Atlantic Academy Portland
73%
Capacity
748
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About Atlantic Academy Portland
Atlantic Academy Portland is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 4 to 16. The school has 748 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Atlantic Academy Portland "Good", the school is led by headteacher Melissa Heppell, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.74 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.9. Additionally, ranked 2882nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 20th out of 20 in Dorset.
Atlantic Academy Portland is a popular choice with families — it received 87 applications for 72 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 69 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 Atlantic Academy Portland include Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Library, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Swimming, Gymnastics, Rowing and 3 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Eco Club, Science Club, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 33.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dorset, Atlantic Academy Portland is one of the options available in the South West 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 | 4 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Maritime House, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2NA |
| Headteacher | Melissa Heppell |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 748 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 33.8% |
| School Capacity | 748 / 1,020 (73% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Jan 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Mar 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.74)
2882nd of 3,141
Nationally
289th of 306
In South West
20th of 20
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed72
87
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
69 families put this school as their 1st choice (79% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlantic Academy Portland
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
Maritime House, Portland
Dorset, DT5 2NA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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