Richard Cobden Primary School is an Outstanding-rated state community primary school located at 29 Camden Street, London NW1 0LL, serving 420 pupils from age 3 to 11. The school operates as a two-form entry primary with 60 Reception places and 52 nursery places, maintaining a low pupil-to-teacher ratio variously reported between 16:1 and 20:1. Recent results show 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The school serves the diverse South Camden catchment and is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 91 applications for 49 Reception places. With a curriculum emphasizing communication skills, French instruction from early years, and comprehensive extracurricular provision including coding, choir, gardening, football, and hockey clubs, Richard Cobden provides an inclusive environment where pupils with SEND receive strong support through specialist teachers and intervention programmes.
The school describes itself as "inclusive and happy" with a learning environment where high standards and creativity coexist with excellent behaviour, respect, resilience and independence. Pupils thrive in a nurturing atmosphere characterized by safety and supportive relationships. Ofsted consistently notes that pupils are very happy, describing all adults as kind and helpful, and instances of bullying are infrequent.
Richard Cobden Primary takes its name from Richard Cobden (1804-1865), the Victorian politician and manufacturer who championed free trade and peace. As co-founder of the Anti-Corn Law League in 1838 alongside John Bright, Cobden led one of the most successful mass campaigns of the nineteenth century, achieving the repeal of protectionist Corn Laws in 1846 to make bread affordable for working families. His principles, known as "Cobdenism," emphasized economic cooperation, minimal government interference, and the belief that free trade would foster peace among nations. The school's name reflects a heritage of progressive reform, social justice, and commitment to serving the community.
A key strength lies in the school's commitment to enhancing communication and language skills from early years onwards. Consistent teaching strategies promote effective discussions, sentence formation, and vocabulary enrichment, particularly benefiting pupils with special educational needs or those learning English as an additional language. Classes are named after trees—Larch, Ash, Oak, Beech, Elm—creating a distinctive identity within year groups.
Leadership maintains high expectations while fostering creativity and independence. The headteacher and staff prioritize creating a supportive community where students feel secure and encouraged. Pupils take on leadership roles as playground buddies, prefects, and school council members, developing responsibility and contributing to the school's positive culture. Parents describe staff as approachable and responsive to concerns.
Richard Cobden Primary achieves results well above national averages. Most recent data shows 84% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly higher than the national figure of 62%. In reading, 84% met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, while 23% achieved high scores. In maths, 88% reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 107, and 36% attained high scores. Grammar, punctuation and spelling performance also stood strong, with 84% meeting expectations at an average scaled score of 105. The school ranks 5,012th nationally among primary schools, placing it in line with national averages.
At the high-attainment end, 24% of pupils achieved the high standard across reading, writing and maths combined, three times the national average of 8%. Science results were also solid, with 86% reaching the expected standard compared to 82% nationally.
The curriculum encompasses English, mathematics, science, humanities (history, geography, religious education), creative subjects (art and design, music, design and technology), physical education, computing, oracy, French language instruction, and PSHE with relationships education. French teaching begins in early years, providing pupils with a foundation in languages. The school uses Little Wandle phonics in Reception through Year 2 to build reading skills systematically.
Quality first teaching forms the foundation of academic provision, with most pupils learning in class alongside their peers. For those requiring additional support, the school provides small group instruction led by additional qualified teachers, learning support assistants, and teaching assistants. Intervention programmes include targeted phonics, spelling support, Numicon multi-sensory maths, and literacy and numeracy small-group sessions. Visual supports, iPad technology, and differentiated curriculum access ensure children with varying needs can engage meaningfully with lessons.
Teachers write Individual Education Plans for pupils with more complex needs, setting specific targets and reviewing progress regularly. The SENCo (Inclusion Leader) coordinates support across the school, working closely with class teachers, specialist SEND teachers, learning mentors, and external agencies.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
83.67%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Extracurricular opportunities abound, allowing students to explore interests beyond academics. Clubs include coding, choir, gardening, and various sports. Pupils participate in local sports leagues such as hockey and football, and the school has earned the School Games Gold Mark for 2024/25, recognizing its commitment to physical education and competitive sport. Regular sports days are organized for different age groups throughout the year.
Educational visits enrich the curriculum, with trips to The Crick Institute, the Natural History Museum, and other cultural venues. Year 6 students have recently participated in Benin Bronzes art projects with visits to the British Museum, connecting learning with London's rich cultural resources. The school hosts community events including summer fairs and music concerts, bringing families together and strengthening school-community ties.
Located on Camden Street in Camden Town, the school operates in the heart of one of London's most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. While specific details about buildings and grounds are limited, the school accommodates nursery through Year 6 classes, specialist teaching spaces, and facilities supporting physical education and creative subjects.
Pastoral care is embedded throughout the school day. Circle Time sessions provide opportunities for pupils to discuss feelings and develop social skills. Building Learning Power and the Wheel of Choice framework teach resilience and decision-making. A buddy system pairs older pupils with younger ones, fostering kindness and leadership. Resilience Club, Games Club, and access to a Learning Mentor provide additional support for pupils facing social-emotional challenges. The school also works with the Mental Health Support Team and external agencies such as CAMHS and MOSAIC when more intensive support is needed.
Richard Cobden Primary adopts a whole-school approach to special educational needs, committing to inclusion and ensuring every child can fulfill their potential. With 17% of pupils receiving SEN support, the school maintains a well-developed framework for identifying and addressing diverse learning needs.
The SENCo (Inclusion Leader) manages the SEND register, coordinates specialist staff, liaises with external agencies, and leads staff training. Class teachers identify needs early, deliver additional support, and write Individual Education Plans. The school employs specialist SEND teachers, learning mentors, and support assistants who work collaboratively to provide targeted interventions.
The school partners with Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Camden Primary Learning Support Services, hospital consultants, and GPs to ensure comprehensive support. At least 20 staff members are trained in First Aid at any time, and staff receive training in administering medication for conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes.
Transition support is comprehensive. Children with SEND receive extra school visits, photo books, buddy systems, social stories, and coordination between the school's SENCo and receiving secondary schools' SENCos. Early years families benefit from home visits, and the school holds termly parent meetings to review progress and plan support. A Family Learning Centre provides literacy and numeracy courses for parents alongside community service information.
Richard Cobden Primary is heavily oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 91 applications for 49 Reception places, a subscription rate of 1.86, meaning demand exceeded supply by 86%. All 49 first-preference applicants who were offered places had listed Richard Cobden as their top choice, indicating that families who prioritize the school have a strong chance of securing a place if they meet the admissions criteria.
The school serves the South Camden catchment and follows Camden Council's admissions policy. Admissions are coordinated by Camden Council for Reception entry, with applications opening each September and closing in mid-January (typically 15 January at 11:59pm). Offers are made in April. For nursery places or in-year admissions to other year groups, parents should apply directly to the school office.
Camden Council's admissions criteria typically prioritize children in care, children with exceptional medical or social needs supported by professional evidence, siblings of current pupils, and proximity to the school. While the furthest distance offered in recent rounds is not published, the high subscription rate and Camden Town location suggest that families living very close to the school have the best prospects. Given the area's density and desirability, parents should consider Richard Cobden realistically if they live within a few hundred meters of Camden Street.
The school offers 60 Reception places and 52 nursery places annually. Parents seeking a place should complete a Camden Admissions form online by the January deadline. For nursery or in-year admissions, contact the school office at 020 7387 5909 or admin@rcobden.camden.sch.uk.
Applications
91
Total received
Places Offered
49
Subscription Rate
1.9x
Apps per place
Richard Cobden Primary School delivers an Outstanding education in the heart of Camden Town, combining strong academic results, inclusive values, and a supportive environment for pupils with diverse needs. Achieving well above national averages in reading, writing, and maths, with particularly impressive high-attainment rates, the school proves that inclusive, diverse urban primaries can excel academically while maintaining a nurturing ethos.
The school's distinctive focus on communication and language development from early years, French instruction, and comprehensive SEN support framework distinguish it within Camden. Specialist staff, intervention programmes, and partnerships with external agencies ensure that pupils with learning, physical, social-emotional, or medical needs receive tailored support. Leadership maintains high expectations while fostering creativity, resilience, and independence, and pupils benefit from a broad curriculum, strong extracurricular provision, and educational visits to London's cultural institutions.
Richard Cobden Primary is ideal for families who value academic achievement within an inclusive, socially diverse setting, who appreciate the school's commitment to supporting all learners, and who prioritize a nurturing environment where communication skills and personal development are as important as test results. Parents should be aware that the school is heavily oversubscribed, with demand significantly exceeding supply. Living very close to the school on Camden Street will greatly improve prospects of securing a place.
The school's name itself signals its progressive heritage, honoring Richard Cobden's legacy of social reform and commitment to improving working families' lives. Families seeking an Outstanding-rated state primary that combines strong results, inclusive values, and comprehensive SEN provision will find Richard Cobden Primary School a compelling choice—provided they meet the proximity requirements of this competitive Camden catchment.
Yes, Richard Cobden Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school achieves well above national averages, with 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school is particularly strong at high attainment, with 24% achieving the high standard across reading, writing and maths combined—three times the national average. Pupils are very happy, describing staff as kind and helpful, and the school maintains a nurturing, inclusive environment with comprehensive support for children with special educational needs.
For Reception entry, apply online through Camden Council's admissions system between September and mid-January (deadline typically 15 January at 11:59pm). Offers are made in April. For nursery places or in-year admissions to other year groups, contact the school office directly at 020 7387 5909 or admin@rcobden.camden.sch.uk. The school follows Camden Council's admissions policy, prioritizing children in care, those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings, and proximity to the school. Richard Cobden Primary is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 91 applications for 49 Reception places, so living very close to the school significantly improves your prospects.
The school serves the South Camden catchment and follows Camden Council's admissions policy. While the specific furthest distance offered is not published, the school is heavily oversubscribed with a subscription rate of 1.86, meaning demand exceeds supply by 86%. Given the school's location on Camden Street in densely populated Camden Town, families living within a few hundred meters of the school have the best prospects of securing a place. All 49 first-preference applicants offered places in the most recent round had listed Richard Cobden as their top choice.
Yes, Richard Cobden Primary School has a nursery with 52 places for children aged 3. The nursery forms part of the school's early years provision, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. To apply for a nursery place, contact the school office directly rather than applying through Camden Council's main admissions system. The nursery provides a foundation in communication, language development, and social skills, preparing children for Reception entry.
Richard Cobden Primary has a strong, comprehensive SEN framework, with 17% of pupils receiving support. The school adopts a whole-school approach, employing a SENCo (Inclusion Leader), specialist SEND teachers, learning mentors, and support assistants. Support covers communication and language needs (phonics, speech therapy referrals, Lego therapy), physical and motor development (Handwriting without Tears, occupational therapy), social and emotional needs (learning mentor support, Mental Health Support Team, resilience and games clubs), learning differences (Numicon maths, targeted literacy and numeracy groups, visual supports), and medical needs (staff trained in epilepsy, diabetes, EpiPen administration). The school partners with Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Camden Primary Learning Support Services.
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