Admiral Lord Nelson School
100%
Capacity
1,244
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Admiral Lord Nelson School
Admiral Lord Nelson School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Portsmouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,244 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Admiral Lord Nelson School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Christopher Doherty, it falls under Portsmouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.35 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.3. Additionally, ranked 2351st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 8 in Portsmouth.
Admiral Lord Nelson School is a popular choice with families — it received 748 applications for 249 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 341 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Admiral Lord Nelson School include Playing Fields, Theatre, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Library, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Cross Country, Martial Arts, Rowing and 5 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Eco Club, Science Club, Choir and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Portsmouth, Admiral Lord Nelson School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Dundas Lane, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO3 5XT |
| Headteacher | Christopher Doherty |
| Local Authority | Portsmouth |
| Number of Pupils | 1,244 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,244 / 1,250 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Jun 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 31 Mar 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.35)
2351st of 3,141
Nationally
340th of 461
In South East
4th of 8
In Portsmouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed249
748
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
341 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Admiral Lord Nelson School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Dundas Lane, Portsmouth
Portsmouth, PO3 5XT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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