Welcome, vision and values

Welcome to Plymouth High School for Girls.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Plymouth High School for Girls, a long-established and much-loved city selective school. In 2024, we celebrated our 150th birthday, a proud moment in the school’s distinguished history. Our motto, Non scholæ sed vitæ discimus – For life not school we learn – continues to guide our work, just as it has since 1874.

As Headteacher, I consider myself fortunate to lead such a warm, vibrant and happy school. Our students and staff are ambitious, thoughtful and full of enthusiasm for learning. Kindness, respect and curiosity are at the heart of our community. All that we do at Plymouth High is driven by a shared commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and can flourish.

We believe that academic success and personal development go hand in hand. We want our students to look forward to their school day, to enjoy their lessons, to challenge themselves and to have fun. We want them to feel proud of who they are, confident in their abilities and excited about their future.

We are an accredited Thinking School, working in partnership with the University of Exeter. Thinking Schools are a growing international network of schools united by a shared commitment to metacognition – helping students to understand not just what they think, but how they think. At Plymouth High, we believe that developing thoughtful, independent learners starts with a reflective approach to teaching. Our staff bring expertise, care and passion to the classroom, continually refining their practice to deliver high-quality, engaging lessons.

We are also proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust – a family of accredited or aspiring Thinking Schools across the southwest, south and southeast of England. Plymouth High was the first TSAT school in the southwest, and we now work alongside other local secondary and primary schools, as well as alternative provision, to support young people in becoming their best selves.

There is a wealth of opportunity at Plymouth High, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through academic challenges, creative arts, sports, leadership or enrichment, students are encouraged to try new things, discover what inspires them and collaborate with others. We value individuality, but we also cherish the sense of belonging that comes from shared experiences and collective success.

Much has changed since 1874, but our values endure. Plymouth High remains a place where learning is for life – a place to think, to grow, and to thrive.

I do hope that you find our website interesting, but if you would like to see our school for yourself, please do get in touch to arrange a visit.

Simon Underdown
Headteacher