There is no strict catchment area, but distance can act as a tie-breaker. If candidates have the same score, priority goes to those eligible for free school meals, then to those living closer to the school.
Devonport High School For Girls 11 Plus Guide
If you’re thinking about Devonport High School for Girls for your child, this 2026 admissions guide will help you through the process. It explains how to apply, details about the school, and tips for preparing for the 11 Plus exam.
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 120
Ofsted Rating: Good
Introduction to
Devonport High School for Girls
Devonport High School for Girls (DHSG) is a selective grammar school in Plymouth, Devon, educating girls aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1911, it has a strong reputation for academic excellence, community spirit, and helping students become confident, independent learners.
The school encourages ambition and achievement, providing a supportive environment where pupils are inspired to reach their full potential. Alongside a rigorous academic curriculum, DHSG offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including science clubs, sports, music, drama, and leadership programmes.
Devonport High School for Girls consistently achieves outstanding academic results, with many pupils progressing to top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions. Admission to Year 7 is competitive and based on performance in the Plymouth grammar schools’ 11 Plus entrance exam.
1
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Devonport High School for Girls
2
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Devonport High School for Girls
3
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Devonport High School for Girls
4
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
5
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Devonport High School for Girls
6
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Devonport High School for Girls
7
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Devonport High School for Girls
8
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Devonport High School For Girls Key Information
In this section we contain key information for Devonport HIgh School For Girls, direct contact details, parking information and other information for prospective students and their parents.
School Address
Full Address:
Devonport High School For Girls, Lyndhurst Road, PeverellPlymouth
Devon
PL2 3DL
Contact Information
Telephone (Main Office)
01752 705024
Website Address
https://www.dhsg.co.uk
Parking in the school
Parking is available on site at the school.
Additional parking off site
If you need to find alternative parking, please use adjoining road or the car parks listed below:
- Milehouse Park and Ride, Outland Road, Plymouth PL2 3DA (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Morrisons, 282 Outland Road, Plymouth, PL3 5UQ (Opening Times: 07:00-22:00 & Sun 10:00-16:00)
Devonport High School for Girls Ofsted Report
The quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth-form provision
Good
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Devonport High School for Girls was rated Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour, attitudes, and personal development.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly across subjects and are well prepared for further study and careers.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is ambitious and engaging, though a few subjects need greater consistency.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is Outstanding. Pupils are respectful, motivated, and supportive of each other.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and caring, with excellent staff support and effective safeguarding.
Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format
Admission to Year 7 at Devonport High School for Girls is determined through the Plymouth Consortium 11 Plus exam, provided by GL Assessment and shared with other local grammar schools.
The Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test: Overview
The Devonport High School for Girls 11 Plus includes two multiple-choice papers. The test usually takes place in mid-September at one of the Plymouth grammar schools. Scores are age-standardised to ensure fair comparison between all applicants.
Paper One
English: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar
Paper Two
Mathematics: Covers Key Stage 2 content such as arithmetic and problem-solving
The Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Although no fixed pass mark is published, pupils must reach the required standard to be considered for a place. Final offers are then made based on ranked scores and the school’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
There is no ‘catchment area’ for Devonport High School For Girls, unlike some other schools. Instead, in a tie-break, girls who live closest to the school will be prioritised for admission.
Additional Eligibility
To qualify for entry, candidates must meet the required standard in the 11 Plus exam. If more pupils qualify than there are places available, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children who achieve a score equal to or higher than the adjusted cut-off score for the past three years, ranked by highest score.
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Up to 12 places for candidates eligible for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium or Ever 6 FSM) who achieve a score equal to or higher than the lowest cut-off score from the past three years, ranked by score.
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All remaining candidates, ranked by highest 11 Plus score.
If two or more candidates achieve the same score for the final place, tie-breakers are applied in this order:
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Eligibility for free school meals (current or within the past six years)
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Distance from home to school (closest first)
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Random allocation if still tied
Click here to view the full Devonport High School for Girls admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Devonport High School for Girls
Because the 11 Plus exam follows the GL Assessment format, preparation should focus on building skills in multiple-choice English and maths under time pressure. Effective strategies include:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
COMING SOON
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Devonport High School for Girls. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Devonport High School For Girls Key Dates and Application Information
For admission to Devonport High School For Girls, key dates and deadlines must be kept to. To help prospective students and parents in the application process, we have collate and regularly update this information and list it below.
Registration Opens
Monday 28th April 2025
Date passed
Registration Closes
Sunday 31st August 2025
Date passed
Entrance Exam Paper 1 (English)
Saturday 13th September 2025
Date passed
Entrance Exam Paper 2 (Maths)
Saturday 20th September 2025
Date passed
Results Published
Friday 17th October 2025
Date passed
CAF Application Deadline
Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed
National Offer Day
Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply
Devonport High School for Girls Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Devonport High School for Girls, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
1
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Devonport High School for Girls Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions Policy
2
Entrance Test Entry Form
Registration must be completed online via the school’s or Plymouth Grammar Schools’ website before the end of August 2025. This is essential to secure a place in the test.
Visit Council Website
3
Common Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Devonport High School for Girls listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Devonport High School For Girls FAQs
Parents must apply through their local authority and register separately for the Plymouth Consortium 11 Plus exam. The test is usually held in September at one of the Plymouth grammar schools.
The 11 Plus consists of two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers in English and maths. The English paper tests comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar, while the maths paper covers Key Stage 2 arithmetic and problem-solving..
Admission is selective and highly competitive. Only candidates who achieve the required standard in the 11 Plus are considered. Final offers are ranked by score according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Schools Nearby
3 schools found within 25 miles of Plymouth
Plymouth High School For Girls
Plymouth High School For Girls, St Lawrence Road, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6HT , Plymouth
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.4 Miles Away
View School
Devonport High School For Boys
Devonport High School For Boys, Paradise Road, Stoke, Plymouth
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.9 Miles Away
View School
Devonport High School For Girls
Devonport High School For Girls, Lyndhurst Road, Peverell, Plymouth
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
1.3 Miles Away
View School