Portfield Primary Academy
West Sussex, PO19 7HA · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
175th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 — 3.7/10 against 1,749 of them, against 3.2/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Portfield Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% 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 10.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drama Club, play football, or sing in the choir.
Getting in
The published school roll is 288 pupils against a stated capacity of 285. 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 the roll exceeding capacity by 3, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? Since the January 2026 inspection uses a new framework without an overall grade, which specific areas received the highest ratings? How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Portfield Primary Academy
Overview
Portfield Primary Academy is described as a caring and inclusive school where pupils are kind, happy, and feel safe. While the early years provision and personal development programmes meet expected standards, the report identifies that teaching, pupil achievement, and attendance currently need attention. Leaders are taking action to address these issues, but improvements are at an early stage and have not yet resulted in sustained impact.
Strengths
- Early years children get a "positive start" with strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- The school has an "inclusive vision" where vulnerable pupils and those with special educational needs are well supported and welcomed.
- Pupils benefit from a "broad and well-considered personal development programme" that builds confidence and resilience.
- Staff interactions are positive, creating a "respectful and supportive culture" where bullying is rare and resolved quickly.
- Parents are "effusive" about the inclusive education and care, noting the school goes "above and beyond" for every child.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching is "consistently effective" so pupils achieve securely across the curriculum, particularly in reading and mathematics.
- Teachers need to check pupils’ prior learning and address gaps to help them "build and connect knowledge over time."
- Leaders should continue work to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence so all pupils benefit from full curriculum access.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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