Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery
Southsea, PO5 1HG · Portsmouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
29th 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 — 3.5/10 against 1,236 of them, against 2.8/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in October 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 462 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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
What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How do the wraparound clubs support pupils during the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery
Overview
The report states that the school is “at the heart of the community” with a “highly inclusive ethos” where diversity is celebrated. While behaviour and personal development are judged as “Outstanding,” the overall effectiveness and quality of education are rated as “Requires improvement” because it is “too soon to see the full impact” of recent curriculum changes on pupil outcomes.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes and resilience” supported by “superb pastoral offer” and clear behavioural expectations.
- Staff have a “deep understanding of each pupil’s needs,” enabling pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to “achieve well.”
- The school has a “high-quality programme for personal, social, and health education” and strong community links that broaden pupils’ horizons.
- Attendance has improved significantly due to a “sharp focus” and robust systems that reduced persistent absence.
- Safeguarding arrangements are described as “effective,” with pupils taught how to stay safe and identify trusted adults.
Areas to improve
- Staff must use “appropriate pedagogical approaches in all lessons” to ensure pupils achieve as well as they could.
- The school should support staff to “robustly check pupils’ understanding during lessons” to identify and address misconceptions.
- Leaders need to ensure all staff are well trained to teach early reading so that pupils “understand what they are reading” and develop fluency.
Safeguarding
The report confirms that “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 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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