Brookfield Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results and Creative Community in Camden

Situated in Highgate's Chester Road just a short walk from local woodland, Brookfield Primary School serves 394 pupils aged 2 to 11 in a two-form-entry community setting. Grounded in the core values of Responsibility, Kindness, and Achievement, the school aims to "inspire the best in everyone" through a curriculum that blends academic rigour with enrichment in art, music, drama, philosophy, forest school, and debate. Rated Good by Ofsted in its September 2023 inspection, Brookfield places 17th locally in Camden and sits well above the national average, ranking in the top 13% of primary schools in England. With 87% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths—comfortably exceeding the 62% national benchmark—and 36% achieving the higher standard across these subjects, the school combines strong academic outcomes with an inclusive, rights-respecting ethos that earned it Platinum Artsmark and Silver Rights Respecting School status in recent years.

Brookfield presents itself as "a close-knit community" where education is "rich, rewarding, and full of wonder". Headteacher Simon Shiel and his team have built a culture that prizes both academic ambition and creative exploration, reflected in the Platinum Artsmark awarded in 2021 and the school's commitment to the Rights Respecting Schools framework. Pupils from Years 3 to 6 can apply to become Rights Ambassadors, supporting the school's efforts to foster a sense of community, respect, and responsibility that encourages students to be active, informed citizens.

Classes are named after natural features—Blossom and Catkin for nursery, Conker and Acorn for reception, then Bluebell, Daisy, Dandelion, Poppy, Heather, Fern, Bramble, Ivy, Willow, Ash, Oak, and Elm—evoking the school's connection to the nearby woodlands and the emphasis on outdoor learning through its forest school programme. Ofsted inspectors in September 2023 noted that "pupils enjoy attending this caring school" and that "all pupils feel fully included in school life, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities". Staff know pupils well, maintain kind and respectful working relationships, and are vigilant in addressing concerns. The inspection report highlighted that "staff are proud to work at this school" and appreciate leadership efforts to reduce workload and support staff wellbeing, while governors are described as knowledgeable and committed to continuous improvement.

The school serves a diverse community, with 36% of pupils eligible for free school meals. Reading is prioritised from the earliest years, with children participating in familiar rhymes, songs, and stories that support language development, and high-quality phonics instruction begins in reception. This inclusive approach ensures that pupils from varied backgrounds can thrive within Brookfield's broad and balanced curriculum.

Brookfield's academic performance positions it comfortably above national averages and well within the upper tier of Camden's primary schools. In the most recent results, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. A further 36% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, significantly outpacing the England average of 8%. These outcomes place Brookfield 17th out of Camden's primary schools and in the top 13% nationally, reflecting the high expectations staff hold for pupils' learning.

Subject-by-subject, the school excelled: 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading (with an average scaled score of 109), 89% in maths (average scaled score 108), and 82% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (average scaled score 107). In writing, 13% achieved greater depth. Science results also impressed, with 84% reaching the expected standard, slightly above the national figure of 82%. Across the board, the data confirm that Brookfield delivers a deep, progressive curriculum that builds knowledge over time.

Ofsted inspectors found that "leaders have designed a broad and balanced curriculum, which helps pupils to build a deep knowledge over time, including in early years". The inspection noted that pupils behave well and enjoy their learning, and that teaching across the school maintains high expectations. Staff receive regular training opportunities, and leaders at all levels are described as reflective and committed to the school's further improvement.

Support for pupils with special educational needs is embedded in the school's inclusive ethos. Around 11% of pupils receive SEN support, coordinated by the Assistant Headteacher, who serves as the school's SENDCo. Programmes include one-to-one mentoring through the 'Skills for Life' intervention, where pupils meet weekly with a designated staff member to discuss worries and build resilience. For more complex needs, the school can refer pupils to the Educational Psychologist, CAMHS, or the TOPS programme (Tavistock Outreach for Primary Schools). Parents are invited to SEND planning meetings three times a year to review progress and set targets, with over 90% attending each term. The school's link governor for SEND, Anthony Mirams, ensures accountability and strategic oversight, while the SENDCo participates in the Local Authority SENDCo forum and Camden Learning's SEND Hub to stay current with best practice and national developments.

Enrichment runs through the school day and beyond. Pupils benefit from access to local woodland for forest school sessions, where they engage in nature exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor learning. The Platinum Artsmark recognises the exceptional arts curriculum, which weaves art, music, drama, and philosophy into the school's fabric. Longer-term project-based learning and debate opportunities give pupils a chance to apply their knowledge creatively and develop critical thinking skills.

Extracurricular provision includes breakfast clubs, after-school clubs in drumming, bridge, science, and other activities, offering pupils the chance to develop talents and interests beyond the classroom. The school's compact site fosters a sense of community, and the natural naming of classes reinforces the connection to the environment.

Staff-pupil relationships are warm and respectful, and inspectors observed that staff are vigilant and kind in addressing any concerns pupils raise. The school's commitment to personal development is evident in its Rights Respecting approach and the support structures in place for emotional wellbeing, ensuring that pupils feel safe, valued, and heard.

Brookfield's SEN provision is led by the Assistant Headteacher, who acts as SENDCo and maintains a register of pupils identified as having SEN and/or a disability. The SENDCo plans individualised programmes of support, keeps a Provision Map detailing the different interventions available, and ensures that SEN issues are regularly discussed in Leadership Team meetings. Around 11% of pupils receive SEN support, and the school works in close partnership with parents and pupils to develop personalised targets.

Parents are invited to three SEND planning meetings each year, where they meet with the SENDCo and class teacher to review progress and refine support. Attendance at these meetings exceeds 90% each term, reflecting the collaborative relationship between home and school. The school receives core funding from Camden for SEN provision, and where a pupil requires more than £6,000 of additional support, the school can apply for top-up funding.

Intervention programmes include the 'Skills for Life' one-to-one mentoring, which offers regular weekly sessions with a member of staff for pupils experiencing worries or anxieties. For more significant concerns, the school can refer to external specialists, including the Educational Psychologist, CAMHS, or the TOPS programme. The school recognises that some children with SEND are particularly vulnerable in building and maintaining friendships, and places a strong emphasis on personal development and emotional wellbeing to ensure all pupils can flourish.

Camden's SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service) is available to support and advise parents on issues such as assessment and provision. The school's SENDCo participates in the Local Authority SENDCo forum and Camden Learning's SEND Hub, ensuring the school remains informed about national developments, local inclusion projects, and best practice.

Brookfield Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 155 applications for 60 reception places, a subscription ratio of 2.58 to 1, marking it as one of Camden's more competitive primaries. The school uses Camden's coordinated admissions system, with applications made online via the local authority. For the 2024-25 intake, the application window opened on 1 September 2024 and closed at 11:59pm on 15 January 2025.

Camden's admissions criteria for community schools apply in priority order: looked-after children and those previously in care are given first priority, followed by siblings of current pupils (though this sibling link does not apply if an older child has left the school before the younger one's start date). Beyond these categories, distance from the school typically determines offers, with the cut-off distance varying year to year depending on sibling numbers and demand.

Brookfield does not publish a fixed catchment area, and the furthest distance offered fluctuates. Parents are advised to contact the school or Camden Council for the most recent cut-off data and to book a school tour to understand the school's environment and ethos. The school offers weekly tours led by Headteacher Simon Shiel and the admissions officer, Carole Bush, who can be reached on 020 7272 9627 or admin@brookfield.camden.sch.uk.

For in-year applications and older children, Camden residents should apply directly to the school, while families living outside Camden should apply through their home local authority, naming Brookfield as their preferred choice. Given the school's oversubscribed status and strong performance, early engagement with the admissions process and understanding the criteria are essential for families hoping to secure a place.

Brookfield Primary School offers a compelling blend of strong academic results, creative enrichment, and inclusive pastoral care in the heart of Camden. Its performance places it well above national averages and in the top tier of local primaries, while the Platinum Artsmark, Silver Rights Respecting School status, and forest school provision demonstrate a commitment to educating the whole child. The school's size—two-form entry with under 400 pupils—allows staff to know families well, and the ethos of Responsibility, Kindness, and Achievement is evident in the positive relationships and inclusive culture noted by Ofsted.

For families seeking a state primary that balances academic rigour with creative exploration and strong pastoral support, Brookfield is an attractive option. The oversubscription rate and competitive admissions landscape mean securing a place requires careful attention to criteria and early application. Proximity to the school and sibling links are critical factors, and parents outside the immediate area may find it difficult to gain entry.

The school's leadership is reflective and ambitious, staff are well-supported and committed, and pupils are happy, safe, and engaged. While the school serves a diverse community and maintains strong SEN provision, its high performance and enrichment offer make it a sought-after choice. For parents able to navigate the competitive admissions process, Brookfield delivers a well-rounded, nurturing, and academically successful primary education in an environment where children are encouraged to flourish.

Is Brookfield Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rated Brookfield as Good in September 2023, and the school's academic results place it well above national averages, ranking in the top 13% of primary schools in England. With 87% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, and strong enrichment through the Platinum Artsmark-recognised arts curriculum and forest school programme, Brookfield combines academic success with inclusive, creative education.

How do I apply to Brookfield Primary School?

Applications for reception places are made online through Camden Council at www.camden.gov.uk/education. For the 2024-25 intake, the application window opened on 1 September 2024 and closed on 15 January 2025. In-year and older-child applications by Camden residents should be made directly to the school; families outside Camden should apply through their home local authority. Contact the admissions officer, Carole Bush, on 020 7272 9627 or admin@brookfield.camden.sch.uk for guidance.

What is the catchment area for Brookfield Primary School?

Brookfield does not operate a fixed catchment area. Camden's community school admissions criteria prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school. The cut-off distance varies year to year depending on demand and sibling numbers. Contact Camden Council or the school for recent cut-off data.

Does Brookfield Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Brookfield offers nursery provision for two-year-olds (Blossom class) and three- to four-year-olds (Catkin class), allowing families to establish continuity and familiarity with the school environment before reception entry.

What are the school's core values?

Brookfield's core values are Responsibility, Kindness, and Achievement, all centred on the mission to "inspire the best in everyone". These values underpin the school's inclusive ethos, rights-respecting culture, and commitment to academic and personal development.

What extracurricular activities does Brookfield Primary School offer?

Brookfield provides breakfast clubs, after-school clubs including drumming, bridge, and science, and enrichment woven into the curriculum such as art, music, drama, philosophy, forest school, debate, and project-based learning. The school's Platinum Artsmark status reflects the breadth and quality of its arts provision.

How does Brookfield support pupils with special educational needs?

Around 11% of pupils receive SEN support, coordinated by the Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo). The school offers individualised programmes, one-to-one mentoring through 'Skills for Life', and access to external specialists including Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, and TOPS. Parents attend three SEND planning meetings a year, with over 90% attending each term.

What are Brookfield Primary School's recent results?

In the most recent data, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined (national average 62%), and 36% achieved the higher standard (national average 8%). The school ranks 17th in Camden and in the top 13% nationally, with strong outcomes across reading (91%), maths (89%), and science (84%).