Plymouth High School For Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 120
Ofsted Rating: Good
Plymouth High School For Girls
Plymouth High School for Girls is a selective grammar school in central Plymouth, Devon, educating girls aged 11 to 18. Established in 1874, it has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, a supportive learning environment, and strong community values.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages both academic success and personal development. Pupils are supported to build confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning. A wide range of extracurricular opportunities are available, including sport, music, drama, STEM activities, and leadership programmes.
Plymouth High School for Girls achieves excellent academic results each year, with many students progressing to leading universities across the UK. As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, it promotes independent and critical thinking throughout all areas of study. Admission to Year 7 is selective and based on performance in the Plymouth Consortium 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Plymouth High School For Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Plymouth High School For Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Plymouth High School For Girls
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Plymouth High School For Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Plymouth High School For Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Plymouth High School For Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Plymouth High School For Girls Key Information
Here, we contain key information for Plymouth High School For Girls. Details for addresses, parking and more are kept here for prospective students and their parents.
School Address
Full Address:
Plymouth High School For Girls, St Lawrence Road, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6HTPlymouth
Devon
PL4 6HT
Contact Information
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, all within a 10 minute walk:
- North Hill, 9 North Road East, Plymouth PL4 8ET (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Napier Terrace, Plymouth, Pl4 6ER (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Plymouth Station, North Road, Plymouth PL4 6AB (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Plymouth High School For Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Plymouth High School for Girls continues to be a Good school, with strong academic performance and a welcoming, high-achieving community.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve well across subjects and receive excellent careers guidance, helping them progress to university or apprenticeships.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is ambitious and well planned, though teachers are encouraged to check pupils’ understanding more precisely between assessments.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are respectful, motivated, and proud of their school, contributing actively to leadership and environmental projects.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and supportive. Staff development, safeguarding, and pupil welfare are all strong across the school.
Plymouth Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format
Admission to Year 7 at Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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
There is no set pass mark, but pupils must reach the qualifying standard to be considered. Applicants are ranked by score, and offers are made according to the school’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
The school operates defined catchment areas, and distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker if places are oversubscribed.
Additional Eligibility
To gain a place at Plymouth High School for Girls, candidates must achieve the required standard in the 11 Plus exam. If more pupils qualify than there are spaces available, the following oversubscription criteria apply:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the qualifying standard
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Girls eligible for Pupil Premium who achieve the required score
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Applicants within the school’s defined catchment area, ranked by score
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Other qualified applicants, ranked by score regardless of location
Click here to view the full Plymouth High School For Girls admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Plymouth High School For Girls
Because the entrance test is run by GL Assessment, preparation should focus on familiarisation with multiple-choice formats and Key Stage 2 content. Here are some effective strategies:
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.
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 Plymouth 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.
Plymouth High School For Girls Key Dates and Application Information
Parents of prospective students for Plymouth High School for Girls must keep to strict deadlines in the application for the school. At 11 Plus Hero, we understand this is a lot to keep to in addition to revision and exams. For this reason, we have collated the key dates and deadlines, listed below.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
11+ exam paper 1
11+ exam paper 2
Results Published
CAF Application Deadline
National Offer Day
Plymouth High School For Girls Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at v, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Plymouth High School For Girls Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Registration is completed online through the school’s or consortium’s website. This must be submitted before the registration deadline in August.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Plymouth 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.
Plymouth High School For Girls FAQs
Parents must apply through their local authority and register their child for the Plymouth Consortium 11 Plus exam. The tests are usually held in September before secondary applications close.
The exam includes two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers in English and maths. Each paper lasts about 50 minutes and tests comprehension, grammar, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
Entry is selective and competitive. Only pupils who meet the required standard in the 11 Plus are considered, with final places offered based on ranked scores and admissions criteria.
Yes. The school has defined catchment areas. If more candidates qualify than there are places, distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker after other criteria such as Pupil Premium eligibility.