The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Girls only.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 65.5 vs national 43.8)
- This is a girls-only school
- The school is at capacity (99% full)
Selective intake
This school offers places by entrance exam. See how 11+ formats differ between schools — and which exam boards they use.
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
65.5
21.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
90%
48.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
53%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.33
Band 4Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
91%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
3%
Based on 115 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 10 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
11% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 15 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 53 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Girls
Numbers
- Pupils
- 795
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 11.1%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Plymouth
- Trust
- THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Simon Underdown (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
St Lawrence Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6HT
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFletewood School at Derry Villas
Independent · 326m away
Mount Street Primary School
Primary · 424m away
Plymouth College
Independent · 656m away
Hyde Park Infants' School
Primary · 722m away
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Primary · 856m away
Pilgrim Primary Academy
Primary · 885m away
Salisbury Road Primary School
Primary · 951m away
The Cathedral School of St Mary
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Plymouth High School for Girls a selective school?
Yes. Plymouth High School for Girls has a selective intake, which means places are offered based on performance in an entrance exam. Check the school's admissions page for the current exam format and registration deadlines.
How many pupils attend Plymouth High School for Girls?
Plymouth High School for Girls currently has 795 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Plymouth High School for Girls take?
Plymouth High School for Girls caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Plymouth High School for Girls?
Plymouth High School for Girls is in Plymouth, PL4 6HT, in the Plymouth local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Plymouth High School for Girls have a sixth form?
Yes, Plymouth High School for Girls has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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