About The Portsmouth Grammar School
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school in Hampshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
The Portsmouth Grammar School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #179 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 62.8%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for The Portsmouth Grammar School
The Portsmouth Grammar School Admissions Criteria
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school in Hampshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at The Portsmouth Grammar School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at The Portsmouth Grammar School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit The Portsmouth Grammar School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at The Portsmouth Grammar School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at The Portsmouth Grammar School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
The Portsmouth Grammar School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending The Portsmouth Grammar School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — The Portsmouth Grammar School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to The Portsmouth Grammar School
Step 1 — Contact the Senior School Admissions team (023 92364269
Contact the Senior School Admissions team (023 92364269, senioradmissions@pgs.org.uk) or use the website calculator to find your entry point
Step 2 — Attend an Open Event or arrange a personal visit
Attend an Open Event or arrange a personal visit
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the PGS admissions portal
Step 4 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 5 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 6 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Portsmouth Grammar
Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Portsmouth Grammar — English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the deposit
Independent Subjects Tested at The Portsmouth Grammar School
Scholarships & Bursaries at The Portsmouth Grammar School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships, plus Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships. Means-tested financial assistance awarded at points of entry (Junior School, Year 7, Sixth Form), occasionally at 13+ for exceptional candidates.
Outcome announced: Scholarships awarded for exceptional academic achievement and talent in co-curricular pursuits
Additional notes: The Portsmouth Grammar School is fully co-educational, with entry points at Pre-School, Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form. Experienced in supporting families relocating from elsewhere in the UK or overseas. Located on High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Independent Practice Papers for The Portsmouth Grammar School
The Portsmouth Grammar School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the The Portsmouth Grammar School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at The Portsmouth Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
The Portsmouth Grammar School is the city’s top-performing secondary school, with strong results at GCSE and A-Level (including a record number of A* grades at A-Level in 2025).
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: excellent results, with pupils each year progressing to Oxbridge, other top universities and prestigious degree apprenticeships.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities and degree apprenticeships.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for The Portsmouth Grammar School
The Portsmouth Grammar School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampshire area, with selective entry by the school’s own assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on the High Street in the historic heart of Old Portsmouth, within walking distance of the coast; entry runs from the Pre-School and Junior School through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1732 by Dr William Smith, The Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) is a co-educational independent day school (ages 2½–18) in the historic heart of Old Portsmouth, with the motto ‘Praemia Virtutis Honores’ (honours are the rewards of virtue). Fully co-educational since 1995 and retaining strong links with the Royal Navy in its maritime city, it educates pupils on one all-through site around core values of curiosity, creativity, courage, commitment, compassion and collaboration, with strong pastoral care.
Co-curricular life is a real strength — spanning sport, music, theatre (in the David Russell Theatre), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the city’s Portsmouth Festivities. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Portsmouth Grammar School
How do I get into The Portsmouth Grammar School?
To gain entry to The Portsmouth Grammar School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does The Portsmouth Grammar School use?
The Portsmouth Grammar School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at The Portsmouth Grammar School?
The Portsmouth Grammar School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at The Portsmouth Grammar School?
Yes. The Portsmouth Grammar School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to The Portsmouth Grammar School?
Most independent schools including The Portsmouth Grammar School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for The Portsmouth Grammar School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at The Portsmouth Grammar School. No registration required.
When is the The Portsmouth Grammar School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at The Portsmouth Grammar School is Applications for September 2026 entry are open — check school website for current year deadline. The registration fee is Payable with registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are The Portsmouth Grammar School 11+ results announced?
At The Portsmouth Grammar School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.