Portslade Aldridge Community Academy Review 2026: An Ambitious Community School

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, frequently referred to as PACA, occupies a significant place in the educational landscape of West Brighton and Portslade. As a state-funded academy sponsored by the Aldridge Foundation, it serves a diverse urban community with a focus on entrepreneurship and social mobility. The school currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a period of sustained improvement that has seen it become an increasingly popular choice for local families. In 2024, the academy was oversubscribed, reflecting a growing confidence in its ability to deliver both academic progress and a supportive environment for its students.

The atmosphere at PACA is one of purposeful energy. The school has benefited from significant investment in its campus, resulting in modern facilities that feel professional rather than institutional. This physical environment supports the academy's stated mission of helping students become the best versions of themselves through hard work and resilience.

Dr Mark Poston has led the academy as Principal since September 2018, providing a period of stable and visionary leadership. Under his tenure, the school has cultivated a culture where high expectations are balanced with a strong sense of community. The Aldridge Foundation's influence is visible in the school's focus on "entrepreneurial attributes" such as passion, risk-taking, and determination, which are woven into the daily life of the academy.

Students generally appear confident and engaged. Official observations confirm that pupils are proud of their school and value the positive relationships they have with staff. The school operates as a mixed-gender environment where diversity is celebrated, and there is a clear emphasis on mutual respect.

The academy's academic performance tells a story of solid, reliable outcomes. In 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 46.6, which is notably above the local average for Brighton and Hove. The Progress 8 score of -0.01 indicates that students make progress broadly in line with their starting points, placing the school in a competitive position relative to other local providers.

Ranked 1158th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranking 7th among secondary schools in Brighton, PACA’s performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

Nearly 35.3% of students achieved grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which is a reflection of the academy's commitment to a broad and academic core curriculum. The average EBacc APS score of 4.53 further confirms that students are performing well across a range of traditional subjects.

Teaching at PACA is structured and ambitious. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that students of all abilities are challenged. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and use a variety of methods to keep students engaged. There is a particular focus on developing literacy and numeracy across all subjects, recognizing these as the foundational tools for success in later life.

As an Aldridge Academy, the school places a unique emphasis on "Aldridge Attributes." This involves teaching students how to learn, how to persevere through difficulty, and how to apply their knowledge in creative ways. This approach is particularly evident in the school's commitment to STEM and the arts, where students are encouraged to work on projects that have real-world applications.

STEM: Innovation and Creativity

The academy has a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Facilities are modern, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the demands of a technological economy. Students participate in various STEM-related projects and competitions, which helps to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

The school's dedicated Science labs and Technology suites are well-equipped, allowing for a high level of practical work. This focus on STEM does not come at the expense of other subjects; rather, it is used as a vehicle to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that the academy values so highly.

The extracurricular life at PACA is vibrant and varied. The school offers a range of clubs and societies that cater to a wide interest base. Notable examples include the PACA Football Academy and the PACA Cricket Academy, which provide elite-level coaching alongside academic studies. These sports academies have established a reputation for excellence and draw students from across the local area.

In addition to sports, the creative arts are well-supported. The academy features student-led theatre productions and has a strong music department. Specific clubs like the Year 8 Faraday Challenge and various student leadership sessions provide students with opportunities to explore their passions outside of the standard timetable. The school also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, encouraging students to develop leadership and outdoor skills.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the academy. The school uses a house system to create smaller, more manageable communities within the larger school body. This ensures that every student is known and supported by a dedicated team of staff.

Formal evaluations highlight that safeguarding is effective and that students feel safe at school. There is a strong focus on mental health, with a range of support systems in place, including access to "Mental Health Champions" and peer mentoring. The academy's approach to behaviour is based on being "Ready, Respectful, and Safe," which provides a clear and consistent framework for students to follow.

Admissions to PACA are coordinated by Brighton and Hove City Council. The school has become increasingly popular and was oversubscribed for the 2024 intake, with 325 applications for 207 places. This resulted in a subscription proportion of 1.57, indicating that for every three places available, nearly five students applied.

For families considering Year 7 entry, it is important to note that the academy follows the local authority's admission criteria, which prioritize looked-after children, siblings, and those living closest to the school. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

While PACA is primarily a school for those aged 11 to 16, it has a designated sixth form provision known as PACA 6. Many students also progress to local colleges such as BHASVIC or Varndean College for their A-levels. The academy provides comprehensive careers advice and guidance from an early age, ensuring that students are well-informed about their options.

The school's focus on entrepreneurial skills means that a significant number of leavers also pursue high-quality apprenticeships and vocational pathways. The academy's strong links with the Aldridge Foundation provide students with unique opportunities to connect with employers and explore diverse career paths.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. PACA is well-served by local transport, with several bus routes stopping directly outside the school on Chalky Road. The nearest train station is Portslade, which is within walking distance or a short bus ride away. For those walking, there are clear and safe pedestrian routes from the surrounding residential areas. While the academy does not publish specific wraparound care details on its website, families are encouraged to contact the school directly for information regarding after-school clubs and activities.

• Growing Popularity: With a subscription proportion of 1.57 in 2024, PACA is now oversubscribed. This means that families living further away may find it increasingly difficult to secure a place compared to previous years.
• Active Inspection: An Ofsted inspection commenced on 20 January 2026, meaning the most current official report may be published shortly after this review. Families should check for the latest outcomes.
• Focus on Autonomy: The "entrepreneurial" focus requires students to take a degree of responsibility for their own learning. While this is excellent preparation for life, it may be a shift for students coming from more traditionally structured primary environments.
• Urban Setting: Located in a busy part of Portslade, the school has a distinctly urban feel. While the campus itself is modern and well-contained, the surrounding area is high-density, which may not suit families looking for a more rural or secluded school setting.

Portslade Aldridge Community Academy is a school on an upward trajectory. It successfully combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a unique focus on personal development and entrepreneurial spirit. The strong leadership and modern facilities have created an environment where students can flourish both academically and personally. Best suited to local families who want a school that is deeply rooted in its community but has a clear, ambitious outlook for the future. The main challenge for prospective parents is now the increasing competition for places.