MixedIndependentBoarding

Plymouth College

Plymouth, South West · PL4 6RN

Founded in 1877, Plymouth College is a Church of England independent school that takes pupils from age 2 right through to 18, with boarding available for those who want it. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent overall and excellent for personal development, with all compliance standards met. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 10 to 1 points to small classes and close attention, and the sizeable sixth form of 130 gives the upper school real momentum. It is a place that invests heavily in its older pupils and in life beyond the classroom.

114

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£15,354

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Mixed
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
2-18
Pupils
114
Pupil:teacher ratio
10
Location
Plymouth, South West
Website
www.plymouthcollege.com
Telephone
01752 505100

Entrance & admissions

Entry age
11

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Headteacher

Head of prep Mrs Jo Newnham

Latest results

Attainment 8

24.7

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

0%

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

36%

A-level A*-A

33%

A-level A*-B

61%

Teaching & academics

The picture at this stage of the school is mixed and worth weighing carefully. GCSE results sit below national benchmarks, with an Attainment 8 score of 24.7 against a national average of 46.9, though 36 per cent of grades reach the 9-7 range. At A-level the sixth form performs more strongly, with a third of entries graded A*-A and 61 per cent at A*-B; sciences, mathematics and a broad sweep of humanities and social sciences are popular, and BTECs and the EPQ broaden the offer alongside traditional subjects.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils
130

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyGeographyEconomicsClassical CivilisationReligious StudiesPsychologyPhysical Education/Sports Studies

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelBTECEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
0%
EHC plans
0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

All-roundAcademicArtDramaSports

Popular GCSE subjects

English LiteraturePhysicsChemistryBiologyClassical CivilisationDesign & TechnologyBusiness StudiesArt & Design (Fine Art)

Sport

Main sports

SwimmingFootballRugby

Beyond the classroom

Sport has a clear presence, with swimming, football and rugby among the main activities. Scholarships span academic, all-round, art, drama and sporting strengths, signalling a school that recognises a range of talents.

Ethos & heritage

Founded
1877
Religious character
C of E
Boarding
Yes

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£11,131 - £15,354
Boarding fees (per year)
£28,197 - £41,826

Available

Inspection reports

ISI rating
excellent
ISI personal development
excellent
Last inspected
3 February 2026
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small, long-established independent with strong inspection marks for personal development and a thriving sixth form. Parents will want to look closely at the GCSE data and decide where their child fits.

The Passmate verdict

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Plymouth College 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is Plymouth College located?

Plymouth College is located at Ford Park, Plymouth, PL4 6RN.

What type of school is Plymouth College?

Plymouth College is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.

How many pupils attend Plymouth College?

Plymouth College has approximately 114 pupils on roll.

What is Plymouth College's inspection rating?

Plymouth College is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 3 February 2026.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.