Admiral Lord Nelson School
Portsmouth, PO3 5XT · Portsmouth · secondary school
Check the area around this school
8th of 11 secondary schools in Portsmouth we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 839 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 2.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 32.9 · 20 | 30% | 0.61 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.35 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 41.5 · 26 | 10% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Admiral Lord Nelson School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 34.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.35 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 2.5 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,245 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,250. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores, which are currently below the national benchmark? What specific areas did the June 2026 Ofsted inspection highlight for development?
What Ofsted said about Admiral Lord Nelson School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders provide an "inclusive and ambitious education" and pupils "enjoy learning" within a "calm and orderly environment." Inspectors found that the school meets the "expected standard" across all evaluation categories, with pupils achieving in line with national averages and demonstrating secure knowledge.
Strengths
- Pupils produce "high-quality work" and develop "secure knowledge at an age-appropriate level" through an "ambitious curriculum" that prepares them well for future education or employment.
- Leaders are "tenacious in ensuring that pupils attend school frequently," resulting in attendance that is "in line with national averages" and a significant reduction in persistent absence.
- Behaviour is well-managed with "consistent use of the school rules," meaning "low-level disruption is rare" and bullying is "rare" and effectively addressed when it occurs.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, with leaders working alongside parents and agencies to "remove barriers to learning."
- "Careers education is highly effective," providing pupils with individualised advice and opportunities to meet employers, leaving them feeling "well prepared for their next steps."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "further embed adaptations that are precisely refined" to consistently enhance opportunities for disadvantaged pupils, as current adaptations are "not yet consistent" in some lessons.
- Leaders should "further strengthen effective checks for understanding" to ensure any gaps in knowledge are addressed, noting that this is "not yet consistent" in a small number of lessons.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.3 |
| 2024/25 | 40.4 |
| 2025/26 | 41.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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