Plymouth High School for Girls
99%
Capacity
795
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Plymouth High School for Girls
Plymouth High School for Girls is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Plymouth community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 18. The school has 795 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 804 places).
Ofsted has rated Plymouth High School for Girls "Good", the school is led by headteacher Simon Underdown, it falls under Plymouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.24 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 65.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 966th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 18 in Plymouth.
Plymouth High School for Girls is a popular choice with families — it received 362 applications for 120 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 133 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 2 areas, including Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Plymouth High School for Girls include Art Studios, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Cross Country, Swimming, Gymnastics and 6 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Science Club, Debate, Newspaper and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.1%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Plymouth, Plymouth High School for Girls is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Girls |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | St Lawrence Road, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 6HT |
| Headteacher | Simon Underdown |
| Local Authority | Plymouth |
| Number of Pupils | 795 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.1% |
| School Capacity | 795 / 804 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
18 Apr 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (18 Apr 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 Oct 2011. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.24)
966th of 3,141
Nationally
80th of 306
In South West
5th of 18
In Plymouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.2
'22/23
33.9
'23/24
34.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed120
362
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
133 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plymouth High School for Girls
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
St Lawrence Road, Plymouth
Plymouth, PL4 6HT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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