Penbridge Junior School
Portsmouth, PO2 7RW · Portsmouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th 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 — 3.1/10 against 1,072 of them, against 2.4/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| 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.
Penbridge Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 416 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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
With 54.0% meeting expected standards, what specific strategies are used to support pupils who are working below the national median? How does the school plan to raise the 1.0% figure for higher standards in the coming year? What does a typical day look like for a child in terms of structured learning time versus break periods?
What Ofsted said about Penbridge Junior School
Overview
Penbridge Junior School continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils are "cheerful and enthusiastic." Leaders strive to give pupils "the best chances in life" through a broad, ambitious curriculum that harnesses technology and widens experiences. The school fosters positive behaviour built on "warm and caring relationships," with pupils feeling safe and valued.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced with clearly defined knowledge and language," using "knowledge banks" and "prove it" sessions to secure understanding.
- Teachers are skilled at supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), providing resources like "scanner pens" and individual laptops.
- Pupils achieve well in mathematics and reading, with "strong" subject knowledge among staff and effective whole-class "guided reading."
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," with leaders being "relentless in their efforts to support pupils at risk of harm."
- Governors and trustees offer "insightful support and challenge," ensuring the school meets statutory requirements.
Areas to improve
- Phonics expertise is not secure across all staff; leaders must ensure all staff have the confidence to teach phonics with precision.
- Assessment is not fully embedded in foundation subjects, meaning gaps in pupils’ knowledge may not always be accurately identified.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust record-keeping and strong pastoral support for pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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