Elson Infant School

About Elson Infant School

Elson Infant School in Gosport is a state primary for children aged 4 to 7, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. With 225 pupils on roll against a capacity of 270, the school is not at full capacity, but the demand for places tells a different story. For the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 118 total applications for just 65 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 1.82 applicants per place. Crucially, all 65 first-preference applicants were offered a spot, meaning that if you put it first on your form, your child is very likely to get in. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 19.1%, which is above the national average for primary schools and suggests the school serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. This is a school that is clearly trusted by local parents, particularly those who prioritise it as their first choice.

Academically, Elson Infant School holds a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has maintained consistently across its recent inspections. The most recent inspection was an ungraded visit in March 2024, which confirmed that the school remains Good. In its previous graded inspection in June 2018, inspectors rated overall effectiveness, leadership and management, and early years provision all as Good. The school does not publish Key Stage 2 SATs results because it only caters for infants up to Year 2, so direct academic comparisons with local primaries are not available. However, the local authority average for Key Stage 2 attainment in Hampshire is 61%, and the school’s Good rating places it in the majority of schools in the area — only 33 out of 425 primary schools in Hampshire are rated Outstanding. The nearest Outstanding-rated school is Red Barn Community Primary School, 4.3 km away, which may be a consideration for families prioritising that top grade.

The school offers a solid range of facilities for its young pupils, including an ICT suite, sports hall, art studios, gymnasium, and a sensory room, alongside outdoor playgrounds and playing fields. Sports on offer include football, netball, athletics, and cricket, while clubs range from chess and coding to gardening and drama. For children with additional needs, the school lists provisions for social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication, physical disability, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery provision and no sixth form, as the school only covers Reception to Year 2. With its oversubscribed status and strong local reputation, Elson Infant School is best suited to families living within a reasonable distance who are confident they can secure a first-preference place, and who value a Good-rated infant school with a broad range of enrichment activities and SEND support.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Elson Infant School

Helpful Guides for Parents