Supporting Excellence

Published by The Portsmouth Grammar School on Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Reflecting the ambition of its Founder, Dr William Smith in 1732, The Portsmouth Grammar School aims to inspire and engage children as part of an academically challenging community, and for this not to be dependent on their economic background.

“1 in 5 pupils at PGS receive fee assistance,” says David Wickes, Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School. “It is important that we have a strong connection to the city, it’s part of our identity and home to many of our pupils. My aim is to make the school accessible to all whether that is through offering bursaries to those that need the support or through educational outreach programmes to benefit the city.”

Two years ago, Tareef joined PGS as a Wilkie Scholar from Mayfield School in Portsmouth. Each year two pupils from Mayfield are given financial support through a Sixth Form scholarship set up by Brian Wilkie specifically for pupils from Mayfield to join PGS. This year Tareef achieved A*A*A in his A Levels which secured his place at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. At Oxford Tareef will join other Mayfield pupils who came through PGS for Sixth Form as Wilkie Scholars. “I’m really happy with my results and looking forward to taking up my place at Oxford,” said Tareef. “All I can say is thank you to PGS for the opportunity it has given me and to all the teachers who have been really supportive during my time here.”

Jami left PGS in 2012 and now works as a doctor at King’s College Hospital in London. “Not everyone is lucky in life - my mum was a single parent who worked part time to look after us," said Jami. “Without a bursary, she wouldn’t have been able to afford the fees for me to come to PGS. For me, PGS provided a platform that encouraged extra-curricular activities alongside education to build a strong portfolio for my future career. Being able to play sport, take part in drama productions and make connections with people who gave work experience all helped me get to where I am now. Your economic background should not disadvantage you from having the opportunity to succeed if you have the drive.”

“Portsmouth is a diverse and vibrant city with a great depth of talent,” says David Wickes. “As a school community we are committed to supporting and encouraging the young people who live here to achieve the best they can be through offering bursary assistance.”