News

Portsmouth High School’s Head Girl team has announced Simon Says as their Sixth Form charity for the next academic year. The charity, founded 25 years ago by Sally Stanley following the death of her husband, supports bereaved children and young people across Hampshire. The team marked the announcement with a whole‑school assembly, hearing from Simon Says about the vital support it provides and its impact on families. Fundraising will begin at the school’s May Fayre and continue throughout the year, led by the Sixth Form, including events during the much‑anticipated Charity Week in November.

The Head Girl Team presented the fundraising cheque to Charlotte Fairall, Founder and CEO of Sophie’s Legacy, helping pupils understand the charity’s origins and impact through assemblies and discussions. Students learned about Sophie Fairall’s story and how the charity supports children and families during long hospital stays, alongside its wider aims to improve hospital provision, professional training and childhood cancer research. Reflecting on the year, pupils expressed pride in exceeding fundraising expectations. Charlotte Fairall thanked the school for its enthusiasm and generosity, explaining that the funds raised would provide essential practical and emotional support to families on children’s wards.

A Year 11 student has achieved international recognition after winning a top prize in the Never Such Innocence global competition. Lauren W secured first place in her age category with her original song, “Lines,” standing out among more than 3,500 entries from over 90 countries. Inspired by her studies of the Berlin Wall, Lauren’s powerful and mature composition explores the human cost of conflict and division, earning praise for its depth, creativity and emotional impact.

Portsmouth High School’s GATE enrichment programme exemplifies how high challenge and inclusivity can work hand in hand. Through a flagship Year 7 project, pupils are given a blank canvas to explore big ideas independently, supported by mentors and driven by creativity. The result is work of exceptional depth and originality, fostering confidence, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning in every pupil.