Trafalgar School
104%
Capacity
1,041
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Trafalgar School
Trafalgar School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Portsmouth community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,041 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,000 places).
Ofsted has rated Trafalgar School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Claire Copeland, it falls under Portsmouth local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.19 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.8. Additionally, ranked 1994th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 8 in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar School is a popular choice with families — it received 698 applications for 199 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 269 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Trafalgar School include Music Rooms, Library, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Theatre, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Tennis, Rowing, Hockey and 4 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Debate, Film Club, Eco Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Portsmouth, Trafalgar 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | London Road, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO2 9RJ |
| Headteacher | Claire Copeland |
| Local Authority | Portsmouth |
| Number of Pupils | 1,041 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,041 / 1,000 (104% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 23 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.19)
1994th of 3,141
Nationally
303rd of 461
In South East
2nd of 8
In Portsmouth
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed199
698
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
269 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trafalgar School
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
London Road, Portsmouth
Portsmouth, PO2 9RJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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