Ark Dickens Primary Academy
93%
Capacity
448
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Ark Dickens Primary Academy
Ark Dickens Primary Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Portsmouth community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 448 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 480 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Ark Dickens Primary Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Laura Berry, it falls under Portsmouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 67% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 5151st out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 32 in Portsmouth.
Ark Dickens Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 95 applications for 32 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 29 were first-preference applications.
Ark Dickens Primary Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 73% recommending the school (11 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Dickens Primary Academy include Library, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sensory Room, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Football, Cross Country, Netball, as well as clubs including Book Club, Art Club, Chess, Drama and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 51.0%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Portsmouth, Ark Dickens Primary 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Turner Road, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 4PN |
| Headteacher | Laura Berry |
| Local Authority | Portsmouth |
| Number of Pupils | 448 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 51.0% |
| School Capacity | 448 / 480 (93% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Apr 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (2 Apr 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 8 Dec 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (67%)
5151st of 13,686
Nationally
715th of 2,034
In South East
5th of 32
In Portsmouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
67%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
67%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
11 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed32
95
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
29 families put this school as their 1st choice (31% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Dickens Primary Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Turner Road, Portsmouth
Portsmouth, PO1 4PN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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