the UK.
- It was established to provide high-quality education for academically able girls in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
- The school became an academy in 2011, giving it greater control over curriculum, governance, and funding.
- PHSG promotes a challenging and inspiring learning environment, helping students develop academic excellence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.
2. Pupil Numbers
- Total student population: Approximately 900 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 700 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 200 students (co-educational, allowing boys in Sixth Form).
- Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, and Sixth Form places require strong GCSE results.
3. Academic Reputation & Results
PHSG is widely regarded as one of the top grammar schools in the South West, with a strong focus on academic achievement, leadership, and university success.
📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings
- A-Level Results:
- Over 80% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
- GCSE Results:
- *Over 85% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
- Consistently ranked among the top 100 grammar schools in England based on academic performance.
- Recognised for excellence in STEM subjects, with students excelling in mathematics, sciences, and computing.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with high praise for teaching quality, student progress, and leadership opportunities.
- STEM Excellence – PHSG students regularly participate in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and national computing competitions.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme – Many students achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Music & Performing Arts Success – Strong participation in orchestras, choirs, and drama productions.
- Sporting Achievements, with teams competing at county and national levels in athletics, netball, and cross-country running.
- National Debating & Public Speaking Champions, with success in Model United Nations (MUN) and national essay competitions.
Plymouth High School for Girls is a high-achieving selective grammar school, offering exceptional academic results, strong university placements, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. With its rich history, modern facilities, and commitment to student success, PHSG provides an ideal learning environment for ambitious young women.
🏫 Plymouth High School for Girls – Contact Information
School Name: Plymouth High School for Girls
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Plymouth High School for Girls
St Lawrence Road
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 6HT
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1752 208308
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @PlymouthHigh
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Facebook: Plymouth High School for Girls
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) is a highly selective grammar school for girls located in Plymouth, Devon. It is known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and wide-ranging extracurricular activities. The school consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, making it one of the top-performing schools in the region.
Admission to Year 7 at PHSG is highly competitive and is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Exam.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To secure a place at Plymouth High School for Girls for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:
1. 11+ Entrance Examination (GL Assessment)
All applicants must sit the GL Assessment 11+ Exam, which assesses:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Tests logic, language, and problem-solving skills.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assesses pattern recognition and spatial awareness.
✔ The test is set by GL Assessment and is used by all grammar schools in Plymouth.
✔ The exam is standardised to ensure fairness across different age groups.
✔ Only students who achieve the qualifying score will be considered for admission.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more students pass the 11+ test than the number of available places, the following priority order is applied:
1️⃣ Looked After or Previously Looked After Children (children in foster care or adopted from care).
2️⃣ Students eligible for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium (who meet the required academic standard).
3️⃣ Students with the highest 11+ scores.
4️⃣ Proximity to the school (measured in a straight line).
📌 There is no official catchment area, but distance from the school may be used as a tie-breaker in cases of oversubscription.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
Since PHSG is part of the Plymouth Grammar Schools Consortium, applications follow a centralised process through the school’s admissions portal and local authority.
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
📅 Registration Opens: April – June (Year 5)
- Parents must complete the 11+ registration form via the Plymouth High School for Girls website or the Plymouth Grammar Schools Consortium website.
- A confirmation email will be sent with test details.
Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)
- PHSG holds Open Evenings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and students, and learn about the curriculum.
Step 3: Sit the 11+ Entrance Exam
📅 Exam Date: September (Year 6)
- The test is conducted at Plymouth High School for Girls or another designated test centre.
- Results are standardised to ensure fairness.
Step 4: Receive 11+ Results
📅 Mid-October (Year 6)
- Parents receive their child’s 11+ results before submitting the school preference form.
Step 5: Submit Secondary School Preference Form
📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
- Parents must list Plymouth High School for Girls as their preferred school on the Plymouth City Council Secondary School Admissions Form.
Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision
📅 March 1st (Year 6)
- Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at PHSG.
- If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.
Step 7: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before September start)
- Induction Days are held to help students settle in.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 11+ Registration Opens: April – June (Year 5)
📌 11+ Exam Date: September (Year 6)
📌 11+ Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry
(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Plymouth High School for Girls website or Plymouth City Council Admissions Office for updates.)
Scholarships & Bursaries
PHSG does not offer academic scholarships, but means-tested bursaries may be available for families requiring financial support.
✔ Bursaries: Available for families who need financial assistance with school-related expenses.
📌 Bursary applications must be submitted alongside the main application.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the 11+ exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and problem-solving practice – Strong reasoning skills are essential for the test.
✔ Practice exam techniques – Focus on time management and accuracy under timed conditions.
✔ Attend Open Events – Get familiar with the school environment and ethos.
✔ Check eligibility for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium – This can help if the school uses it as a selection criterion.
Admission to Plymouth High School for Girls Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation and strong academic performance, your child can maximise their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 Plymouth High School for Girls Website
🔗 Plymouth City Council Admissions
