Livingstone Primary and Nursery School: Outstanding Education in New Barnet

On the edge of Hadley Wood, where Victorian pathways meet modern school building, sits Livingstone Primary and Nursery School, a small, friendly one-form entry school with an outsized heart. The school occupies extensive grounds with spacious classrooms and excellent outdoor facilities in New Barnet, Enfield. Since the December 2023 Ofsted inspection, which awarded Outstanding across all areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, this school has become known as a beacon of inclusive education. The school currently educates 249 pupils across Reception through Year 6, plus nursery children, with proven KS2 results that place it well above England average. In 2024, 74% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, significantly outperforming the England average of 62%. The school ranks 869th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the top 6% of schools nationally and ranking 6th locally across Enfield's 87 primaries.

Stepping through the doors at Livingstone, one experiences what the school describes as a place where "you feel loved and in the right place." The Ofsted report captures this precisely: "Everyone thrives in this school." Right from early years, there is what inspectors noted as "an ethos of placing no limits on pupils' achievement and personal development," with staff making "a huge effort to include all pupils in every aspect of school life." The atmosphere is one of genuine warmth and acceptance. Pupils report feeling part of an "inclusive, kind and caring community," and behaviour is exemplary throughout the school, with "high expectations set right from the start of the early years and maintained throughout."

Mrs Giovanna Phelan has led the school as Headteacher since 2011, bringing expertise in special educational needs and a vision of full inclusion. Her background includes work as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator and previous Deputy Headteacher roles focused on inclusion and safeguarding. The school describes itself as "one big family," and this is not mere marketing language. The inspector noted that "staff foster an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated for who they are" and that "pupils said they have lovely teachers and support staff who always look out for them. This makes them feel safe and thoroughly well cared for." Staff morale is notably high, with educators reporting they "feel highly valued and are invested in all that the school stands for," whilst leaders are "approachable and support staff's well-being and career development."

The school's multicultural identity is celebrated and valued. Over 38% of pupils have English as an additional language, with new arrivals "soon assimilated into their new classes with plenty of friends willing to help them find their feet." This diversity is woven throughout school life, creating a community where different backgrounds are not merely tolerated but actively celebrated.

Livingstone Primary achieved outstanding KS2 results in 2024. The school's scaled scores tell a story of strong teaching and effective progress. Reading achieved an average scaled score of 110 (England average: 100), with 80% of pupils meeting expected standard and 50% achieving the higher standard. Mathematics scored 108 on average (England average: 100), with 73% reaching expected standard and 33% achieving higher standard. Grammar, punctuation and spelling achieved 110 on average (England average: 100), with 77% meeting expected standard and 47% achieving higher standard. Combined across reading, writing and mathematics, 74% of pupils achieved the expected standard, compared to 62% across England. At the higher standard, 35% of Livingstone pupils achieved greater depth, compared to the England average of 8%.

The school's overall KS2 performance places it 869th in England (FindMySchool ranking), within the top 6% nationally and 6th among Enfield's 87 primary schools. This reflects sustained progress over several years. The teaching of reading is evidently a priority. The Ofsted report notes that "the teaching of reading has primacy" and "all staff have the expertise to teach the school's phonics programme effectively." The school has implemented what they describe as a "well-established rich and ambitious curriculum" with pupils achieving "extremely well due to high-quality work."

The curriculum at Livingstone is notable for its breadth and ambition. On Wednesdays, all children experience the "Creative Curriculum," delivered by specialist teachers who offer a carefully curated selection of physical and artistic activities including sports, dance, drama and arts and crafts. This approach ensures every child experiences specialist teaching beyond the core subjects, fostering confidence across multiple disciplines.

Teaching methodology follows evidence-based practice. Teachers use what inspectors described as "expert knowledge to set learning activities ensuring pupils build knowledge and skills securely over time." The focus on foundational skills is complemented by broader curriculum ambition. Children with SEND receive what the inspector described as support from "highly trained expert staff" who "ensure pupils with SEND achieve extremely well across subjects." Staff are specifically trained in managing behaviour and emotions from the earliest years, with clear, consistent routines creating an environment where children understand expectations and feel secure.

The school has been explicit about its curriculum intent, describing an approach designed to "instil high aspirations in all our children and to encourage them to become resilient, life-long learners who embrace challenges and continue to grow and develop their cultural capital." This is reflected in choices made around core academic subjects but also enrichment opportunities, visit programs and community engagement.

Inclusion and Autism Provision

The Kingfisher Autism Resource Provision stands as a cornerstone of the school's inclusive approach. This provision caters for children with autism, offering both individual learning programmes within the dedicated provision and carefully structured support within mainstream classes. Children are supported through specialist teaching alongside "buddying" with mainstream peers, creating genuine peer connection alongside tailored support. The school holds 16 pupils on roll within the resourced provision against a capacity of 14, reflecting strong demand and genuine effectiveness.

The school's approach to SEND more broadly is comprehensive. With 18% of the cohort identified as needing SEN support and specialist staff deployed to work alongside class teachers, inclusive practice is embedded throughout daily life rather than confined to separate provision. The school has appointed Anna Ferdenzi as Head of SEND and Lisa Nicholson as SENCo, ensuring expertise at leadership level.

Most pupils progress to East Barnet School, the nearest non-selective secondary. The school maintains close transition relationships with secondary partners, preparing pupils thoroughly for the move to Year 7. For those seeking selective grammar school entry, approximately 50% of pupils in recent cohorts have progressed to grammar schools including the Reading Grammar schools, demonstrating that Livingstone provides a strong foundation for competitive entry. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus style questions through its curriculum but does not position itself as a grammar school "prep," instead focusing on developing confident, curious learners prepared for whatever secondary phase they enter.

Extracurricular life at Livingstone reflects commitment to breadth and genuine inclusivity. The after-school club programme runs throughout the week, offering Football Club, Netball Club, Athletics Club, Yoga Club, and Dance Club. Beyond these regular fixtures, the school organises competitive sporting events with pupils representing the school at the Borough Athletics Meeting held annually at Copthall Stadium, one of London's premier athletics facilities, and at the Barnet Dance Festival held at the Artsdepot, the borough's centre for contemporary performance.

The Creative Curriculum sessions on Wednesdays provide additional opportunities beyond these formal clubs. Drama, music, art and physical activities are woven throughout the curriculum, not relegated to optional extras. Year 4 camps, Year 5 day trips to France and Year 6's Isle of Wight residential trip are annual landmarks that develop confidence, social skills and independence. Forest School provision is available through the extended services programme, allowing younger pupils to develop outdoor learning and problem-solving skills in natural settings.

For working families, the school operates a comprehensive wraparound care system. Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am to 8:40am, providing childcare before the school day begins at 8:50am. After school, Cabin Club operates from 3:15pm to 5:45pm, allowing families flexibility with work schedules. The school also offers a Toddler Group and Forest School provision during holidays and extended services.

The school's approach to music includes teaching recorder to all Year 4 pupils, with those demonstrating aptitude able to progress to other instruments through individual or small group tuition. School productions and performances feature prominently throughout the year, creating opportunities for performance and confidence-building alongside academic learning.

Nursery Provision

The school operates a nursery catering for children from age 3, providing both morning and afternoon sessions. Early years follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with what the Ofsted inspection rated as "Outstanding" early years provision. The nursery is fully integrated into school life, with early learners experiencing the same values of inclusion and high expectations that define the wider school. The school receives pupils through government-funded early years hours (15 or 30 hours depending on age and eligibility), with parents responsible for any additional hours beyond funded provision. For current nursery fees and available government funding, families should visit the school website.

Livingstone Primary operates as a one-form entry community primary school. Admissions are coordinated through Barnet Local Authority via the Common Application Form. In 2024, the school received 180 applications for 28 Reception places (6.43:1 ratio), making it significantly oversubscribed. Places are allocated first to looked-after children, then children with EHCPs naming the school, then by distance from the school gates. Sibling priority applies once higher-priority categories are exhausted. The school has no formal catchment boundary, meaning admission depends on proximity and available spaces.

For pupils with SEND, including autism, applications go through the SEND admissions process. Families wishing to request the Kingfisher Autism Resource Provision should contact the local authority's SEND team. Transition to the provision is handled sensitively, often over a period of weeks or months, allowing children to settle gradually.

In-year admissions are similarly coordinated through Barnet Local Authority. Families should contact the council's admissions team rather than approaching the school directly. The school's contact telephone number is 0208 449 2592, and the office email is office@livingstone.barnetmail.net.

School day

School gates open at 8:40am, with all children required to be in school by 8:50am. The school day closes at 3:15pm. Pupils are in school for 32 hours per week.

Wraparound care

Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am to 8:40am (cost applies). Cabin Club runs from 3:15pm to 5:45pm (cost applies, contact 07960263145). Both services help working families access additional childcare provision.

Location and transport

The school is situated in New Barnet on Baring Road in Enfield, on the edge of Hadley Wood. Public transport links include the High Barnet station on the Northern Line (approximately 10 minutes walk). Several local bus routes serve the area, and considerable on-street parking is available during school hours. Cycle access is reasonable, with safe walking routes through the surrounding area.

Staff and leadership

Headteacher Mrs Giovanna Phelan, Head of SEND Anna Ferdenzi, SENCo Lisa Nicholson/Anna Ferdenzi, School Business Manager Sarah Kelly, Site Manager Stuart Sudbury, Chair of Governors Clive Partridge.

Pastoral support is a genuine strength, with the Ofsted report highlighting that "staff foster an inclusive and caring community, promoting pupils' welfare and safety effectively." The school operates a strong behavior policy with clear, consistent expectations set from Reception onwards. Pupils' behaviour is described as "exemplary" with "high expectations set right from the start of the early years and maintained throughout the school."

The school makes specific provision for emotional support. Teaching staff work closely with pupils, and the school indicates that additional counselling or support can be arranged where needed. The approach to bullying and conflict is proactive, with staff trained to respond quickly and fairly. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with the inspection noting particular strengths in this area.

Parent engagement is extensive. The school operates a Parent Champions scheme and actively involves parents through the PTA, school events and regular communication. Work with parents and families was specifically noted by inspectors as "extensive, with parent representatives and champions supporting others."

Oversubscription: With 6.43 applications per place in 2024, admission is highly competitive. Unless your address is very close to the school or you have a sibling already on roll, securing a place cannot be assumed. Families should confirm the current admissions ratio and last distance offered with Barnet Local Authority before building housing decisions around this school.

One-form entry: The school is small, with only one class per year group. This creates genuine benefits (staff know every child well, calm atmosphere) but means limited peer group within each year group and fewer options within school if a child needs to move classes. Year groups contain approximately 30 pupils, so the friendship groups are relatively tight-knit.

Limited secondary transition: The school is a primary-only setting. Pupils leave at the end of Year 6 for secondary school. Unlike all-through schools, there is no "safety" of staying in familiar buildings. However, the school's strong transition relationships with local secondaries mitigate this.

Livingstone Primary and Nursery School delivers outstanding education wrapped in genuine warmth and inclusion. The December 2023 Ofsted inspection that awarded Outstanding across all areas reflects reality. KS2 results well above England average, a curriculum that balances academic rigour with breadth and creativity, exceptional inclusive practice particularly around autism support, and an atmosphere where every child is genuinely known and valued make this a school where children thrive. The school genuinely lives its value of placing "no limits on pupils' achievement." It suits families seeking a small, intimate school community where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is authentic rather than tokenistic, and academic ambition is paired with emotional support. The primary challenge is securing admission in the first place.