Portsdown Primary School
Portsmouth, PO6 3JL · Portsmouth · primary school
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27th 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 — 1.2/10 against 994 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 35.0 · 5 | 40% | 0.20 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Portsdown Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (1.2 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a School Council, along with a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 398 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading or maths? How does the school manage the transition for children joining in the current entry year?
What Ofsted said about Portsdown Primary School
Overview
Portsdown Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report describes an ‘inclusive, safe culture’ where pupils enjoy ‘warm relationships with their caring staff’ and behave politely. Leaders have taken ‘decisive action’ to improve outcomes following the pandemic, resulting in strengthened achievement in reading and mathematics, though writing remains an area for development.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘proud of their school’ and benefit from a ‘broad and well-sequenced curriculum’ that places high importance on vocabulary.
- Children make a ‘strong start in early years’, gaining confidence and independence in a ‘well-resourced environment’.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to ‘achieve well’.
- The school offers rich extra-curricular opportunities, such as trips and leadership roles, which help ‘bring learning to life’.
- Attendance has risen significantly, and the pastoral team provides ‘helpful support’ to pupils experiencing difficulties.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure there are ‘relevant and meaningful opportunities to write independently across subjects’, as pupils currently lack consistent chances to apply writing skills outside English.
- Leaders should continue to provide ‘high-quality training to all staff’ to address inconsistencies in subject and pedagogical knowledge among less experienced teachers.
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 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 31% |
| 2024/25 | 35% |
| 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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