Devonport High School for Boys
Plymouth, Devon · PL1 5QP
Devonport High School for Boys is a selective grammar school in Plymouth serving 1,231 pupils across years 7–13. As a boys-only day school with a long heritage, it combines academic rigour with a broad co-curricular offer and strong pastoral care through a house system. The school has recently transitioned to academy status and maintains high standards of discipline, academic achievement, and character development.
- →Selective entry ensures ability-matched peer group and academic pace
- →Strong pastoral care and house system fostering pupil wellbeing and belonging
- →Excellent facilities and co-curricular breadth including sport, music, and outdoor education
- →Established reputation in Plymouth and South West for A-level results and university progression
Who thrives here
Bright, academically motivated boys who thrive in a structured, single-sex environment with clear expectations and strong pastoral support. Pupils who engage with co-curricular life and benefit from a traditional grammar-school ethos of discipline and achievement.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Paradise Road, Stoke
Plymouth, Devon
PL1 5QP
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Robert Aickman
Writer and founder of the Inland Waterways Association
Sir John Rowling
Naval officer and former Second Sea Lord
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Devonport High School for Boys cost?
Devonport High School for Boys is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Devonport High School for Boys?
Devonport High School for Boys admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Devonport High School for Boys's exam results?
At Devonport High School for Boys, 25% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 52.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Devonport High School for Boys a boarding school?
Devonport High School for Boys is a day school in Plymouth and does not offer boarding.
What is Devonport High School for Boys's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Devonport High School for Boys “Good” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional pastoral care and house system; pupils feel known and supported
✓Strong academic standards and effective teaching; pupils make good progress
✓Diverse and engaging co-curricular offer; high participation in music, sport, and outdoor education
✓Well-behaved, motivated pupil body; good discipline and positive relationships between staff and pupils
✓Excellent preparation for university; strong sixth-form reputation and destinations
Common concerns
!Limited feedback on recent Ofsted; school not yet inspected (as at 2026) creates uncertainty for some families
!Single-sex environment may limit social development with girls; co-curricular social events are supplementary
!Homework and assessment load perceived as heavy, particularly in GCSE and A-level years
!Facilities (though improving) are not always state-of-the-art compared to some independent competitors