Plymouth College

Guided by the motto "Where Everything Is Possible," the school aims to provide a holistic, outward-looking education that fosters resilience, perseverance, and teamwork. It believes in learning for all and learning for life, valuing character development and community service alongside academic progress. The school strives to create a compassionate and aware global community, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for themselves and their environment.

The school provides a continuous educational journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to the Sixth Form. The Prep School curriculum focuses on core subjects, including literacy, mathematics, and expressive arts, transitioning to specialist teaching in subjects like French, Computing, and Food Technology in later years. The Senior School and Sixth Form offer a broad range of GCSE and A-level subjects, supported by small class sizes and expert subject specialists to ensure individualised academic growth.

The school has a strong reputation for academic and sporting excellence, with pupils achieving success at GCSE and A-level. It boasts an extraordinary record in high-performance sport, particularly in swimming, having produced numerous Olympic-level athletes and world champions. Notable alumni include Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor Michael Ball, comedian Dawn French, and international rugby player Henry Slade.

The school is committed to an inclusive community that supports both pupils who display excellence and those who may struggle. Pastoral care and education underpin the school's approach, with dedicated form tutors and PSHE lessons provided to support emotional intelligence and social growth. The school also maintains a focus on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and provides tailored support to ensure all pupils can progress at their own pace.

The admissions process is designed to be straightforward and welcoming, guiding families from initial enquiry and registration through to assessments and the receipt of an offer. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a personal tour of the historic campus to meet staff and pupils, or attend an open day to learn more about the school's academic and co-curricular programmes. The school welcomes international pupils from over 30 countries and provides tailored support for their application and transition, including boarding options.

The school operates on a three-term academic year, with terms typically beginning in September, January, and April. Each term includes a half-term break, and the school provides a comprehensive calendar via the SOCS platform, which details term dates, parents' evenings, school productions, sports fixtures, and co-curricular activities. Detailed term dates for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years are available to assist families with planning.

Located on the Ford Park site in Plymouth, the campus features academic facilities, a sports hall, a swimming pool, and an astro turf pitch. The school also utilizes the Plymouth Life Centre for its swimming programme and maintains the Whiteworks Outward Bound centre on Dartmoor for outdoor education. Boarding houses are available for pupils, and the school provides dedicated transport options for day pupils and international students.

The school offers a wide-ranging co-curricular programme designed to develop well-rounded individuals, including the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with Royal Navy, Army, and RAF sections. Outdoor education is a key feature, supported by the Whiteworks Outward Bound centre on Dartmoor. Pupils also engage in diverse activities such as the arts, drama, debating, community service, and a robust sports programme that includes swimming, fencing, rugby, netball, hockey, and cricket.