Cumberland Infant School

About Cumberland Infant School

Cumberland Infant School, a state primary in Portsmouth for children aged 4 to 7, holds a Good rating from Ofsted following its most recent inspection in December 2022. The school has maintained this standard consistently, having also been rated Good in its previous inspection back in 2013. The inspection report awarded Good across every category assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This clean sweep of positive grades suggests a reliably solid foundation for children in their earliest school years. While the school does not publish Key Stage 2 results — its pupils move on to junior school before that assessment — the most informative metric available is its oversubscription data. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 194 applications for just 60 places, with 55 of those offers going to first-preference families. That demand, with an oversubscription ratio of 3.23, signals strong local confidence in what the school offers.

Because Cumberland Infant School finishes at Year 2, there are no KS2 SATs or Progress 8 scores to compare against the Portsmouth local authority average of 53. However, the school’s sustained Good rating and high demand tell their own story. The Ofsted report noted that behaviour and attitudes are Good, and the school’s relatively low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals — 11.9 percent — is below the national average, though this doesn’t diminish the school’s inclusive approach. The school has specific SEND provisions for dyslexia, speech and language needs, social and emotional challenges, and autistic spectrum disorder, which suggests a thoughtful approach to supporting a range of learners. With 176 pupils on roll against a capacity of 180, the school is operating very close to full, which aligns with its popularity among local families.

The school offers a practical range of facilities including music rooms, art studios, a gymnasium, and playing fields, plus a chapel on site. Sports provision covers netball, dance, tennis, rounders, football, and cricket, while extracurricular clubs include choir, drama, eco club, chess, book club, and film club. There is also nursery provision, making it a potential option for families seeking continuity from pre-school through to Year 2. The school is mixed and non-religious, with no boarding or sixth form. Given its high oversubscription rate, families considering Cumberland Infant School should be prepared to apply as a first preference to maximise their chances. This is a school that suits families who value a consistent, well-regarded start to primary education within a supportive community setting, particularly those with children who may benefit from the identified SEND support.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Cumberland Infant School

Helpful Guides for Parents