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FAQ's

What should my child bring to school on her first day?

Our year seven students will spend the first day getting to know each other, their form tutor and school procedures as part of their induction. They will also have lessons so should bring with them their pencil case and stationary as per the list sent to you. School lunches will be available on this day but she can also bring a packed lunch. A named water bottle would be useful too. If your child has food technology or PE on their first day, you will be informed before the start of term so she can bring her PE kit and cooking apron with her.

What are the timings of the school day?

Tutor time begins at 08.40 and all students are expected to be in their form room before this time. Students are allowed in their form room from 08.20. All students are dismissed at 15.30. For timings for the rest of the day please click here.

What is ParentPay and how does it work?

ParentPay is our electronic payment system. You will use this system to pay for everything at school including school dinners and school trips. Further details regarding Parentpay can be found here.

You will be able to add credit to your account online for your child and they can spend this by scanning their finger print at the tills.  You will be sent forms via email to set up your account.

You can access ParentPay through our website, there is a quick link tab on the RHS of our homepage, or visit the ParentPay page, under parents.

What are the tutor groups and how are they decided?

The tutor groups are the class in which the students have the majority of their lessons with (technology and PE have mixed classes). They are also a House group headed up by a Year 7 form tutor who is also the Head of House. This house identity is important for house spirit and school competitions. These groups are decided using lots of different factors including pupil and parent choice, primary school recommendation's and home destination, interests and family links to the school.

What is the role of a tutor at Plymouth High School for Girls?

The tutor will be the first point of contact for parents/carers and their children.  They will learn the most about your child as they support them through this transition year. The best way to contact tutors is through email, which will be provided to you when you find out what house your daughter is going to be in the summer term. We aim to reply to any queries within two working days.

Will my child have access to a locker?

Yes. All year seven students will be given the opportunity to hire a locker. There is a rental fee of £5.00 per year. If your child loses their key then there will be an additional £3.50 charged via ParentPay. Year 7 and 8 students get priority of these lockers due to their higher need and more subjects.

What should I do if my child is too unwell to attend school?

If your child is going to be absent due to illness, we request that you call the absence line on 033 33 602230 before 9.00am, leaving your child’s name, tutor group and reason for absence. You can also email absence@plymouthhighschoolforgirls.org.uk with the same information. We ask that you contact each day that your child will be absent from school. Please be aware that we cannot authorise any illness absence for more than 3 days without medical evidence. If no reason for absence has been provided by 9.00am, you will receive a telephone call indicating that your child has not arrived for school.

What should I do if my child is unable to attend school for another reason?

Where possible we request that medical appointments are made outside of school hours. If appointments are unavoidable please provide us with a copy of any appointment cards or letters.

We are unable to authorise holiday requests except in exceptional circumstances.

 A full list of these circumstances can be found on our Leave of Absence form: https://www.phsg.org/page/?title=Reporting+Absence&pid=75

This form should be used for all other absences (i.e. external exams, religious festivals)