Miltoncross Academy in Portsmouth has been rated as “requires improvement” in most areas following an Ofsted inspection, though personal development was praised as “good”.
The secondary school on Milton Road was inspected on 13 and 14 May 2025, with inspectors finding that whilst progress has been made, significant challenges remain in key areas.
Inspection outcomes
The school received “requires improvement” ratings for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. Personal development was the only area to achieve a “good” rating, matching the school’s previous inspection grade from January 2023.
Headteacher Nick Giles leads the 946-pupil academy, which is part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Karen Roberts and chaired by Gaenor Bagley.
Progress and challenges
The inspection found that the school provides a welcoming environment where most pupils feel happy and safe. Improvements in education quality mean pupils are learning more across a wider range of subjects, with better examination support for older students.
However, inspectors noted that progress following the previous inspection was initially insufficient, leading to lost time before improvement efforts accelerated. Pupils’ achievement in recent examinations exceeded the previous year but fell short of the school’s high expectations.
Key areas needing attention
Teachers do not always effectively check pupils’ understanding or address misconceptions, particularly affecting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Some learning continues to be disrupted by poor behaviour from a minority of pupils, with inconsistent application of behaviour management approaches.
Attendance remains well below the national average, despite improvements for individual pupils through family support work. The school lacks precise analysis of attendance patterns to target improvement strategies effectively.
Positive developments
The school has strengthened reading support, effectively helping struggling pupils catch up and developing a love of reading through regular tutor time activities. Careers guidance has improved, enabling pupils to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Staff report feeling very positive about current support levels, whilst parent communication and satisfaction have improved considerably. The majority of parents expressing views said the school does a good job, though some parents of SEND pupils seek better support.
Trust oversight
The Kemnal Academies Trust and governance responsibilities are providing well-targeted support and challenge to school leaders. School leaders demonstrate determination to improve achievement, behaviour and attendance, with clear recognition of necessary actions.
The school currently uses one registered alternative provision provider and meets requirements for providing pupils with information about technical qualifications and apprenticeships.
