Clare House Primary School sits on a quiet, leafy avenue in Beckenham, serving a community that clearly prizes the high academic standards the school consistently delivers. A two form entry academy and part of the Impact Multi Academy Trust, it accommodates approximately 420 pupils within a structured and purposeful environment. The school's reputation precedes it locally; it currently holds the top position among primary schools in Beckenham based on the latest performance data. With academic outcomes that place it in the top tier of schools in England (top 2%), Clare House is a primary school where the expectation of success is woven into the daily routine.
The atmosphere at Clare House is one of quiet industriousness. While the Victorian style architecture of the surrounding Overbury Avenue suggests a traditional setting, the school operates with a modern, efficient energy. The leadership team, currently led by Head Teacher Whitney Andrews (appointed September 2024), has maintained a focus on high achievement while fostering a sense of pride among the pupils.
The school is part of the Impact Multi Academy Trust, which allows for shared resources and a wider professional network for staff, yet it retains a distinct identity as a local community hub. Parents are highly engaged, and the school's culture reflects this partnership. Inside, the corridors are orderly, and classrooms are hubs of focused activity. There is a palpable sense that time is used effectively here, and the pupils, who are described by external observers as polite and eager to learn, seem to thrive under this clear structure.
The academic performance at Clare House is, quite simply, exceptional. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 91.33% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a significant margin above the England average of 62%. The school ranks 362nd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the number 1 rank locally in Beckenham.
Further depth is found in the higher attainment figures. At Clare House, 42.67% of pupils achieved a high standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is more than five times the England average of 8%. Scaled scores further reinforce this picture of strength, with reading at 111 and mathematics at 109, both well above the national benchmarks of 105 and 104 respectively.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
91.33%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teaching at Clare House is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a rigorous approach to the core curriculum. The high scores in Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS), where 90% of pupils met the expected standard and 61% achieved a high score, suggest a curriculum that leaves little to chance.
The school follows a broad curriculum, but there is an undeniable emphasis on the mastery of literacy and numeracy. Lessons are well paced, and teachers use assessment effectively to ensure no pupil falls behind. This focus is particularly evident in the reading results, where 95% of pupils reached the expected standard. The school manages to balance this academic drive with a curriculum that includes specialist led initiatives in music and physical education, ensuring that while the three Rs are the foundation, the educational experience is not narrow.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
As a primary school in the London Borough of Bromley, Clare House pupils typically transition to a variety of high performing secondary schools. A significant number of students progress to schools within the Impact Multi Academy Trust, such as Langley Park School for Boys or Langley Park School for Girls, benefiting from the established trust links.
The school's strong academic foundation also prepares a portion of the cohort for the selective grammar school system in neighbouring Bexley or Kent. Transition arrangements are thorough, with Year 6 teachers working closely with secondary colleagues to ensure that the high standards achieved at primary level are maintained as students move into Key Stage 3.
Securing a place at Clare House is a significant challenge. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with the latest data showing 364 applications for just 60 available places. This represents more than six applications for every seat in the Reception classroom.
The subscription proportion of 6.07 indicates that Clare House is one of the most sought after primary schools in the local authority. Admissions are coordinated by Bromley Council, following a standard criteria that prioritises looked after children and siblings. For other applicants, distance from the school gate is the deciding factor. While specific distance figures vary annually, the sheer volume of first preference applications (which exceeds the number of offers by a ratio of 1.61) means that families typically need to live in very close proximity to the school to be successful.
Applications
364
Total received
Places Offered
60
Subscription Rate
6.1x
Apps per place
While the school is an academic powerhouse, it does not neglect the wellbeing of its pupils. Pastoral care is integrated into the class teacher model, ensuring that staff know their pupils and their families well. A recent ungraded Ofsted inspection in October 2024 confirmed that the school continues to maintain its Outstanding standards, with inspectors noting that pupils are delighted to be part of the school and love learning alongside their peers.
Behaviour across the school is exemplary. The clear expectations set by leadership mean that disruptions to learning are rare. For pupils requiring additional support, the Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is well managed, although the school does not have specialist classes, preferring an inclusive model where support is delivered within the mainstream environment.
Extracurricular life at Clare House provides a necessary counterpoint to the academic rigour of the school day. The school offers a variety of clubs that cater to diverse interests, ranging from sports to the creative arts.
Music is a particular strength, with many pupils learning instruments through visiting peripatetic teachers. The school choir and various ensembles perform regularly, fostering a sense of collective achievement. Sport also plays a key role, with the school making full use of its grounds for football, netball, and athletics. Notable specialist activities include a Hockey Club and JJ-Dance, ensuring that while the core subjects are the foundation, the educational experience is varied.
The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm. Clare House provides comprehensive wraparound care through an outside organisation, Chucklebox. They hold a Breakfast Club from 7:30am to 8:45am and an After School Club from 3:20pm to 6:00pm every day during term time. These sessions are popular and require registration. The school is well served by local transport, with Elmers End station within walking distance, providing links for parents commuting into central London.
Clare House Primary School is a state funded academy. There are no tuition fees for pupils. Associated costs such as school uniforms, optional extracurricular clubs (like Karate or JJ-Dance), and school trips are met by parents. The school works to ensure these costs are transparent and provides support for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
Clare House Primary School is a high performing, well oiled machine that consistently delivers some of the best primary outcomes in the London area. It is a school that suits academically motivated families who value structure, clear expectations, and a proven track record of success. The main hurdle remains the admissions process; for those who secure a place, the educational standard is undeniably elite.
Yes, Clare House is considered one of the leading primary schools in the region. It holds an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, most recently confirmed in October 2024. Its academic results place it in the top 2% of schools in England, with 91% of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths.
Clare House does not have a fixed catchment "zone," but it operates on a distance based admission system. Because it is oversubscribed by a factor of six to one, the successful distance is usually very short. Parents are advised to check the latest Bromley Council admissions report for the exact distance offered in the previous year.
No, Clare House Primary School does not have an on site nursery. The school's age range is 4 to 11, meaning pupils begin their journey in the Reception year. There is a nearby nursery with a similar name, but it is a separate entity.
With 364 applications for 60 places, the school uses a strict priority list: looked after children, children with exceptional medical or social needs, children of staff, siblings of current pupils, and then distance. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
The results are well above the England average. In the latest metrics, the school achieved an average scaled score of 111 in reading and 109 in maths. Over 42% of pupils achieved the "higher standard," compared to the national average of just 8%.
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