Montpelier Primary School Review 2026: Top Results in a Busy London Suburb

In the heart of Ealing, where Edwardian streets converge on green spaces and the underground hums beneath, Montpelier serves 682 children in a three-form entry that makes it one of the larger primaries in west London. The 2024 KS2 results place it 200th in England and 2nd in Ealing, positioning it firmly among the highest-performing primaries in the country (top 2%). 90% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that towers above the England average of 62%. The school's nursery provision, from age three, means some families secure an early foothold in a fiercely competitive admissions landscape.

At drop-off, the gates on Montpelier Road reveal the organised energy that marks a well-run primary. Children stream in with purpose, greeting staff by name. The main building has been extended over decades, creating a campus that balances period character with modern teaching spaces. The latest Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated the school Good, noting particularly strong behaviour and personal development.

Mrs Katie Pearce has led Montpelier since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Richmond. Under her tenure, academic outcomes have strengthened further, consolidating the school's position in the elite tier of London primaries. Staff turnover is low, and teaching expertise runs deep. Several staff members have worked at the school for over a decade, providing continuity and institutional memory.

The school's values, prominently displayed, centre on Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience. These are not just aspirational words. Inspectors noted that pupils embody these principles in their daily interactions, and the language permeates assemblies, lessons, and the behaviour policy.

Pupils describe a calm, purposeful environment where expectations are clear. The inspection report highlights the strong sense of community and the way older pupils support younger ones through buddy systems and reading partnerships. For a large primary, the atmosphere feels surprisingly cohesive.

The 2024 KS2 outcomes tell a story of consistent excellence. 90% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. The school ranks 200th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the highest-performing primaries in England (top 2%). Locally, it ranks 2nd among 79 primaries in Ealing, an extraordinary achievement in a competitive borough.

Reading scaled scores averaged 109 (England average: 100), with 88% reaching expected standards and 42% achieving higher standards. In mathematics, the picture strengthens further. The average scaled score of 111 exceeded England norms, with 94% meeting expected standards and 58% achieving higher scores. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling proved a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 113 and 72% hitting higher standards.

At the higher standard, 45% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This figure indicates not only strong teaching but also a culture of academic ambition.

Science outcomes reinforced the pattern, with 97% of pupils meeting expected standards compared to the England average of 82%.

The curriculum follows the national framework with notable enrichment. French begins in Year 3, taught by a specialist. Setting in mathematics starts in Year 5, allowing targeted support and stretch. Year 6 pupils receive additional small-group intervention in the spring term to consolidate learning before SATs, a practice inspectors noted as highly effective.

Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and explain concepts with clarity. Lessons observed during the Ofsted inspection showed high expectations across the board, with pupils responding to challenge positively. The school has invested in phonics and early reading, with systematic synthetic phonics taught daily in Reception and Year 1. By Year 2, most pupils read fluently and with comprehension.

The curriculum in subjects beyond the core is broad. History and geography are taught thematically, with half-termly topics linking across subjects. Art and design technology feature prominently, with a dedicated art room and kiln for ceramics. Music provision includes whole-class instrumental tuition in Year 4 (ukulele) and Year 5 (djembe drums).

Computing is taught discretely and embedded across the curriculum, with pupils learning coding from Year 3. The school uses a range of technology, including iPads and laptops, though inspectors noted that embedding technology use more consistently remains a development priority.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, providing strong adult presence. The school's SENCO works full-time, coordinating support for approximately 95 pupils on the SEN register, roughly 14% of the cohort. Provision includes targeted phonics intervention, speech and language therapy sessions (delivered by an external therapist weekly), and nurture groups for pupils needing additional emotional support.

Behaviour is excellent. Inspectors noted that pupils are polite, respectful, and genuinely engaged in their learning. The behaviour policy is clear, consistently applied, and understood by pupils. Low-level disruption is rare. Exclusions are extremely uncommon.

A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support. The school also employs a family support worker, who liaises with external agencies and helps families navigate challenges beyond the school gates.

Safeguarding procedures are robust, with staff training up to date and a culture of vigilance. The designated safeguarding lead is accessible, and pupils know whom to speak to if they have concerns.

The extracurricular programme runs Monday to Thursday after school, with clubs changing termly to maintain variety. Current offerings include football, netball, basketball, dodgeball, chess, art, coding, choir, recorder ensemble, gardening, and drama. Participation rates are high, with most pupils attending at least one club per term.

Music thrives. The choir performs at community events and participates in the Ealing Music Festival. Pupils speak enthusiastically about opportunities to perform, whether in assemblies, concerts, or productions.

Sport is taken seriously. The school fields teams in local competitions for football, netball, and athletics. Inter-house sports competitions run throughout the year, fostering healthy competition and team spirit. Playground facilities include a large field, multiple courts, and adventure equipment.

Annual residential trips provide memorable experiences. Year 6 pupils spend three nights at an outdoor education centre in Sussex, participating in orienteering, climbing, and team challenges. Year 4 pupils enjoy a day trip to the Science Museum, while Year 3 visits Hampton Court Palace as part of their Tudor history topic.

The school actively engages with the local community. Harvest festival collections support local food banks, and pupils participate in litter-picking initiatives in Lammas Park. Links with local secondary schools ease transition, with Year 6 pupils visiting their future schools multiple times before transfer.

Admissions for Reception entry are coordinated by Ealing Council, not directly by the school. The application deadline is 15 January for September entry. Montpelier is consistently oversubscribed, a reflection of its strong reputation and central location. In 2024, the school received 364 applications for 90 places, a subscription ratio of 4.04.

After looked-after children, previously looked-after children, and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by straight-line distance from the school gate. There is no formal catchment boundary, and proximity is the primary determining factor.

The last distance offered in 2024 was 0.645 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families living within half a mile have historically had a strong chance of securing a place, but this is not guaranteed.

Siblings receive no automatic priority beyond the distance criterion. Families with an older child at the school must still live within the qualifying distance for younger children to gain places.

The school operates a nursery for children from age three, offering morning and afternoon sessions. Nursery attendance provides no automatic right to a Reception place, but it does allow families to establish a connection with the school and understand its culture before applying for Reception.

The majority of Montpelier leavers progress to Drayton Manor High School, the nearest non-selective secondary, located approximately one mile away. Drayton Manor is a large, mixed comprehensive with a strong sixth form and solid academic results. Transition arrangements are well-established, with Year 6 pupils visiting for taster days and participating in joint projects.

A significant minority of pupils sit the 11-plus for selective grammar schools. In 2024, approximately 20 pupils secured places at grammar schools, including Tiffin School, Latymer School, and St Olave's Grammar School. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus question formats in Year 6, but emphasises this is not intensive preparation. Families seeking focused grammar school coaching typically arrange external tutoring.

Independent school destinations feature less prominently, though a handful of pupils transfer each year to schools such as St Benedict's School and Notting Hill and Ealing High School, often supported by scholarships or bursaries.

The transition process begins in the spring term of Year 6, with secondary school applications submitted in the autumn. The school hosts a transition evening for parents, outlining the application process and offering practical advice. Year 6 staff liaise closely with receiving schools to ensure smooth handovers, particularly for pupils with SEN.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a supervised, calm start to the day with breakfast available. After-school club runs until 6pm, offering a range of activities and homework support. Both clubs must be booked in advance and incur charges; details are available on the school website.

Holiday club operates during main school holidays, though availability is limited and places book up quickly. Families requiring wraparound care during school closures should plan ahead.

Montpelier is well-served by public transport. Ealing Common Underground station (District and Piccadilly lines) is a seven-minute walk. Bus routes 207, 427, and E3 stop nearby on Uxbridge Road. For families driving, parking on surrounding streets is controlled by residents' permits, and drop-off congestion at peak times can be challenging. The school encourages walking, cycling, and use of public transport where possible.

School uniform is required and available from a designated supplier. The school operates a second-hand uniform scheme, run by the PTA, offering good-quality items at reduced prices.

Tight catchment. With a last distance offered of 0.645 miles in 2024, securing a place requires living close to the school. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances before relying on a place here. Moving house to access the school is a significant decision, and there is no guarantee the catchment will remain stable.

Size and pace. With 682 pupils, Montpelier is a large primary. Some children thrive in the energy and variety this brings; others may find it overwhelming, particularly in the early years. Class sizes of 30 mean children need to adapt to busier environments than they might experience in smaller schools.

Academic pressure. With results in the elite tier and a culture where many families pursue grammar school entry, the environment is academically driven. For children who find learning more challenging, this may feel pressured. The school provides strong support for pupils with additional needs, but families should consider whether a highly academic environment suits their child.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception. While the nursery provides an early introduction to the school, attendance offers no priority in Reception admissions. Distance remains the sole criterion. Families should not assume nursery attendance secures a Reception place.

Montpelier delivers outstanding primary education in a large, well-resourced setting. Results place it among the highest-performing schools in England, and teaching quality is consistently strong. The size brings advantages: specialist staff, extensive facilities, and a broad extracurricular offer. Best suited to families within the tight catchment who want academically rigorous education in a supportive, values-driven community. The main challenge is securing a place; for those who do, the educational experience is exceptional.