Education in Portsmouth
Around one in three Portsmouth pupils achieved a strong pass in English and maths
In 2025/26, 34.1% achieved GCSE grade 5 or above in both subjects, compared with 46.3% across England. These provisional figures describe pupils in state-funded schools, by school location.
The short version
Grade 5+ in both subjects, vs 46.3% in England.
2025/26 · provisionalPermanent exclusions19Events in Portsmouth schools. The rate was below England’s.
2024/25 · full school yearEHC plans issued on time42.9%Within 20 weeks, excluding statutory exceptions.
2025 · calendar yearMissing at least half of school3.55%Severe absence, compared with 2.39% across England.
2024/25 · share of enrolmentsThese measures describe different cohorts and periods. Exam results alone do not measure school quality, and a city average can hide differences between pupils and schools.
How do GCSE results compare?
- Portsmouth34.1%
- Southampton35.6%
- Chichester district46.7%
- England46.3%
Portsmouth maintained 2,616 EHC plans in January 2026. See support and plan trends →
Choose your question
How are children doing at school?
Primary results, GCSEs and attainment gaps →
How much school are children missing?
Persistent and severe absence over time →
Are exclusions and suspensions rising?
Events, affected pupils and comparisons →
Are children getting support in time?
EHC plans, delays and the number maintained →
What happens after compulsory schooling?
Education, work, training and unknown activity →
Which schools and colleges are nearby?
Search, filter and sort the local directory →
Coverage and publication notes
A 30-year comparable local series is not available for these current definitions.
2020 and 2021 GCSE assessed grades are retained in the full table but omitted from exam trend lines. Later grading transitions and cohort differences remain relevant.
2025/26 primary and GCSE results are provisional. Progress 8 is unavailable for 2024/25 and 2025/26 because the prior-assessment baseline was disrupted.
Education data extracted and checked 2 November 2026. Download the education data and source receipts →