Ark Ayrton Primary Academy
Portsmouth, PO5 4LS · Portsmouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 32 primary schools in Portsmouth we can score, 45 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.5/10 against 506 of them, against 6.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Ayrton Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a glee club, attend swimming lessons, run the Golden Mile, and take singing or ukulele lessons. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 495 pupils against a stated capacity of 510. 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Ark Ayrton Primary Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it might achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The report describes a school ‘brimming with high aspirations’ where pupils ‘achieve extremely well’ and are ‘very well prepared for their next educational steps’.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘behave exceptionally well’, demonstrating they are ‘polite, considerate and respectful’ while moving ‘calmly around the school’.
- The curriculum is ‘absolutely clear’ and sequentially builds knowledge, helping pupils show ‘resilience and perseverance in abundance’.
- Staff training is of ‘high quality’, ensuring pupils requiring extra help, including those with special educational needs, receive ‘targeted support’ to access the full curriculum.
- Reading and language development lie ‘at the heart of the curriculum’, resulting in pupils becoming ‘fluent and confident readers’.
- Personal development is woven through learning, with a character programme encompassing ‘enterprise and careers’ and ‘citizenship and community’.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 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
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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