Portland Spencer Academy
Nottingham, NG8 4HB · Nottingham · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 73 primary schools in Nottingham we can score, 74 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 — 6.1/10 against 1,151 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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.
Portland Spencer Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Young Voices and Magical Maths clubs, play football or multi-sports, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 366 pupils against a stated capacity of 390. 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 does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the curriculum adapt for pupils with diverse learning needs?
What Ofsted said about Portland Spencer Academy
Overview
The report describes Portland Spencer Academy as a school where staff and pupils are committed to the ‘ASPIRE’ values, fostering a community where pupils ‘celebrate difference and show empathy’. Inspectors found an ‘unwavering ambition’ for academic and social achievement, noting that the school works tirelessly to create conditions for success. The overall effectiveness is judged as Outstanding, reflecting high standards across all areas of provision.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious and intelligently designed’, enabling pupils to ‘develop detailed knowledge exceptionally well’ through repeated reminders of previous learning.
- Teachers make lessons ‘interesting and accessible’, quickly addressing misconceptions and adapting teaching based on pupils’ strengths.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘expertly supported’ in a ‘highly inclusive’ environment where they are involved in every aspect of school life.
- Reading is prioritised with ‘expert support’ for those at early stages, helping pupils to ‘develop their reading skills rapidly’.
- The early years curriculum is ‘ambitious and personalised’, ensuring children settle quickly and are well prepared for Year one.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states 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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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