Plymouth College: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Welcome to the insider’s guide on Plymouth College! If you’re considering this esteemed educational institution for yourself or your loved ones, you’re in the right place. Forget dry statistics and impersonal rankings; we’re here to paint a vivid picture of what makes Plymouth College truly special. Join us as we delve into real reviews, share personal experiences, and uncover the essence of this dynamic learning community.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Plymouth College
- Local authority: Plymouth
- Pupils: 398; sixth formers: 134
- Age: 11-18
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £16,824 – £19,929; Boarding £27,531 – £39,330 pa
- Open days: October and March
- Ranking: 173 (A-Level)
Plymouth College Results
2023 Results:
- GCSE: 40% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level: 26% attained A* or A grades, with 50% achieving A* to B grades.
2019 Results (pre-pandemic):
- GCSE: 38% secured grades 9-7.
- A Level: 33% achieved A* or A grades, with 56% attaining A* to B grades.
Boarding Facilities in Plymouth College
Plymouth College’s boarding houses, housed in 19th-century villas, offer a blend of history and comfort. Co-ed mixing fosters friendships, while communal spaces like sitting rooms and games areas encourage social interaction. Sixth formers enjoy independence with access to a well-equipped kitchen and modern bedrooms, either single or shared.
What truly sets Plymouth College apart is its sense of community and care. Boarding staff act as mentors and surrogate parents, providing unwavering support. Daily room checks maintain cleanliness, and special attention is given to elite athletes during early morning training.
The boarding community reflects the college’s global outlook, with students from 38 countries. Weekends are filled with adventure, taking advantage of the coastal and moorland surroundings. From hiking to surfing, students explore and bond, creating lasting memories.
In essence, Plymouth College’s boarding experience is a home away from home, where students grow academically and personally amidst a supportive community.
Extracurricular Activities in Plymouth College
Available Activities:
- Whitewater rafting
- Sea kayaking
- Sailing
- Mountain biking
- Scuba diving
- Hillwalking
- Caving
- Climbing
- Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in all three services
- Drama productions
- Art classes with options in fine art, graphic design, and photography
- Music ensembles and choirs
- Elite swimming and diving training
- Traditional sports like rugby, cricket, and football
- Alternative activities such as fencing, badminton, gymnastics, and golf
Highlights:
- Three full-time outdoor education experts ensuring a diverse range of outdoor activities.
- Year 7 camps at the school-owned outdoor centre on Dartmoor for bonding.
- Biennial international volunteering trips to destinations like Malawi and Tanzania.
- Drama productions ranging from classics like The Addams Family to interactive murder mysteries.
- Art classes offering specialisations in various mediums and techniques.
- Music department with multiple choirs, bands, and ensembles, providing ample performance opportunities.
- Elite swimming and diving programme with internationally acclaimed training and facilities.
- Emphasis on inclusivity in sports, providing opportunities for all skill levels.
- Alternative activities like cycling proficiency and ‘crate stacking’ for those not interested in traditional team sports.
These activities and highlights showcase the diverse and enriching opportunities available to students at Plymouth College, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and exploration.
Admissions Process: Entering Plymouth College
At Plymouth College, the admissions process is designed to be inclusive yet rigorous, ensuring a diverse and capable student body. While the college is academically non-selective overall, prospective students are required to take entrance exams in maths and English, particularly for scholarship considerations. Approximately half of the incoming students transition from the college’s preparatory school, while the remainder predominantly hail from local primary schools. Many parents opt for Plymouth College to circumvent the testing process associated with local grammar schools.
For entry into the sixth form, applicants must meet specific academic criteria. A minimum of six GCSEs at grade 5 or above is required, including English and maths. Moreover, subjects to be pursued at A level necessitate a minimum grade of 6 at GCSE. This stringent requirement ensures that students entering the sixth form are well-prepared for the advanced curriculum and challenges ahead.
SEN Support in Plymouth College
At Plymouth College, the SEN support is highly regarded by parents. Approximately 15% of students have mild educational needs, and the school’s learning support team, led by the head of learning support SENCo along with two peripatetic teachers, provides tailored programmes to address these needs. These programmes focus on enhancing numerical and literacy skills, delivered on a one-to-one basis.
Parents commend the speed with which the learning support team refers students to diagnostic experts, ensuring prompt and accurate identification of needs. Additionally, the team oversees alternative exam arrangements and maintains a vigilant eye on the pastoral wellbeing of students under their care, demonstrating a holistic approach to support.
The head of learning support takes an active role in staff training, ensuring that all teaching staff are equipped to support students with SEN effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that the entire school community is aligned in their efforts to support students with diverse learning needs.
For students with more severe needs, bespoke arrangements are put in place to accommodate their requirements, demonstrating the school’s commitment to inclusivity and individualised support.
Plymouth College Testimonials and Reviews
It’s a pleasure to work here.
Plymouth College Gallery: See what's going on inside
Frequently Asked Questions about Plymouth College
Plymouth College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3-18 years.
Class sizes are not more than 9-15 students. Outstanding athletic performance, among students there are Olympic champions and world champions.
Academic. Sport, Art, Music, Drama and the Head’s Award. They also have a specific scholarship for performance swimmers.
A Minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above to include English and Mathematics. At least a Grade 6 is obtained in the subjects the student would like to study in the Sixth Form. International students will be asked to sit a test in English and Mathematics
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Subscribe For Our FREE Insider UK Study Advice
Apply To Your Favourite Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!