Torriano Primary School Review 2026: A Dynamic Community School in Kentish Town

In Kentish Town, a neighbourhood known for its cultural vibrancy and historic character, Torriano Primary School stands as a beacon of strong teaching and genuine community engagement. The school has inherited over a century of educational heritage. Its oldest building, an Edwardian structure with distinctive Arts and Crafts gables, opened in 1910 as the Junior School. The merger of Torriano Junior School and Torriano Infants in September 2015 created the current all-through primary serving pupils aged 3 to 11. Today it educates approximately 445 pupils across two classes per year group. The 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school's Outstanding status across all key areas, with inspectors noting that pupils learn "deeply and securely." The school ranks 814th in England for primary attainment (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5.4%, and sits 11th among Camden's primaries.

At the gates during morning drop-off, you notice purposeful energy paired with genuine warmth. Children move between lessons with focus. The physical environment reflects thoughtful design choices. The Edwardian Junior building showcases period architecture admired by heritage commentators for its "roughcast gables in an Arts and Crafts spirit." More recent additions speak to educational ambition. The Gatehouse, designed by Cullinan Studio and completed in 2010, offers welcoming arrival spaces. The school grounds feature imaginatively named play areas (Earthling Kingdom and Cloud Kingdom) designed by Erect Architecture to stimulate creativity and active play.

Leadership is stable and forward-thinking. Helen Bruckdorfer serves as Executive Headteacher, overseeing both Torriano and federated partner Brecknock Primary School through a collaborative leadership model. Holly Churchill, as Head of School, provides direct on-site leadership. This federation arrangement brings specialist expertise and resource-sharing benefits. The school explicitly commits to inclusion and equality, having been among the first in England to receive the Achievement for All Quality Mark. Staff across the school value diversity, actively work against stereotyping, and create an environment where all children (including those with special educational needs) participate fully.

In 2024, 87% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This represents substantially stronger performance than the wider population. Breaking this down further provides useful context for parents. In reading specifically, 91% of pupils reached expected standard, with 53% achieving the higher standard (scaled score 110+). Mathematics results show 89% reaching expected standard and 42% at higher level. Grammar, punctuation and spelling results were particularly strong, with 87% at expected standard and 62% achieving higher attainment.

The school's scaled scores tell a consistent story. Reading average of 110 and mathematics average of 107 both exceed the standardized baseline of 100. These figures place Torriano in the top locally and in England for primary-phase learning. The school ranks 11th in Camden among primary schools, reflecting its reputation as a preferred choice within the borough.

Progress and Value-Added Measures

Progress from starting points matters as much as absolute attainment. The inspection noted that pupils show strong progress in their learning throughout their time at school, with teaching designed to build knowledge systematically. Pupils described feeling challenged appropriately and supported when they struggle.

Teaching here follows clear pedagogical principles. The phonics curriculum begins in Nursery using the Little Wandle structured programme, ensuring children develop secure phoneme-grapheme understanding early. By the end of Year 2, nearly all pupils read fluently. Reading is celebrated and enriched through initiatives such as the Reading Road Map, reading assemblies, and the Reading Raffle that motivate children to explore diverse texts.

English teaching integrates oracy throughout. A "Word of the Day" pedagogy builds vocabulary deliberately across subjects. "Wanda's Whizzy 5" provides daily grammar and spelling reinforcement, with children applying concepts immediately to their own writing. Teachers publish pupil writing termly, celebrate achievements through displays and assemblies, and moderate standards internally, across the federation, and with the wider local authority to ensure consistency.

Mathematics follows a mastery approach. Teachers use carefully chosen representations and manipulatives to help pupils understand abstract concepts. Small steps of learning build sequentially. Pupils reason mathematically rather than simply completing calculations. French begins in Year 1, adding a language dimension to the curriculum. Teachers are supported through high-quality professional development, and subject leaders hold colleagues to account for quality.

The curriculum extends beyond core academics. Year 6 benefits from specialist teaching, with Year 3 exploring ancient civilisations (Prehistoric Britain, Shang Dynasty, Benin) and upper key stage 2 undertaking immersive learning experiences. Enrichment is significant. Pupils may encounter visiting musicians, artists in residence, and specialist coaches. A Scientist in Residence deepens scientific thinking. Year 4 pupils experience residential trips to Burwell House (camping), while Year 6 visits the Natural History Museum and engages in World War I learning through memorial and historical study.

Torriano is a primary school, so families consider secondary options carefully during Year 5 and 6. The school supports this transition thoughtfully. Pupil voice shapes secondary school choices, with families encouraged to visit multiple options and make informed decisions. Local secondaries include Acland Burghley School, La Sainte Union Catholic School, and William Ellis School. The catchment area provides access to a range of non-selective state options. For families interested in grammar school routes, the school familiarises pupils with eleven-plus style questions but does not offer intensive coaching, leaving that to families to pursue externally if desired.

A substantial enrichment programme runs throughout the week, reflecting the school's commitment to what it terms a "creative culture with a spotlight on performing and visual arts."

Music

Music is woven deeply into school life. The Federation Jazz Orchestra meets weekly as an extra-curricular club, introducing pupils to jazz improvisation and ensemble playing. Recorder groups offer weekly tuition, with progression for keen learners. Two separate choirs serve the school, with all children performing as part of the Mass Choir during annual school productions. Year group ensembles perform at the end of some curriculum projects, giving multiple performance opportunities beyond just winter concerts.

External partnerships amplify musical opportunity. Camden Music provides collaborative music-making with specialists and visiting musicians from the wider community. Year 3 pupils receive whole-class recorder tuition as part of the main curriculum. Year 5 has access to brass instrument lessons delivered by specialists from Camden Wider Opportunities, introducing wind instruments to a broader cohort. Weekly music assemblies for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 celebrate musical learning.

The school benefits from partnerships with leading institutions including the Royal Opera House, Aurora Orchestra, and the Royal Academy of Music. These connections, while not representing weekly classroom teaching, shape the school's cultural ethos and provide occasional performance or enrichment opportunities.

Performing Arts & Drama

Drama and performing arts receive significant emphasis. The Diorama Theatre serves as a partner organisation. Regular productions showcase pupil talent. Children have opportunities to experience visual arts, dance, and drama across the curriculum, with school productions giving pupils platforms to develop confidence and creative expression. Black History Season and Ada Lovelace Day enrichment weeks highlight diverse figures and encourage children to see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

STEM

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Activity Lab represents the school's flagship STEM facility. Completed in 2019, designed by Hayhurst & Co Architects, this facility won the RIBA London Award and RIBA London Small Project of the Year Award. The space was created by remodelling an existing 'turret' at the top of the Victorian building, opening it fully to create a dynamic two-storey learning environment. CNC-cut laminated plywood ribs define the space, creating visual interest and functional learning zones. An external learning terrace on the roof extension extends experiential learning outdoors. The lab features specialist equipment allowing pupils to conduct practical experiments and hands-on investigations across sciences.

Year 6 undertakes an innovative STEAM exhibition in November on the topic of light, investigating how light travels, reflects, and refracts. Once the Science Lab is fully operational, pupils have access to dedicated experimental space and materials. A Scientist in Residence further deepens scientific inquiry.

Sports & Physical Education

Physical education is comprehensive. All pupils receive at least two hours of PE weekly, with careful progression planning. Children participate in competitions and festivals with other schools, learning resilience and how to be gracious competitors. The curriculum covers a range of sports, gameplay, and gymnastics using the STEP approach (Space, Task, Equipment, People), ensuring differentiation so all children can participate successfully.

Years 5 and 6 have access to specific sporting clubs. The Torriano Boys Football Team competes at school and inter-school level. Beyond football, the school facilitates opportunities for children to explore various sports and understand the importance of physical activity to both physical and mental health.

The school has outdoor sports facilities including an outdoor sports pitch. The grounds include designed play areas encouraging active movement.

Clubs & Activities

Breakfast Club and Extended Hours provision bookend the school day for working families. Day trips and Residential trips enrich learning, taking pupils beyond the classroom to museums, farms, historical sites, and outdoor centres. These trips are carefully linked to curriculum topics, extending learning in authentic contexts.

The school has been recognised as one of 22 arts-rich schools in England, identified by researchers from the University of Nottingham in 2022 for its integrated approach to arts and cultural learning.

Torriano is part of the federated Brecknock and Torriano Schools Federation. Admissions follow Camden Local Authority procedures.

Reception Entry

Reception places are allocated centrally through Camden's coordinated admissions process. The school admits up to 60 pupils per year group (two classes of 30). In recent years, more applications have been received than places available, the school reported 4.02 times oversubscription (225 applications for 56 offers in the most recent data), making entry competitive. In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.339 miles, indicating that proximity to the school gates is the primary determining factor for families outside the sibling priority group. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Nursery Entry (Ages 3 and 4)

The school handles Nursery admissions directly, following Camden Community School Admissions Criteria. Nursery groups admit 3 and 4 year olds. The school will advise directly on availability and the application process.

Open Days

The school holds termly open days when families can tour the school with Rights Respecting Councillors, the School Home Support Worker, and staff. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school office to arrange visits. Open days are scheduled typically in Autumn and Spring terms, though specific dates should be confirmed with the school as these vary year to year. Reception open days have historically been scheduled in November and January; Nursery open days in December, January, February, and March.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered, though applicant distribution varies annually and proximity, while a priority factor, does not guarantee a place.

School hours run from 9:00am to 3:30pm daily for all pupils from Nursery to Year 6. The school provides 32.5 hours per week.

The school is located on Torriano Avenue in Kentish Town, less than a mile from Kentish Town Underground station on the Bakerloo Line, providing good transport links across London. Families are encouraged to walk to school. The school does not have car parking facilities for parents. Gates open for collection at 3:15pm, with children lining up at 3:25pm for EYFS and Key Stage 1, and 3:30pm for Key Stage 2.

For Nursery provision specifically, families should contact the school directly regarding hours, sessions, and any associated costs. Government-funded early education hours (15 or 30 hours) are available for eligible 3 and 4 year olds; the school can advise on how to claim and how the school integrates funded hours.

The school provides healthy, nutritious lunches using fresh ingredients, including herbs and vegetables from the school garden. Vegetarian options are available daily, as are fresh salads and fruit. Parents may pack lunches provided they follow the school's Food Policy (no sweets, chewing gum, or chocolate; fruit preferred to crisps). Drinking water is freely available.

The school prioritises pupil wellbeing and places the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of its values. Children are Rights Respecting Councillors who participate in school decision-making. This isn't tokenistic; pupils reported feeling their voices are heard and that they make real contributions to school life.

Behaviour across the school is calm and respectful. Inspection findings noted that pupils show kindness towards each other, behave impeccably both in and out of lessons, and demonstrate the school's stated values of respect and care. Behaviour expectations are clear and applied consistently. The inclusion of oracy throughout teaching means pupils are taught to be confident communicators, expressing themselves appropriately in lessons, assemblies, and community events.

For pupils with special educational needs, provision is tailored carefully. The Inclusion Leader coordinates intervention and additional support with families and multi-agency partners. The school has a Language Resource Base providing specialised support for 14 pupils identified as having developmental language delay. Pupils with SEN are supported to access the full curriculum through adapted lessons and differentiated approaches. The school was early to embrace inclusive practice, hosting national and international visits and contributing case studies to Special Education Need publications.

Mental health and wellbeing are supported. The school works closely with Camden's Education Welfare Service on attendance and punctuality. Pupils receive explicit teaching on the importance of healthy lifestyles, being physically active, and managing emotions through PSHE teaching and whole-school initiatives.

Oversubscription and Distance Criteria. The school is significantly oversubscribed (4:1 ratio), with places allocated primarily by proximity to school gates. In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.339 miles, a very tight radius. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families considering this school should carefully verify their current or anticipated distance using the FindMySchoolMap. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Limited Secondary Transition Choice. As a primary school, families must navigate secondary admissions separately. While the school familiarises pupils with eleven-plus questions, it does not offer intensive grammar school preparation, leaving coaching to families if desired. This approach suits families comfortable with mainstream comprehensive options.

Nursery Costs Not Published. Nursery fees are not detailed publicly on the school website. Families interested in Nursery provision should contact the school directly for current pricing and funding options.

A strong community primary where ambitious curriculum, specialist teaching, and genuine inclusion combine to create a learning environment where pupils flourish. Teaching is secure and knowledge-building is systematic. The cultural and arts emphasis, visible in partnerships and enrichment opportunities, distinguishes the school from many peers. The physical environment (blending heritage buildings with contemporary facilities like the award-winning STEM Lab) supports this vision. Best suited to families within the tight catchment who value academic rigour alongside a broad, culturally enriched curriculum. The significant oversubscription means proximity is the decisive factor; distance verification before applying is essential.