Less than three in ten Portsmouth pupils go on to university

The report, published today, found 28% of pupils are going on to degree level, significantly less than the national average of 48%.

It also referred to overall secondary school standards in the city as a ‘concern’.

It said although provisional GCSE results for 2016 saw a slight rise in the proportion of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C - including English and Maths - these were well below the national average.

Chris Russell, Ofsted regional director for the south east, said: ‘I am pleased that generally the South East region does a good job for its young people so that when most move on from each phase of education, they are well prepared.

‘Strong skills in core areas such as reading are the foundation for good achievement elsewhere.

‘These achievements reflect much hard work by those in the region who care for and teach our young people.

‘However, I am concerned about the poor outcomes for those from deprived backgrounds; something that has dogged us for too long.’