Krishna Avanti Primary School, Croydon Review 2026: Hindu faith-designated primary with top 10% KS2 outcomes

A distinctive feature here is the way character education sits alongside strong academic outcomes. The school is part of Avanti Schools Trust and has a Hindu religious character, with a clear emphasis on virtues such as self-discipline, humility and empathy in day-to-day routines.

Academically, 2024 Key Stage 2 data places the school well above the England average, particularly for combined reading, writing and mathematics. It is also an oversubscribed option for Reception entry, so families often need to approach admissions with a plan, especially where faith criteria and the supplementary form are relevant.

The current headteacher is Bijal Pandya, in post since 2021.

This is a school with a strong sense of purpose. The language of virtues is used deliberately, so expectations about behaviour, kindness, and self-control are not left to chance. The Avanti values, including self-discipline, respect, courage, gratitude, empathy and integrity, also appear in policies and curriculum materials, which helps them feel consistent across classrooms and assemblies.

The Hindu designation is part of the everyday culture, but it is not positioned as exclusive. The published admissions arrangements describe the school as welcoming children of all faiths and none, while still reserving a defined number of Reception places for applicants who meet specific Hindu practice criteria.

Facilities and routines reflect the school’s faith and community model. The prospectus refers to a temple space within the main hall for congregated activities, a dedicated music room, and refurbished play areas serving both younger and older pupils.

A practical point for parents is lunchtime culture. The prospectus indicates lunches are vegetarian and cooked on-site, and it also states that packed lunches are not offered as an alternative. For some families, that simplicity is helpful; for others, it is an important consideration to check against dietary needs and preferences.

The 2024 Key Stage 2 outcomes are strong across the core measures. In reading, writing and mathematics combined, 79% reached the expected standard, above the England average of 62%.

Depth indicators are a key differentiator. At the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics, 33% achieved this benchmark, compared with the England average of 8%. That is a meaningful gap and usually indicates that teaching is not only securing pass-level competence but also stretching higher attainers.

Scaled scores reinforce that picture. Reading and maths are both recorded at 109, and grammar, punctuation and spelling is 113. These are well above the typical national reference point for scaled scores.

On FindMySchool’s ranking (based on official data), the school is ranked 410th in England for primary outcomes and 4th in Croydon. Put simply, performance is well above the England average, placing it in the top 10% of schools in England.

Parents comparing multiple Croydon schools may find it useful to use the FindMySchool Local Hub comparison tool to view these measures side-by-side rather than relying on impressionistic hearsay.

Curriculum breadth looks conventional on paper, with National Curriculum subjects taught across Key Stages 1 and 2, but with trust-wide elements that shape delivery. The school describes specialist input across areas such as modern languages, Sanskrit, physical education and yoga. The intention is that pupils experience both core literacy and numeracy structures and a wider programme that builds cultural and spiritual literacy in a planned way.

Reading is treated as a priority. Phonics is described in the latest inspection as systematic, with clear modelling and additional support where needed. The practical implication is that early decoding gaps should be identified quickly, which is often a predictor of later success in comprehension and writing.

The Avanti approach to teaching is also framed as evidence-informed, including explicit routines, small-step instruction, and regular review. Parents should expect fairly consistent classroom structures, which can suit pupils who do well with clarity and predictability.

As a Croydon primary, transition is through the standard local authority secondary transfer process, with families typically applying to a mix of nearby comprehensive schools and, where relevant, selective options in neighbouring areas. The most useful planning step is to begin secondary research early in Year 5, so that open events and application strategies are not left to the final term.

The school’s emphasis on character education can translate well into secondary expectations around independence and conduct. For families who value continuity of ethos, it may be worth considering how well prospective secondary schools align with the same behavioural and pastoral priorities, not only headline results.

Reception admissions are coordinated through the local authority route, with a published admissions deadline for the 2026 intake. Croydon’s 2026 to 2027 primary admissions prospectus lists the application window opening on 01 September 2025 and closing on 15 January 2026, with offers on 16 April 2026 and the acceptance deadline on 30 April 2026.

The school’s own admissions arrangements set out detailed oversubscription criteria. In summary, priority is given to children looked after or previously looked after, then siblings, then children of staff in specified circumstances. A defined number of places are reserved for applicants meeting Hindu practice criteria (including, for some places, worship at an ISKCON temple and certification via the supplementary information form). After these categories, remaining places are split between allocation by distance and allocation by random allocation.

Competition for places is real. The Reception entry data available here records 71 applications for 24 offers, which equates to 2.96 applications per place and indicates an oversubscribed picture.

Distance is part of the story but not the whole story because a portion of places can be allocated by random allocation once earlier criteria are applied. In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.406 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families considering the school should use FindMySchoolMap Search to check their exact distance from the school gates, then compare it with the last distance offered while remembering that allocation rules and cohorts vary year to year.

Pastoral systems here are closely linked to the school’s virtues framework, which encourages pupils to reflect on behaviour and relationships rather than simply comply. The latest inspection describes a calm, orderly environment and very strong behaviour, including pupils listening to each other and ensuring everyone can contribute in discussion.

Wellbeing is also addressed through structured provision. The school prospectus refers to yoga and mindfulness sessions within the wider programme, and upper Key Stage 2 pupils having opportunities for off-site retreats. The implication is that emotional regulation and reflection are actively taught, which may suit pupils who respond well to routine-based self-management strategies.

Safeguarding practice is described as effective in the latest inspection documentation.

Enrichment is positioned as a core part of the offer, not an optional extra for a small subset. In published materials, specialist strands include Sanskrit and yoga alongside music, arts and sport.

For families weighing practical after-school opportunities, it is sensible to expect the specific club list to change termly, but historical newsletters show examples of structured clubs such as football, street dance and a science club running in weekly slots. Treat these as indicative rather than guaranteed, and check the latest term’s programme directly with the school.

Educational visits also appear as a meaningful component of learning. The latest inspection report gives concrete examples, such as a Year 1 planetarium visit and a Year 6 earthquake simulation linked to geography content, which signals that trips are used to reinforce taught curriculum rather than sit outside it.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

The published attendance procedures indicate a 7:45am start, with gates opening at 7:40am and the register closing at 8:00am. The same policy indicates a 2:45pm finish.

Wraparound care is available via an after-school club running 2:45pm to 5:45pm during term time, priced at £12.50 per session, with a late collection charge described in the provider information.

Term dates for 2025 to 2026 are published, including an early finish at 12.30pm at the end of the summer term.

For travel and parking, school communications emphasise considerate parking and encourage walking where possible. Families who expect to drive regularly should factor in local congestion and the school’s expectations around safe drop-off routines.

• Admissions complexity. Allocation is not purely distance-based. Faith criteria, a supplementary information form for relevant categories, and a split between distance and random allocation mean families should read the admissions arrangements carefully before assuming proximity alone will secure a place.

• High demand. With 2.96 applications per place in the recorded Reception entry data, competition is a genuine constraint, and planning for alternatives is prudent.

• Lunch expectations. Vegetarian lunches are described as part of the school’s standard model, and packed lunches are stated as not being an option. Families should check how this works for allergies and preferences.

• Wraparound costs. After-school club is available, but it is a paid service. Parents should review how frequently they would use it and budget accordingly.

Krishna Avanti Primary School, Croydon combines a clear Hindu faith designation and character education model with academic outcomes that sit well above the England average. The strongest fit is for families who value virtues-led routines, a vegetarian lunch culture, and an evidence of high attainment at Key Stage 2, and who are willing to engage carefully with admissions rules and deadlines. Admission is the obstacle; for those who secure a place, the academic and cultural offer is unusually coherent.