Fernhurst Junior School
Southsea, PO4 0AG · Portsmouth · primary school
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17th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.5/10 against 1,984 of them, against 2.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 25% | 0.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Fernhurst Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 1.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.5 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Pompey in the Community Football Club, Funkidz Dance Club, or Southern Martial Arts Karate Club, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 349 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Fernhurst Junior School
Overview
Fernhurst Junior School continues to be a good school, offering a "nurturing and friendly" environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The report highlights a "well-established culture of learning" supported by high expectations for behaviour and a strong emphasis on character development.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "broad and ambitious curriculum" where teachers design activities to help them "apply knowledge and make connections between concepts."
- Reading is central to school life, with staff using "high-quality books" and a "structured programme" that ensures "all pupils are achieving well in reading."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "identified early" and receive "effective support" to learn successfully alongside peers.
- Leaders promote wider development effectively, ensuring pupils "learn to respect people’s differences and diversity" and understand various faiths and cultures.
- Staff feel "supported, valued and highly respected," contributing to a positive atmosphere where bullying is rare and relationships are "warm and encouraging."
Areas to improve
- In a "very small number of foundation subjects," curriculum leaders have not clearly identified key content, meaning pupils sometimes fail to "make connections to previous learning" or build knowledge systematically.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong safeguarding culture" throughout the school, well-trained staff, and robust recruitment checks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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