New End Primary School Review 2026: High-Performing Hampstead Village Community School

New End Primary School sits in the heart of Hampstead Village, a two-form entry state primary serving 340 children aged 3 to 11. Ranked in the top 7% nationally for attainment, this Good-rated Camden school combines strong academic outcomes with a nurturing village atmosphere. The motto "See the future…it starts here" reflects the school's conviction that early learning sets the foundation for lifelong success. With 86% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths – far above the 62% national average – and 40% achieving the higher standard compared to 8% nationally, New End delivers results that rival many selective schools while maintaining an inclusive, comprehensive intake. The school occupies a compact site at Streatley Place but benefits from partnership arrangements that give pupils access to playing fields and theatre facilities at nearby University College School.

New End Primary School is a community school in the truest sense, drawing families from the diverse neighbourhoods of Hampstead and the surrounding area. Led by headteacher Ms Karyn Ray, the school cultivates a caring learning environment where children, parents and staff work together to support each pupil's development. Ofsted inspectors in June 2023 found this to be "a friendly and caring community school" where parents describe staff as "very nurturing" and children "look forward to coming to school every day." The school's approach centres on the belief that all children can achieve when given the right opportunities and support.

The ethos emphasises both academic rigour and the development of well-rounded, confident individuals. Teachers help pupils become articulate and self-assured, preparing them not just for SATs but for secondary education and beyond. Parents and staff speak highly of the school leadership's clear vision and the positive culture it has fostered. Bullying and name-calling are described as rare, with adults responding swiftly when issues arise, creating an environment where children feel safe and supported.

New End Primary School's academic performance places it among the highest-achieving non-selective primaries in England. The school ranks 1,038th nationally and 13th in Camden, positioning it well above the vast majority of state primaries. The latest results show 86% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. Perhaps more impressive is the proportion achieving the higher standard: 40% compared to just 8% nationally, demonstrating the school's success in stretching able learners.

Individual subject results are equally strong. In reading, 91% of pupils met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 109, and 52% achieved the high score. Mathematics performance matched reading, with 84% reaching the expected level, an average scaled score of 109, and 43% achieving the high score. Grammar, punctuation and spelling results showed 84% at the expected standard and 48% at the high score. Science attainment stood at 91% reaching the expected standard, well ahead of the 82% national average.

The school has recently introduced a new phonics curriculum, taught consistently and well across the early years. Leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum across all subjects, though Ofsted noted that subject leaders' and teachers' expertise in implementing this curriculum is still developing – a fair observation for a school that is evolving its practice. Pupils with special educational needs receive effective support from well-trained staff to access the same curriculum as their peers. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, and parents of children with SEND express appreciation for the expertise and care provided.

The school offers a rich menu of after-school activities. At the start of each term, letters detail the range of clubs targeting different year groups. Activities vary but typically include art and craft, choir, cooking, dance, football and netball. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 different creative and performing arts clubs. Children engage in chess, a range of sports, musical tuition, computer coding and orchestra, enhancing the learning experience beyond the classroom.

Extended care is available through Kidsoosa, which runs a breakfast club from 7.45am to 8.55am and an after-school club from 3.30pm to 6.00pm for up to 30 children aged four and over. This provision supports working families in the area. Through partnership arrangements, pupils benefit from access to playing fields in West Hampstead and the UCS Lund Theatre for drama productions. Sixth form pupils from partner schools provide assistance with literacy and maths skills during Friday afternoon activities, giving New End pupils additional academic support and role models.

The school operates with approximately 16 full-time equivalent teachers and 12 teaching assistants, yielding a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 20:1. With two classes per year group, the average class size is 22 pupils, allowing teachers to give individual attention while maintaining a collaborative learning environment.

New End Primary School is heavily oversubscribed, with 183 applications competing for 30 reception places in the most recent admissions round – a subscription ratio of 6.1 times the available places. The furthest distance offered was 0.976 miles, indicating that living within roughly a mile of the school in Hampstead is typically necessary to secure a place, though exact distances vary each year depending on the applicant pool and sibling numbers.

Reception places are allocated by Camden Admissions in April each year according to the local authority's published criteria. For in-year admissions to other year groups, parents should contact the school office directly. The school offers both physical and virtual tours; families interested in visiting should contact the office at 020 7431 0961 to arrange an appointment. Applications typically open on 1st September with a mid-January deadline and offers made in mid-April, though parents should confirm current dates on the Camden Council admissions website.

The high level of demand reflects the school's strong reputation in the local community, its excellent results, and the desirability of Hampstead as a residential area. Families considering New End should research the admissions criteria carefully and understand that proximity to the school is a critical factor. Nursery provision is available for three-year-olds, though attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a reception place.

New End Primary School is a stand-out state primary that delivers academic outcomes comparable to selective schools while maintaining an inclusive, nurturing ethos. Ranked in the top 7% nationally, the school achieves exceptional results: 86% of pupils reach expected standards in reading, writing and maths, and a remarkable 40% achieve the higher standard – five times the national average. For families fortunate enough to live within the tight catchment, New End offers the best of both worlds: a caring village school atmosphere with the academic rigour and ambition to prepare children thoroughly for competitive secondary schools.

The school's strengths are clear. Leadership is strong and well-regarded by parents and staff. The curriculum is ambitious and consistently implemented, with a particular focus on phonics in the early years. Extracurricular opportunities are varied and accessible, supported by partnerships with nearby schools. Pastoral care is warm and effective, with children feeling safe and supported. The school sets high expectations for all pupils, including those with SEND, and the results demonstrate that these expectations are being met.

Potential weaknesses are minor. The compact site means the school relies on off-site facilities for some sports and activities, though partnership arrangements mitigate this. Ofsted noted that subject leaders' expertise is still developing in some areas, suggesting the school is on an upward trajectory rather than resting on its laurels. The intense oversubscription means many families in the area will not secure a place, and catchment distances are tight.

For families within reach, New End Primary School represents an excellent choice: a high-performing, inclusive community school where children thrive academically and personally in a supportive environment. The combination of strong results, caring ethos and Hampstead Village location makes it one of Camden's most sought-after primaries.

Is New End Primary School a good school?

Yes, New End Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (June 2023) and ranks in the top 7% of primary schools nationally for attainment. The school achieves outstanding results: 86% of pupils reach expected standards in reading, writing and maths compared to 62% nationally, and 40% achieve the higher standard versus 8% nationally. Ofsted praised the school as a friendly, caring community where pupils feel safe and enjoy learning. Parents and staff speak highly of the leadership and nurturing atmosphere.

How do I apply to New End Primary School?

Reception places are allocated by Camden Admissions. Applications typically open on 1st September with a mid-January deadline, and offers are made in mid-April. Apply through Camden Council's online admissions system. For in-year applications to other year groups, contact the school office directly on 020 7431 0961. The school is heavily oversubscribed (6.1 applications per place), and the furthest distance offered in recent years was under one mile, so proximity is crucial.

What is the catchment area for New End Primary School?

The furthest distance offered was 0.976 miles in the most recent admissions round. Living within approximately one mile of the school in Hampstead is typically necessary, though exact distances vary annually depending on sibling numbers and the applicant pool. Contact Camden Admissions or visit the school website for the most current information. The school is located at Streatley Place, Hampstead, London, NW3 1HU.

Does New End Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, New End Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged three and above. However, attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a reception place. Reception admissions are managed by Camden Council and allocated according to the local authority's published criteria, typically prioritising siblings and distance from the school.

What extracurricular activities does New End Primary School offer?

The school offers a varied programme of after-school clubs including art and craft, choir, orchestra, cooking, dance, football, netball, chess, musical tuition and computer coding. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 creative and performing arts clubs. Extended care is available through Kidsoosa, with breakfast club from 7.45am and after-school club until 6pm for children aged four and over.

What is the school's approach to special educational needs?

Pupils with SEND receive effective support from well-trained staff to access the same curriculum as their peers. The school sets high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, and parents of SEND children express appreciation for the expertise and support provided. Ofsted noted that disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs make strong progress. For specific information about conditions supported, contact the school directly.