Gatcombe Park Primary School
99%
Capacity
208
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About Gatcombe Park Primary School
Gatcombe Park Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Portsmouth community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 208 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 210 places).
Ofsted has rated Gatcombe Park Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ben Simpson, it falls under Portsmouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 47% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 11355th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 21st out of 32 in Portsmouth.
Gatcombe Park Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 97 applications for 30 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 36 were first-preference applications.
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 Gatcombe Park Primary School include Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Dance, Cricket, Swimming and 1 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Chess, Film Club, Choir and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.4%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Portsmouth, Gatcombe Park Primary School 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 | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | St Barbara Way, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO2 0UR |
| Headteacher | Ben Simpson |
| Local Authority | Portsmouth |
| Number of Pupils | 208 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.4% |
| School Capacity | 208 / 210 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 10 Jul 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (47%)
11355th of 13,686
Nationally
1709th of 2,034
In South East
21st of 32
In Portsmouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
47%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
57%
'23/24
47%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
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
2025/26Oversubscribed30
97
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
36 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gatcombe Park Primary School
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
St Barbara Way, Portsmouth
Portsmouth, PO2 0UR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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