Information for parents 2016/2017

Information for parents 2016/2017

‘All experience is an arch wherethroughGleams that untravelled world’

Tennyson

Admissions at PGS

Nursery Admissions page 4

Junior School Admissions page 4

Senior School & Sixth Form Admissions page 5

Entry Assessments

Nursery page 6

Junior School page 6

Senior School at 11+ page 7

Senior School at 13+ page 7

Criteria for Awarding Extra Time in the 11+ and 13+ Entrance Assessments page 8

Sixth Form page 9 Scholarships & Means-tested Bursaries page 10

School Fees page 12

Travelling to School page 14

Digital Learning page 16

School Uniform page 17

Visiting the School page 17

Further Information page 18

Open Events & Contacts page 19

Admissions Team page 19

Contents

WelcomeWe know that choosing the right school for your child is a very important process.

Head of Marketing and Admissions

Mrs Elisa Linley

023 9236 4244 [email protected]

Nursery

Mrs Wendy Heyes is the Nursery Registrar and she can be contacted by telephoning

023 9268 1337 or by email at [email protected]

Junior School

Mrs Gill Bull is the Junior School Registrar and she can be contacted by telephoning


Senior School and Sixth Form

Mrs Jacqueline Hunt is the Senior School Registrar and she can be contacted by telephoning


Mrs Collette Newton is the Marketing and Admissions Administrator and can be contacted by telephoning


We do all that we can to support prospective families in finding out more about the opportunities on offer at The Portsmouth Grammar School and to experience what makes this such a friendly and vibrant place.

We are fully co-educational throughout the school, which means that girls and boys can join from the age of 2½ in the Nursery. Other main points of entry are 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. We may also be able to offer places in intermediate year groups and are experienced in supporting families who are relocating to the area from other parts of the UK or overseas and are able to accept international pupils in our Sixth Form.

We hope that the information in this booklet helps to guide you through our admissions process. If you wish to apply to The Portsmouth Grammar School please visit our website, www.pgs.org.uk, where you will find many more details about our school and an online application form.

Our Admissions team will be able to help you with any questions.

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Nursery Admissions

Applications are welcomed from all who wish to attend an independent fee paying school and who feel able to support its aims and values. The Nursery will provide equality of opportunity and access for all children regardless of gender, culture, religion or Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Portsmouth Grammar School Nursery accepts the Nursery Education Grant (NEG).

Junior School Admissions

PhilosophyThe Portsmouth Grammar Junior School is committed to operating a fair and transparent admissions policy that provides an equal opportunity for all children to have their potential identified.

Aims• To offer places to those children we feel

would thrive in the Junior School environment.• To make the selection process as friendly and

relaxed as possible.

4+Pupils entering the school in Reception year are assessed in the January preceding entry. The children are assessed in small groups following a play afternoon the week before which is designed to familiarise them with the setting. A senior member of the Infant staff, supported by a Teaching Assistant, engages the children in a number of set activities observing amongst other things, behaviour, levels of interaction, sociability, fine motor skills and use of language. Based on these observations the senior member of staff will recommend to the Headmaster of the Junior School whether or not each child should be offered a place.

5+ to 10+Pupils may be assessed at any point during the year or at our assessment day, which takes place on the same day as the main external candidate 11+ assessments. The children are asked to complete assessments in Mathematics, English and Non Verbal Reasoning, identical to those taken annually by all Junior School pupils, except for those in Reception, in September. Standardised scores are derived and compared with the cohort average and year group guidelines to determine whether or not a place is offered. It would also be expected for each child to spend some time with their prospective peer group in order to observe levels of sociability and interaction.

Since September 2015, pupils in the PGS Junior School no longer sit the 11+ entrance assessments for entry in to the Senior School. The Headmaster of the Junior School will recommend entry to the Senior School following its programme of continuous assessment.


Senior School and Sixth Form Admissions

Candidates are admitted on the basis of ability and potential as determined by written assessment, current school reference, interview and the Headmaster’s discretion.

For entry in September 2017 11+ candidates will sit assessments in English, Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Non Verbal Reasoning. Candidates are also interviewed on a separate occasion, normally a week or two prior to entrance assessments. In adopting this pattern, the school aims to put candidates at ease and, in doing so, increase the prospect that their true potential is reflected in their written performance.

Candidates with diagnosed conditions requiring additional time or other special measures are treated in accordance with the school’s Reasonable Adjustments and Disability and Additional Educational Needs policies. Details of the criteria for awarding extra time, which are based on guidelines from the Joint Council of Qualifications are published on the school’s website and are available to all applicants.

The admissions selection panel will, in addition to considering candidates’ interview and assessment performance, take notice of all references provided in support of a pupil’s application.

At 13+, candidates sit the school’s own 13+ Assessments in English, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Candidates are interviewed by a Senior Teacher. References are required for all pupils applying for admission.

Since September 2015, all candidates sit the school’s own 13+ Entrance Assessments in the Spring Term prior to entry rather than via Common Entrance. This is designed to ensure fairness to all our candidates and to manage the increasing popularity of the school.

If a candidate is found to be of the required standard in the 11+ Assessment pre-test,, a deposit of £1500 will be payable in order to secure a place subject to satisfactory performance in the subsequent 13+ Assessments.

Entry packs will be sent to all registered 11+ and 13+ candidates in advance of the Entrance Assessments. The packs include: a form to indicate the assessment date the candidate will attend, interview date and time, details of the assessment day and specimen papers.

At 16+, candidates are made conditional offers based on interviews with the Head of Sixth Form and a Senior Teacher, taking into account their predicted GCSE grades. The school would usually expect at least six GCSE’s at A* to B, to include A*/A grades in the subjects to be studied at A Level or IB Higher Level, and at least B grades in subjects to be studied at IB Standard Level. External candidates for the Sixth Form also sit a Non Verbal Reasoning paper and a Reading Comprehension.

We also accept applications for Sixth Form study from international pupils. Please contact the Senior School Admissions team for further information about assessment and the admissions process for international students.

References from the candidate’s current school or college will also be taken into account. At intermediate points of entry, a selection of the above methods is used in accordance with individual circumstances.

All candidates receive formal notification of acceptance or otherwise in accordance with HMC guidelines.

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Entry in to the Nursery

The PGS Nursery is an educational nursery - it is not a child care facility. It provides early years education to enable children to achieve the Early Learning Goals adopted nationally.

Admission is confirmed upon receipt of the registration form, fee and booking form. Each family is then invited to attend a play afternoon, during which parents, staff and children meet. A home visit and start date are organised and attendance dates and time are agreed.

Children only taking the Nursery Education Grant funded hours can attend morning sessions or afternoon sessions only, lunch will not be included.

Entry in to the Junior School

4+In the January before starting at the school, Reception children are invited to attend a play afternoon to help familiarise them with the school and to meet other children and members of staff in an informal, fun activity session.

Each child is then invited to attend a further session on a separate occasion when they will spend some time with a senior member of the Infant School staff playing games to assess skills such as sorting, sequencing, ordering and matching.

5+, 6+, 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+At any point during the year a prospective pupil can be assessed for entry, and we also hold assessments on the same day as the main 11+ for the Senior School.

Assessments are in Mathematics, English and Non-Verbal Reasoning, identical to those taken annually by all Junior School pupils (except for those in Reception) in September. From these we are able to compare results against the average for the year group your child would be entering to determine whether a place is offered.

Before joining the Junior School your child would also be invited to spend some time with their prospective classmates.

It is our aim to make the whole assessment procedure a positive and enjoyable experience for all pupils.

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Entry in to the Senior School at 1 1+

We believe strongly in the importance of recognising each child’s academic potential and seek to gain as much insight as possible into their enthusiasm and curiosity, as well as their particular strengths and interests.

To help us in this, we invite each child to an interview and encourage them to bring an item of special interest to talk about. You can find out more about the PGS Interview Experience by watching the video on the school website, in the admissions/entrance-assessments section. Then on a Saturday morning early in the Spring Term we invite girls and boys to sit assessments in Non Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and English. We also request a reference from the child’s current school.

All candidates are automatically considered for scholarships and other academic awards. Means-tested bursaries are also available, subject to application in advance of the 11+ Assessment.

Applications for financial support made after the main assessment dates may be less likely to succeed as the majority of bursary funding will have already been allocated.

The 11+ interviews for September 2017 entry are on Saturday 14 January and Saturday 21 January 2017; the 11+ entrance assessment is on Saturday 28 January 2017.

Entry in to the Senior School at 13+

We use the 11+ Entrance Assessments as a pre-test for girls and boys wishing to join the school at 13+. Conditional places will be offered based on the 11+ results and confirmed following our own 13+ Entrance Assessment in January. We believe that this helps families to plan ahead successfully for a change in their child’s school at 13+.

Those children who have missed taking our 11+ Assessments will be asked to take our 13+ Assessments. All places are dependent on satisfactory performance in the 13+ Assessments in January of the year of entry.

The 13+ Entrance Assessments involve an interview, a current school reference and written papers in English, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning and a Modern Foreign Language.

All candidates are automatically considered for academic scholarships and other academic awards; these are awarded following the 13+ Assessments. Children may also apply for scholarships at 13+ in Art, Drama, Music and Sport (forms available from the Senior School Registrar). Some means-tested bursaries may also be available, subject to application in advance of assessment. Application forms are available from the Senior School Registrar or on the school website.

The 13+ interviews for September 2017 entry are on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 January 2017; the 13+ entrance assessment is on Saturday 28 January 2017.

Whilst we always advise parents to make applications for places according to the above dates, we understand that the decision to apply may need to be made a little later. In these circumstances, if we have available places, we are always pleased to show interested applicants around the school, arrange for interview and the appropriate assessments.

All candidates receive formal notification of acceptance or otherwise in accordance with HMC guidelines.

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Criteria for Awarding Extra Time in the 11+ and 13+ Entrance Assessments

Formal evidence, such as that provided by an Educational Psychologist or Specialist Assessor, is required in order to consider awarding extra time. Tests used to produce evidence for the following criteria should be up-to-date, fully standardised tests that are age appropriate and have a ceiling level at least equivalent to the chronological age of the pupil.

Evidence must have been obtained no earlier than the start of the previous school year (i.e. either Year 5 or Year 8). However, if it relates to a physical disability or named medical condition (not including specific learning difficulties), a letter describing the physical or medical condition, written by a doctor, must accompany the application form.

Each application for additional time is considered against the criteria set out below and must be received with the application form. PGS follows the criteria specified by the Joint Council of Qualifications (JCQ) in the document, ‘Adjustments for candidates with disabilities and learning difficulties’. This document can be downloaded from the JCQ website. It is updated every September.

To be eligible for 25% additional time, a pupil should have:

1. A Statement of Special Educational Need or Education and Health Care Plan which confirms a disability; or

2. At least one below average standardised score of 84 or less which relates to an assessment of:

• Speed of reading, or • Speed of reading comprehension, or • Speed of writing, or • Cognitive processing measures which have a

substantial and long term adverse effect on speed of working

3. In exceptional circumstances 25% extra time may be awarded to a candidate where the assessment confirms that they have at least two low average standardised scores (85-89) related to speed of processing (as above)

4. In rare and very exceptional circumstances, where there are no scores of 89 or less, 25% extra time may be awarded where a candidate has been diagnosed as having a significant learning difficulty or disability which has a clear, measurable and substantial long term adverse effect on performance and speed of working 50% extra time is an exceptional arrangement.

To be eligible for 50% extra time, a pupil should have:

1. A learning difficulty which has a very substantial and long term adverse effect on speed of working

2. A very substantially below average standardised score of 69 or less in:

• Speed of reading, or • Speed of reading comprehension, or • Speed of writing, or • Cognitive processing measures which have a

substantial and long term adverse effect on speed of working

3. A physical, sensory or multi-sensory impairment that very substantially hinders speed of processing.

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Entry in to the Sixth Form at 16+

We invite all applicants for places in our Sixth Form to an interview morning which consists of one 20-25 minute interview and a number of short aptitude tests. These interviews take place in November of the year before entry, though there are also opportunities for applicants to be assessed at other times through the proceeding academic year.

The interview process is affirming rather than challenging as it provides the opportunity to talk about the choice of whether to study the International Baccalaureate or A Level, subject choices and combinations, future aspirations, co-curricular interests and the Sixth Form experience.

The interview days for 2017 entry will be on the mornings of Saturday 19 November and Saturday 26 November 2016. All offers are then despatched in early December.

Offers are conditional upon GCSE performance with the same expectation for external applicants as for current pupils. The school would usually expect candidates to achieve at least four A grades or higher at GCSE or IGCSE in subjects relevant to those being studied at A Level or at Higher Level for the IB Diploma, with a minimum of B grades in their other subjects – meaning a minimum of six GCSEs at A*-B grade.

Whilst we always advise that applications are made in time for our November interview programme, we understand that the decision to apply may need to be a little later. In these circumstances, if we have places available, we are always pleased to show interested applicants around the school and arrange for interview.

International Pupils

The Portsmouth Grammar School holds a Tier 4 Homestay licence which enables us to accept a number of international pupils in to our Sixth Form. If you are currently resident outside the UK but would be interested in applying to join us please contact Senior School Admissions to discuss the application process and visa requirements.


We provide an extensive programme of scholarships and means-tested bursaries in the Senior School from 11-18 years and are extremely grateful to all those whose generosity makes it possible for a growing number of pupils to join PGS each year, regardless of their financial situation.

Bursaries are entirely means-tested and reflect the outstanding academic potential of an individual pupil regardless of their ability to afford the school’s fees. Application for bursary support should be made by the December preceding the September of entry. Applications for financial support made after the main assessment dates may be less likely to succeed as the majority of bursary funding will have already been allocated.

Scholarships are non means-tested and awarded to recognise exceptional academic or co-curricular ability. Where appropriate, these awards may be augmented by a means-tested bursary. All external candidates are automatically considered for academic scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

Means-tested bursariesAt PGS, all bursaries are means-tested and, in some cases, can be worth up to 100% of fees. Those families wishing to apply for a means-tested bursary should complete the bursary application form and submit this when registering for a place.

This form must be received by the December preceding the September entry date.

Requests for financial support usually fall into two categories:• New applicants to the school, where a place has

been offered but parents are unable to fund the tuition fees.

• Existing pupils where a change in parents’ circumstances has resulted in difficulty in meeting tuition fees and may result in the child being withdrawn part way through their PGS education.

ConfidentialityThe school respects the confidentiality of bursary awards made to families and recipients are expected to do likewise.

ScholarshipsA scholarship at PGS is a financial award based on merit and aptitude to offset the cost of school fees. It is not means-tested and these awards are primarily made for academic achievement in examination at 11+, 13+ and on entry into the Sixth Form based on the results of the GCSE examination. Additionally, scholarships are awarded for excellence in Art, Drama, Music and Sport at 13+ and at 16+. Existing PGS pupils may also apply for consideration for these awards once they become eligible during their time in the school.

Scholarships at 11+Scholarship awards are made to pupils entering Year 7 based on their performance in the school’s 11+ assessments usually taken in the January preceding the September entry. All pupils applying to enter the Senior School in Year 7, are automatically assessed for such awards and there are no special scholarship papers.

Scholarships & Means-tested Bursaries


There are four types of scholarship at 11+:i. Scholarship awards are typically worth 6% of the

school fees and may be awarded for excellence in the assessment in both Mathematics and English, or occasionally for exceptional performance in either Mathematics or English.

ii. Exhibition awards worth 3% of fees are made for high achievement in the 11+ assessments.

iii. All Rounder awards worth 3% of fees are an academic award for all round performance in the 11+ assessments and interview. They recognise pupils of high academic ability who are likely to make a substantial contribution to the wider life of the school.

iv. The Governor Presentation Award (GPA) is a one off award, currently worth £750, awarded following the 11+ assessment to recognise talent and potential.

Scholarship awards are also made to pupils joining from the PGS Junior School on the basis of their overall academic performance, with particular reference to the core subjects of Mathematics and English. All children will be automatically considered as part of the Junior School’s programme of Continuous Assessment.

Typically, around 20% of each new Year 7 entry receive scholarships, exhibitions, all rounder or GPA awards.

Scholarships at 13+We also have a well-established entry in to Year 9 which caters for pupils joining the Senior School from preparatory schools, or those wishing to transfer from other local state or independent schools. Scholarships are awarded to these external entrants following academic assessment. The awards available are the same as those for 11+ entry, with the exception of the academic All Rounder award. All pupils are automatically considered in light of their performance in the assessments.

Typically around 20% of all external entrants to Year 9 receive academic scholarships, exhibitions, or Governor Presentation Awards.

Scholarships at 16+PGS has a thriving Sixth Form offering both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The Sixth Form attracts a large number of new entrants from independent and maintained schools, including schools overseas.

Scholarships are awarded to internal and external candidates usually based on performance in the GCSE examinations and all pupils are automatically considered in the light of their GCSE results. There are two categories of academic scholarship available:

i. Scholarship awards worth 6% of the school fees are awarded for outstanding performance at GCSE.

ii. Exhibition awards worth 3% of fees are awarded for high achievement in the GCSE examinations.

All academic scholarships are usually awarded on the basis of GCSE performance. For Sixth Form entry, Art, Drama, Music and Sports scholarships are also available and we encourage communication of interest upon application. A completed application with covering letter detailing experience and achievement would be appropriate.

Scholarships in Art, Drama, Music and SportIn addition to the academic awards there is also the opportunity at 13+ and at 16+ for exceptional candidates to be awarded Art, Drama, Music or Sport scholarships. These scholarships are awarded by the Headmaster following an audition and/or recommendation from the Directors of these departments. These are normally confirmed in the April of the year of entry. Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships are typically worth either 3% or 6% of the fees with potentially higher awards available at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Existing pupils may also become eligible for recognition in these areas during their time in the school and are welcome to apply to the Headmaster for consideration, using the same application process.

Scholarships should be applied for by 16 December 2016. In exceptional circumstances applications may be considered after this date. It is recommended that a maximum of two scholarship categories are applied for.

Further details, along with application forms, are given in ‘Further Information about Specific Scholarships and Bursary Awards’ document on the school website: pgs.org.uk/admissions/scholarships-and-bursaries/


Junior School

School Year Termly Fee Instalment

Reception – Yr 2 £3,170Yr 3 and Yr 4 £3,341Yr 5 and Yr 6 £3,515

A large number of Junior School pupils learn a musical instrument taught by one of the many visiting music teachers each week. In Year 3 pupils are able to participate free of charge in our Strings Scheme where every child is given a violin, viola or cello to play, with instruction for a whole term. A similar scheme is operated in Year 4 for brass instruments. For many children provides them with opportunities they would never have otherwise experienced.

A programme of residential trips and off-site learning experiences provide the opportunity for Junior School children to learn new skills, try new activities and learn about themselves.

The below trips are all included in the standard fees:

• Yr 2, Fairthorne Manor (outdoor activities, one night)

• Yr 3, Ufton Court (history trip, two nights)

• Yr 4, Sailing Week, Portsmouth

• Yr 5, Land and Wave, Swanage (Outdoor activities, four nights)

• Yr 6, France (cultural, five nights)

School Fees

Nursery

Nursery Session Times Fees

Pre-care session 08:00 – 08:30 £2.95Morning session 08:30 – 1 1:30 £17.70Afternoon session 12:30 – 15:30 £17.70Core Day 08:30 – 15:30 £41.30Lunch Session 1 1:30 – 12:30 £5.90Mid Afternoon Session 15:30 – 16:30 £5.90Teatime Session 16:30 – 17:30 £5.90Extended Day 09:00 – 17:30 £56.05Hot Lunch £2.85

Holiday Care (Max 7 weeks*)

Pre-care session 08:00 – 08:30 £2.35Morning session 08:30 – 1 1:30 £18.80Afternoon session 12:30 – 15:30 £14.10Core Day 08:30 – 15:30 £32.90Mid Afternoon Session 15:30 – 16:30 £4.70Teatime Session** 16:30 – 17:30 £4.70Extended Day 08:00 – 17:30 £44.65

*45 weeks consists of 38 weeks term-time and 7 weeks holiday care.

** A packed tea is required for children staying for teatime sessions. Children who are attending for the funded 15 hours can take advantage of the morning sessions or afternoon sessions only.



School Year Termly Fee Instalment

Yr 7 to Yr 13 £4,939

Fees are displayed in GBP. The above assumes that you have taken advantage of the termly Direct Debit which attracts a 3% discount.

Payment of School Fees

Termly Direct DebitThe majority of parents take advantage of the Direct Debit Scheme and the school would encourage them to make use of this convenient, efficient and financially beneficial facility. Payers opting for this scheme qualify for a 3% discount on the basic school fee.

Monthly PaymentsThe school uses services provided by My School Fee Plan for those wishing to pay school fees on a monthly basis. Further details are available from their website, www.myschoolfeeplan.com

School LunchesEach day the Dining Hall offers a wide range of freshly cooked, nutritious meals for the pupils. There are always vegetarian options available within the choice of hot meals, as well as a fresh salad bar and fruit.

Breakfast is available daily in the Dining Hall and Sixth Form Centre before the start of school from 07:45 - 08:30.

Snacks are available for Sixth Form pupils in the Sixth Form Centre.

School Lunch Payment System

How does the Lunch Account work?

Each child receives a personal swipe card which will allow them to purchase food in the Dining Hall. The card acts like a debit card and the cost of purchases are deducted from the child’s account, and within set limits.

Paying for LunchesIf you opt to have a termly amount charged to your school bill this will be credited to your child’s account at the start of term. Termly charges are calculated on a child having school meals every day and will be included on their fee invoice. Should you wish to change this option at any time please contact the Bursary at least one month before the end of term to ensure removal from your next invoice.

If you choose to set up a lunch account online this will enable you to add funds to your child’s account at your discretion. The facility is operated by “Upay” through a secure website. You can then top up your child’s account and view their purchases. Payments can be made direct to the Bursary to top up lunch accounts by debit or credit card either by visiting the office or by telephone. Alternatively you can top-up by sending a cheque to the Bursary, please clearly write your child’s name and ‘lunch account’ on the reverse of the cheque.

Children’s lunch accounts may occasionally be overspent as we never refuse a child lunch. If the account becomes seriously overdrawn then the debt will be transferred to the parent’s fee invoice and the lunch account amended to a zero balance.

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The Portsmouth Grammar School is situated in the heart of historic Portsmouth.

The city is linked to the motorway network by the M27 and M275, and, being central to the city, the road network easily leads you to our door. There is ample parking around the school enabling easy drop off and collection of pupils.

Until 9.30am on school days you are able to park free of charge on Museum Road (including coach bays), Cambridge Road and Pembroke Road. It is not limited by time provided your vehicle is gone by 9.30am. In the afternoons the coach bays are not available and there is an unpublished 20p charge for 15 minutes in Museum Road, Cambridge Road and Pembroke Road.

The train is a particularly popular way of coming in to the city each day. Trains come in to Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations from Haslemere, Petersfield, Chichester, Fareham and other towns just outside Portsmouth. Both city stations are within a fifteen minute walk of the school.

Ferries and hovercrafts constantly traverse the water from the Isle of Wight, Gosport and Hayling Island. The Isle of Wight and Gosport terminals are again only a fifteen minute walk from us.

There is also a private coach service run by Lucketts Travel. The coach service operates several routes that bring you straight to the door. These are the Yellow Route which starts in Bishops Waltham, and the Red Route which starts in Denmead.

Yellow - Bishops Waltham, Park Gate, Warsash, Locks Heath, Titchfield, Fareham, Portchester

Red - Denmead, Hambledon, Soberton, Droxfield, Swanmore, Waltham Chase, Wickham

More details on these services are available on request directly from Lucketts Travel - 01329 823755

Travelling to Hilsea Playing FieldsHilsea Playing Fields are located approximately 4 miles away from the main school campus and provide the facilities for the majority of the outdoor sports programme.

The 17.5 acre playing fields is home to 4 rugby pitches, an AstroTurf pitch for hockey and tennis, 5 netball courts, 7 tennis courts, 2 first class cricket squares and numerous rounders pitches.

Further information about sport at The Portsmouth Grammar School is available on our Sport website: www.pgssport.uk.

All Junior School pupils are taken to and from Hilsea on buses supervised by Junior School staff.

Pupils in Year 7 are taken to Hilsea on buses supervised by Games staff and are escorted back to the school site after games.

All pupils in Years 8 – 11 travel to Hilsea for their Games session on buses supervised by Games staff. Sixth Form pupils can catch a school bus to Hilsea or can make their own travel arrangements to their Games venue. All pupils from Years 8-11 will be dismissed from Hilsea at the end of the school day. Pupils in Years 8 and 9 can be transported back to school if they so wish to be picked up by parents, although we ask for prior written permission to the Director of Sport for this.

Staff will always ensure that there are no pupils left at Hilsea Playing Fields before leaving the site. If pupils have not been picked up by 16:15 then the member of staff will arrange for them to be transported back to school.

Parking for Hilsea Playing FieldsParking is available at the Hilsea Lido which is on the left hand side immediately after the Shell garage and bus stop and before the roundabout.

Additional parking is available immediately on the left hand side after exiting south on the London Road from the Portsbridge roundabout. There is no parking available for spectators at the playing fields.

Average Train Travel TimesJourneys to Portsmouth & Southsea Station from:

Chichester: 25 minutesFareham 23 minutesHedge End: 37 minutesHaslemere: 47 minutesHavant: 17 minutesPetersfield: 31 minutes

Travelling to School

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HILSEA

TO HAVANT,GUILDFORD & LONDON

TO CHICHESTER

TO SOUTHAMPTON

FRATTON

PORTSMOUTH& SOUTHSEA

PORTSMOUTHHARBOUR STATION

STATION

STATION

STATION

FAREHAMSTATION

TO THEISLE OF WIGHT

PORTSMOUTHCATAMARANGOSPORTFERRY

HAYLING ISLAND FERRY

PORTSMOUTHHOVERCRAFT

HIL

SEA

CRES

CEN

T

A27

M27

FAW

LEY RD

HO

RSEA

RD

A2074

HILSEAPLAYING FIELDS

MILITARY RD

A3

LON

DO

N RD

LON

DO

N RD

PORTSMOUTH& SOUTHSEASTATION

PORTSMOUTHGRAMMARSCHOOL

PORTSMOUTHHARBOUR STATION

PORTSMOUTHCATAMARAN

PORTSMOUTHHOVERCRAFT It is a 15 minute walk from both

city stations to the school.


Digital Learning

Over the last two years we have been researching the growing use of mobile technology as a way of personalising learning and stimulating pupils’ enthusiasm and engagement. We have been able to learn from the experience of other schools and have developed a robust wifi network capable of supporting a large number of devices. We have been training teachers in how mobile technology can be used creatively to enhance their teaching and support pupils’ learning. Whilst we are keen that our pupils should be digitally literate in the 21st century, we recognise that mobile technology is a tool to enhance teaching and learning rather than a replacement for well-established approaches and activities in school. Our research has shown, however, that mobile technology can promote creativity, provide a more personalised learning experience and facilitate communication between pupils and teachers, both within the classroom and beyond.

From September 2016 all Year 9, 10, 12 and 13 pupils will be expected to bring a tablet into school as part of their day-to-day equipment.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 will be able to have access to class sets of iPads for specific lessons, provided by the school. The Junior School will also continue to introduce pupils to the use of iPads in class sets to develop their skills and confidence.

We have identified the iPad as the best option because of the consistency of the operating system, its ease of use and durability, and because it offers an excellent range of educational apps. Other devices will be compatible to a varying extent with our system, but our recommendation

is that pupils should use an iPad as our preferred option. We have also identified a nucleus of educational apps which pupils will be provided via the school’s Mobile Device Management System to support their learning across the curriculum.

We are mindful that the requirement for a mobile device will represent a significant investment for families and have been able to provide a preferential rate via Stormfront. More details are available from the school. Extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been prepared with assistance from members of the Parents’ Forum and are available on the school’s website at www.pgs.org.uk/about-us/digital-learning/.


School Uniform

Visiting the School

Our bespoke uniform has great historical significance and the striking black, red and gold PGS colours are easily recognised throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Complemented by the ever-present PGS Lion, our uniform is available to purchase through our own dedicated Uniform Shop situated in the heart of the school, just off the main Quad.

In the Nursery, the uniform is chosen with very young children in mind. The simple T-shirt and sweatshirt with Lion logo are optional, however they give a sense of identity and are in the gold and black PGS colours.

School Uniform Shop

With the exception of footwear and the suit for Sixth Form girls, all the uniform items from Nursery to Sixth Form are available from the school’s Uniform Shop. The shop is primarily open during term time, but for the benefit of new parents, the shop opens on certain days during the summer holidays , times are published on the website.

Term Time Opening Monday to Friday: 14:30 – 17:30 Wednesday: 08:00 – 09:00 and 14:30 – 17 :30

A list of uniform requirements can be found on the school’s website: www.pgs.org.uk/admissions/uniform/

School uniform is compulsory from Reception Year upwards.

The School Uniform Shop can be contacted by calling 023 9236 4255 or by email at [email protected]

Prospective families often start their PGS journey by visiting our annual Open Morning in September. You will be able to tour the whole school campus in the company of a pupil guide, enjoy a range of fun activities and meet the Headmaster and staff team.

If you would like to see the school in action on a normal week day, then why not come along to one of the Junior School Tour Mornings and Afternoons, or one of the Senior School and Sixth Form Open Afternoons, held regularly throughout the year? There will be opportunities to see lessons in progress and facilities in action, to talk to pupils and staff, and to meet other families considering The Portsmouth Grammar School for their children.

If you would prefer a personal family tour of the school and would like to have a meeting with the Headmaster or the Headmaster of the Junior School, then please contact our Admissions team who will be pleased to make arrangements for a visit tailored to your interests and needs.

Our Admissions team are always available to answer any queries and look forward to welcoming you to the school. Our forthcoming Open Events are listed on the following page and on our website.


Further information about the following areas, as well as other policies and procedures, can be found on our website: www.pgs.org.uk

• Our Vision and Strategic Plan• Additional Educational Needs (AEN)

and Disabilities Policy• Junior School Additional Educational Needs

(AEN) and Disabilities Policy• Nursery Additional Educational Needs

(AEN) and Disabilities Policy• Admissions Policy• Nursery Admissions Policy• Anti-Bullying Policy• Behaviour Management Policy• Nursery Behaviour Management Policy• Complaints Procedure Policy• Criteria for Awarding Extra Time in the

11+ Entrance Assessments• Criteria for Awarding Extra Time in the

13+ Entrance Assessments• Curriculum Policy• Data Protection Policy• Data Protection Notice• Discipline and Exclusion Policy• English as an Additional Language Provision

and Policy

• Equal Opportunities Policy• First Aid Policy• Health and Safety Policy• List of Teaching Staff• Nursery Administration of Medicine Policy• Organisation for Health and Safety at PGS• Privacy Policy• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy• School Attendance Policy• The Taking, Using and Sharing of Images

The School Governors are listed on the website. The Governors are Trustees of The Portsmouth Grammar School Trust. The address of Trust is as follows: The Portsmouth Grammar School Trust, The Portsmouth Grammar School, High Street, PORTSMOUTH, PO1 2LN.

The Chairman of Governors can be contacted via the Clerk to the Governing Body, Mr D J Kent. The contact details for the Chairman of Governors is as follows: The Governing Body, The Portsmouth Grammar School, High Street, PORTSMOUTH, PO1 2LN. The contact email for the Clerk to the Governors is [email protected] and he can be contacted by telephone on 023 9236 4205.

Further Information


Head of Marketing and Admissions

Mrs Elisa Linley

023 9236 4244 [email protected]

Nursery

Mrs Wendy Heyes is the Nursery Registrar and she can be contacted by telephoning


Junior School

Mrs Gill Bull is the Junior School Registrar and she can be contacted by telephoning



Mrs Jacqueline Hunt is the Senior School Registrar and she can be contacted by

Telephoning 023 9236 4269 or by email at [email protected]

Mrs Collette Newton is the Marketing and Admissions Administrator and can be contacted by telephoning


Junior School

If you would like to attend the below Junior School events please contact Mrs Gill Bull, Junior School Registrar.

Juniors’ Taster Day Tuesday 15 November 2016 8.30

Reception Taster Afternoon Tuesday 22 November 2016 13.30

Junior School Tour Afternoon Tuesday 29 November 2016 14.00

Senior School & Sixth Form

If you would like to attend the below Senior School and Sixth Form events please contact Mrs Jacqueline Hunt, Senior School Registrar.

Thursday 13 October 2016 14.00

Friday 11 November 2016 14.00

Wednesday 18 January 2017 14.00

Thursday 23 February 2017 14.00

Friday 21 April 2017 14.00

Tuesday 6 June 2017 14.00

Open Events

Admissions Team

023 9236 0036

Documents

Information for parents 2016/2017