Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School, NW1 Review 2026: Arts-Rich Church of England Education in Camden Town

Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School stands out for its distinctive arts-based curriculum, with Artsmark Platinum accreditation recognising exceptional creative education across drama, music, and visual arts. This one-form entry Church of England primary in Camden Town serves 204 pupils aged 4 to 11 on Hartland Road, combining a strong Christian ethos with an innovative teaching approach where drama prepares children for writing and music and art stimulate learning across all subjects. Led by headteacher Lorraine Goll, the school operates on three core values – care, courage, and co-operation – and maintains a Good Ofsted rating from October 2021 across all inspection categories. With 89% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths in most recent results (well above the 62% national average), the school ranks 22nd locally in Camden and demonstrates how creative pedagogy supports academic attainment. Entry is highly competitive, with 69 applications for just 30 Reception places, yielding a subscription rate of 2.3 times capacity.

Holy Trinity and Saint Silas operates with a Christian vision centred on partnership with its two local parishes, Holy Trinity and S. Silas churches. The school's daily routines explicitly acknowledge and display the character traits of compassion, courage, and co-operation, embedding these values into classroom practice and the wider school environment. Headteacher Lorraine Goll emphasises "high expectations and depth in faith" as the foundation for inspiring children to develop their full potential.

The school's distinctive arts-based approach has been carefully developed over many years. In 2009, the school established the Primary Shakespeare Company (PSC), a charity created to share its arts-centred learning model with other schools. Every summer term, the entire school from Reception through Year 6 participates in a Shakespeare-focused curriculum, culminating in Performance Week when classes perform scenes or complete plays. This unusual commitment to theatre for young children reflects a broader pedagogical philosophy: drama is used to explore ideas and prepare for writing, while music and visual art provide stimulation for learning across the curriculum.

The school serves a diverse community, with two-thirds of its intake from ethnic minority backgrounds and almost half having English as an additional language. Children typically enter Reception with levels of attainment far below age expectations, yet the school has built a strong reputation for helping these pupils achieve well by the time they leave in Year 6. Inspectors noted that pupils are eager to get to school each day, rarely miss a day, and arrive on time, creating a positive learning environment.

Holy Trinity and Saint Silas achieves solid academic outcomes that place it in line with national averages, ranking 4,216th in England (28th percentile). Most recent results show 89% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, significantly outperforming the national average of 62%. Additionally, 28% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, more than triple the national figure of 8%.

Reading is a particular strength, with 93% reaching the expected standard and 45% achieving the high score, well above typical national performance. The average scaled score of 109 in reading demonstrates consistent attainment in this area. Mathematics outcomes are similarly strong, with 90% reaching expected standards and an average scaled score of 105, while 21% attained the high score. In writing, 17% of pupils achieved greater depth. Science results are exceptional, with 97% reaching expected standards compared to 82% nationally.

The school's arts-based curriculum appears to support these academic results rather than detract from them. Teachers integrate drama, music, and visual art as learning tools, with drama specifically used to explore ideas before writing tasks. All pupils receive discrete weekly lessons in art, drama, and music from specialist teachers, alongside the integration of creative approaches across other subjects.

Support for disadvantaged pupils is highlighted as a particular strength in the most recent Ofsted inspection. The school has developed effective strategies to ensure that children entering with low prior attainment make strong progress during their time at the school. With almost half the pupils learning English as an additional language, tailored support structures help ensure these children access the full curriculum and achieve well.

The Good Ofsted rating from October 2021 awarded Good in all individual categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Inspectors noted that "staff work hard to help all pupils to achieve well" and that pupils typically behave well, feel safe, and are happy at school. Attendance is strong, with pupils eager to arrive and engage with their learning each day.

Creative and performing arts dominate extracurricular provision, with each pupil offered over five different arts-related clubs. The school runs two choirs and an instrumental ensemble, reflecting the emphasis on music as a core element of school life. Drama remains central through the annual Shakespeare project and regular performance opportunities.

The HTSS Heroes programme trains Year 5 and 6 pupils as peer support leaders, enabling them to assist younger learners and develop school improvement projects. This develops leadership skills and creates a supportive culture across year groups. OPAL Playtimes provide a structured approach to break-time activities, ensuring recreational time is purposeful and inclusive.

Recent investment in facilities has enhanced the creative learning environment. The school now has dedicated art and music rooms, alongside a larger downstairs hall suitable for assemblies and drama lessons. These specialist spaces support the weekly discrete teaching of creative subjects and enable the ambitious annual Shakespeare performances.

Parents speak highly of the sporting and cultural opportunities that enrich the planned curriculum, providing many chances for children to grow in confidence. The Bishop of London blessed the new building developments, reflecting the school's strong church connections and the importance of faith in the school community.

The Healthy Schools London programme has recognised the school multiple times, with Bronze awards in 2014, 2016, and 2018, indicating sustained commitment to health and wellbeing as part of the broader curriculum.

Holy Trinity and Saint Silas is significantly oversubscribed, with 69 applications for 30 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle, yielding a subscription rate of 2.3. This makes it one of the more competitive primary schools in Camden. The proportion of first preferences versus first preference offers is 1.32, indicating that most successful applicants ranked the school as their top choice.

As a voluntary aided Church of England school, the school manages its own admissions process rather than operating through Camden Council's centralised system. Prospective families should complete the Reception Applicants Supplementary Form and submit it directly to the school alongside their local authority application. Faith-based criteria typically form part of the oversubscription criteria for Church of England schools, though specific details should be confirmed via the school's admissions policy on the official website.

The school's location in Camden Town means it draws families from the surrounding urban area, though the exact catchment distance varies year by year depending on application numbers and how many places are allocated to higher-priority criteria such as looked-after children, siblings, and children with special educational needs. Given the level of oversubscription, families living close to the school are more likely to secure places under distance-based criteria, though religious criteria may take precedence depending on the specific admissions arrangements.

The school occasionally accepts mid-year admissions from Reception through Year 6 as places become available, though competition for in-year places can be intense given the school's popularity. Families interested in mid-year entry should contact the school office directly to enquire about availability.

Camden Council's admissions team can provide further guidance on the wider primary admissions landscape, but for Holy Trinity and Saint Silas specifically, families should engage directly with the school and ensure they understand the faith-based elements of the admissions criteria well in advance of application deadlines.

Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School offers a distinctive educational approach for families who value creativity, faith, and strong academic foundations. The school's arts-based curriculum, crowned by Artsmark Platinum status and the annual Shakespeare project, demonstrates a genuine commitment to learning through creative expression rather than treating the arts as peripheral enrichment. Results show this approach works: 89% reaching expected standards in reading, writing, and maths, and 97% in science, are impressive outcomes for a school where many pupils enter Reception well below age-expected levels.

The Church of England ethos runs deep, shaping daily routines and the school's partnership with local parishes. Families seeking an explicitly Christian environment will find the values of care, courage, and co-operation embedded authentically across school life. The diverse intake, with two-thirds from ethnic minority backgrounds and almost half learning English as an additional language, creates a genuinely inclusive community within this faith framework.

Significant oversubscription (2.3 times capacity) reflects parental confidence in the school's effectiveness. The transition from an Outstanding rating in 2007 to Good in 2021 indicates the school has maintained solid standards even as national inspection frameworks have become more rigorous. Inspectors specifically praised outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, attendance, and attainment, while noting relative weaknesses in admissions, representation, and environment – areas that suggest capacity constraints rather than educational failings.

For families prioritising creative pedagogy, strong pastoral care, and a faith-based community, Holy Trinity and Saint Silas delivers a coherent and effective package. The investment in specialist arts facilities and dedicated creative teaching demonstrates institutional commitment beyond words. However, the competitive admissions landscape means securing a place requires careful attention to the school's specific criteria, particularly any faith-based requirements.

This is a school that knows its identity and delivers it consistently. Parents seeking an arts-rich, values-driven primary education in Camden Town will find much to value, provided they can navigate the competitive entry process successfully.

Is Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School, NW1 a good school?

Yes, Holy Trinity and Saint Silas is rated Good by Ofsted (October 2021) across all inspection categories. Academic results are strong, with 89% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing, and maths combined, well above the 62% national average. The school's distinctive arts-based curriculum, Artsmark Platinum status, and effective support for disadvantaged pupils and children with English as an additional language demonstrate educational effectiveness across multiple dimensions.

How do I apply to Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School, NW1?

As a voluntary aided Church of England school, Holy Trinity and Saint Silas manages its own admissions. Families must complete the Reception Applicants Supplementary Form and submit it to the school alongside the standard Camden Council application. Faith-based criteria typically feature in the oversubscription criteria, so families should carefully review the school's admissions policy on the official website. With 69 applications for 30 places yielding a subscription rate of 2.3, early engagement with the admissions process and understanding of faith requirements is essential.

What makes Holy Trinity and Saint Silas CofE Primary School distinctive?

The school's arts-based curriculum sets it apart, with drama used to explore ideas and prepare for writing, and music and art integrated across learning. The annual whole-school Shakespeare project, Artsmark Platinum accreditation, specialist arts facilities, and the school's founding of the Primary Shakespeare Company charity in 2009 demonstrate sustained commitment to creative education. This approach is combined with a strong Church of England ethos centred on care, courage, and co-operation, creating a distinctive identity among Camden primaries.

What are the school's academic strengths?

Reading is particularly strong, with 93% reaching expected standards and an average scaled score of 109. Science outcomes are exceptional at 97% reaching expected standards versus 82% nationally. Overall, 89% achieve expected standards in reading, writing, and maths combined, and 28% reach the higher standard across all three subjects (more than triple the 8% national average). The school effectively supports disadvantaged pupils and children with English as an additional language, ensuring these groups make strong progress from low starting points.

What extracurricular opportunities are available?

Each pupil is offered over five different creative and performing arts clubs, reflecting the school's arts focus. There are two choirs and an instrumental ensemble, alongside the annual Shakespeare project involving all year groups. The HTSS Heroes programme trains Year 5 and 6 pupils as peer support leaders. Parents praise the sporting and cultural opportunities available, and OPAL Playtimes provide structured recreational activities. The school has received multiple Healthy Schools London Bronze awards.