Ark Charter Academy
102%
Capacity
917
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Ark Charter Academy
Ark Charter Academy is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Portsmouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 917 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Ark Charter Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Christian Down, it falls under Portsmouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.32 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.6. Additionally, ranked 2295th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Portsmouth.
Ark Charter Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 321 applications for 180 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 105 were first-preference applications.
Ark Charter Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 64% recommending the school (73 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Charter Academy include Science Labs, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Hockey, Cross Country, Cricket and 4 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, DofE, Gardening, Drama and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 60.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Portsmouth, Ark Charter Academy 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 | Church of England |
| Address | Hyde Park Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 4HL |
| Headteacher | Christian Down |
| Local Authority | Portsmouth |
| Number of Pupils | 917 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 60.7% |
| School Capacity | 917 / 900 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 28 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.32)
2295th of 3,141
Nationally
334th of 461
In South East
3rd 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.
Ofsted Parent View
73 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed180
321
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
105 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Charter Academy
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
Hyde Park Road, Southsea
Portsmouth, PO5 4HL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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