The Portsmouth Grammar School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

The Portsmouth Grammar School is an independent co-educational day school with junior and senior sections. Founded in 1732 by William Smith, the school was established with the aim of giving young people in Portsmouth access to a transformative education. Female pupils joined the school in 1976, and the junior school was formed in September 2000. A new head of the whole school took up post in September 2022. The school is governed by a governing body that also serves as directors and trustees of the school, which is registered as both a company and a charity. In recent years, the school site has undergone a programme of redevelopment, and the junior and senior schools now operate as one aligned school under joint registration. The school aims to inspire and equip its pupils to strive for personal excellence across intellectual, physical, creative, cultural, social and moral endeavours. Most pupils live locally or within comfortable travelling distance. The school supports a range of learning needs, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those for whom English is an additional language, ensuring that challenge and enrichment opportunities are available to all.

Pre-school to year 2 not permitted. Years 3-8 hand in at start of day. Years 9-11 only before/after school. Sixth form can use before school and during breaks/lunch in sixth form cafe.