It was intended that the school should move to other premises and for this purpose a fund had been set up to purchase a suitable site.

Land surrounding a detached property known as 'North Hill' was chosen and the first part of these new premises were opened by the bishop of Exeter, Doctor Frederick Temple, on 21 January 1878.

The school draws its pupils mainly from the city of Plymouth but about a third come from outlying areas of Devon and Cornwall.

The aim of the school is to "promote, achieve and celebrate the highest possible standards in all forms of achievement, throughout the school, and particularly in the specialist subjects: Mathematics, Science, Design Technology and Information Communication Technology".

Ms Utton became headmistress in January 2008 after the departure of Mrs. Martin, the head teacher from 1999 to 2007, who in turn was preceded by Mrs Stogall.

During the interim periods the school was led by Mr Holden, the deputy head teacher (now retired).

In some subjects, especially able girls can choose to skip the GCSE and move straight to the AS level.

The association meets for a dinner in the spring and again at the school in the autumn for a buffet and AGM.

The member of staff designated as the PHS link to the Old Girls is Mr Neve.