Plymouth College
· PL4 6RN
Plymouth College is a well-established independent all-through school founded in 1877, now incorporating Plymouth Mannamead (1846) and St Dunstan's Abbey. The school has built an exceptional reputation for high-performance sport, particularly swimming and Olympic achievement, while maintaining a broad academic curriculum. Located in Plymouth's coastal setting between Dartmoor and the sea, it serves 513 pupils from age 3 through to 18 with strong day and boarding provision.
- →Extraordinary track record in elite sport, with 15 pupils competing in Paris 2024 Olympics and a world-renowned swimming programme
- →All-through provision from age 3 with continuity of pastoral care and academic progression
- →Strong co-curricular programme emphasising resilience, teamwork and whole-child development alongside rigorous academics
- →Secure coastal location in an increasingly desirable city with excellent facilities including own aquatics centre
Who thrives here
Pupils with sporting ambition, particularly swimmers and athletes seeking elite coaching while maintaining academic excellence; families valuing pastoral care and a cohesive school community across all ages; boarders and day pupils seeking a balanced, well-rounded education.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Ford Park, Plymouth
PL4 6RN
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Tom Daley
Olympic diver, multiple Olympic medals, television presenter
Ben Proud
Olympic swimmer, 50m freestyle specialist
Ruta Meilutyte
Olympic swimmer (breaststroke), Olympic gold medalist
Henry Slade
England international rugby player
Ben Andrews
British fencing champion
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Plymouth College?
Day fees at Plymouth College are approximately £24,599 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Plymouth College?
Plymouth College admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Plymouth College's exam results?
At Plymouth College, 21.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 27.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Plymouth College a boarding school?
Plymouth College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Plymouth College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Plymouth College “Excellent” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional sporting opportunities and elite coaching in swimming and other sports
✓Strong pastoral care and sense of community across the all-through age range
✓Excellent facilities including world-class aquatics centre and coastal location
✓Holistic education balancing academics with character development and resilience
✓Boarding provision offering genuine alternative to day school life
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted inspected, making independent verification of academic standards less transparent than some competitors
!Sport-focused reputation may overshadow academic achievement in perception despite solid curriculum
!Devon location limits accessibility for families outside the South West