Best Primary Schools in Portsmouth 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 45 schools across Portsmouth. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Portsmouth has 45 primary schools, of which 1 (2%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 43 rated Good — 98% of primary schools in Portsmouth are rated Good or Outstanding overall. St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Portsmouth follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

45
Total schools
1
Outstanding
2%
Outstanding rate
56.1%
Avg KS2 SATs
33.8
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
🥈 Bramble Infant School and Nursery
Primary
 Good 80 View school
🥉 Devonshire Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
4. Cumberland Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
5. Southsea Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
6. Manor Infant and Nursery School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
7. Court Lane Infant Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
8. Solent Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
9. Moorings Way Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
10. King's Academy College Park (Infant)
Primary
 Good 80 View school
11. Penbridge Infant School & Nursery
Primary
 Good 80 View school
12. Stamshaw Infant Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
13. Ark Ayrton Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 79 View school
14. St Paul's Catholic Primary School
Primary
 Good 77 View school
15. St Swithun's Catholic Primary School
Primary
 Good 75 View school
16. Ark Dickens Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 74 View school
17. Westover Primary School
Primary
 Good 73 View school
18. Meon Junior School
Primary
 Good 73 View school
19. Gatcombe Park Primary School
Primary
 Good 72 View school
20. Highbury Primary School
Primary
 Good 72 View school

Related lists for Portsmouth

All schools in PortsmouthPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in PortsmouthYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Portsmouth1 school rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Portsmouth

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Portsmouth?
There are 45 primary schools in Portsmouth, of which 1 (2%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in Portsmouth?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Portsmouth is St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in Portsmouth?
Primary and secondary school applications in Portsmouth are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Portsmouth council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in Portsmouth?
2% of primary schools in Portsmouth are rated Outstanding and 96% are rated Good. 80.6% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.