Portsmouth High School GDST Nursery Review

A wooded garden and the Explorer curriculum give Portsmouth High’s early years provision its character: space to investigate, with specialist teaching alongside play. Nursery and Pre-School welcome girls from the term of their third birthday, described as rising 3, until Reception. They sit within the prep school grounds in Southsea, with Pre-School occupying a bright, modern building. The garden adds room for exploration to this city setting.

At the February 2026 ISI inspection, early years teaching and curriculum planning supported children to settle promptly, gain confidence and make progress. That finding covers the school’s early years provision, rather than awarding the nursery a separate grade.

Exploration has a named approach here. Through the Explorer curriculum, the school encourages children to investigate together and use their imaginations. Music, French and PE bring specialist teachers into early learning, giving children contact with different subjects and adults alongside their class teaching.

The early years curriculum combines adult-planned activities with learning through play. In February 2026, staff helped children put their ideas into words and extend their vocabulary. Phonics introduced early reading and forming letters, while practical resources supported counting and understanding numbers. This gives purposeful teaching a place within a day built around young children’s interests.

Outdoor activities extend that learning beyond the classroom, with the wooded garden providing a physical setting for discovery. A March 2025 outing took Pre-School children to Southsea Library, a concrete example of learning beyond the school grounds. Children also take turns presenting assemblies with other pupils, giving them opportunities to speak and participate in school life.

Choice matters too. In February 2026, early years children voted each day for the books they wanted to read. A familiar story became an opportunity to practise making a decision together and understanding voting.

Settling is supported by staff who understand individual children. In February 2026, early years leaders knew children’s needs closely, and trained staff provided attentive care within a safe learning space. Assessment also helped teachers adjust learning for children who needed support. For parents, the useful connection is between knowing a child and adapting what happens next.

Emotional learning is practical: adults demonstrate kindness, help children consider other people’s feelings and teach them to manage their own emotions. Listening and taking turns receive explicit guidance. These are skills children can use in their everyday play with others.

Safety includes staffing as well as premises. In February 2026, supervision included suitable early years staff ratios. The safeguarding team included early years staff and received regular training for its responsibilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission arrangements with the admissions team; familiarity with the school should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Shared specialist teachers provide continuity, allowing children to get to know adults who may teach them as they move through the school. Participation in assemblies and contact with older pupils also make the wider school familiar. These experiences support continuity in school life, separately from the question of admission.

Nursery, Pre-School and Prep are at 36 Kent Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ES. Enquiries can go to juniorheadsec@por.gdst.net or 023 9282 4916.

Personal family tours can include Pre-School and a meeting with the prep school head. Contact the admissions team to book an appointment and see the learning spaces.