Charlton Manor Primary School Review 2026: A Community-Centred Primary with Forest School and Strong Pastoral Care

Charlton Manor Primary School is a two-form entry state primary in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, distinguished by its Forest School programme, on-site teaching kitchen, and environmental education features including beehives and chickens. The school serves 470 pupils aged 3 to 11 across Charlton and surrounding neighbourhoods. Rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection (March 2023), Charlton Manor achieves results above the national average in key academic measures while prioritising pupil wellbeing and inclusive provision. Nursery places are available from age 3. The school holds Healthy Schools London Gold status and the Food for Life Gold Award, reflecting its commitment to health and nutrition education. Led by Headteacher Mrs A. Goold since September 2021, the school emphasises safeguarding, pupil voice through its Pupil Parliament, and a values-driven approach guided by Five Golden Rules.

Charlton Manor Primary School is founded on the principle that "every child, member of staff and parent has a right to feel safe at school." Safeguarding sits at the heart of the institution, with comprehensive programmes addressing county lines awareness, domestic abuse, online safety, FGM prevention, and radicalisation. This protective framework creates a calm, supportive environment in which children can thrive.

The school's commitment to pupil voice is evident through its Pupil Parliament, which ensures student perspectives shape key decisions. Behaviour expectations are guided by Five Golden Rules that provide clear, consistent boundaries while fostering mutual respect. The active Parent Club supports school initiatives and strengthens the home-school partnership.

An emphasis on environmental education and outdoor learning distinguishes Charlton Manor. The Forest School programme and the on-site Secret Garden provide hands-on experiences with nature, complemented by the school's beehives and chickens. These facilities support the school's Food for Life Gold Award and Healthy Schools London Gold status, recognising its holistic approach to wellbeing.

Ofsted inspectors in 2023 found that staff ensure pupils are safe and happy, responding positively to high ambitions for behaviour and learning. Pupils get along well, know what to do if they witness bullying, and trust staff to listen to their concerns. Cultural experiences and educational outings—such as Year 1's visit to Buckingham Palace during a Kings and Queens topic—enrich the curriculum and broaden horizons.

Charlton Manor delivers results above the national average across core subjects. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 77% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the national average of 62%. At the higher standard, 22% of pupils achieved greater depth in all three subjects, well ahead of the 8% national figure. In science, 83% reached the expected standard, matching the national average of 82%.

Individual subject performance shows consistent strength. In reading, 78% of pupils met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, and 26% achieved the high score. Mathematics outcomes were similarly robust: 76% at the expected standard, 24% at the high score, and an average scaled score of 106. Grammar, punctuation and spelling proved a particular strength, with 81% meeting the expected standard and 41% achieving the high score, backed by an average scaled score of 108. Writing saw 15% of pupils reach greater depth.

Nationally, Charlton Manor ranks 4,107th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools, placing it comfortably in the upper half of schools across England. Within Greenwich, the school holds 33rd place out of the borough's primary schools. These rankings reflect solid, consistent performance that serves pupils well for secondary transition.

The school takes an inclusive approach to special educational needs, with dedicated coordinator Mrs Johannesen overseeing provision. A Sensory Room supports pupils with sensory processing needs, while the Bucket Group offers targeted SEN support. All pupils, including those with SEND, access the full range of extracurricular opportunities. Ofsted noted that leaders ensure SEND pupils participate fully in school life and make positive contributions.

Early reading receives particular attention, with a structured phonics programme and Reading for Pleasure initiatives fostering a love of books. The school library provides a well-stocked resource for independent and guided reading.

Charlton Manor occupies a site on Indus Road in Charlton, SE7, with facilities that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom. The Forest School programme allows children to learn outdoors, develop resilience, and engage with the natural world. The Secret Garden serves as a hub for environmental education, while the teaching kitchen enables practical food preparation and nutrition education, supporting the school's Food for Life Gold Award.

Beehives and chickens on site provide daily contact with animals, teaching responsibility and the natural cycles of food production. A sensory room caters to pupils with additional needs, while the school library supports literacy development and independent reading habits.

Extracurricular provision includes a choir, Activity Passport initiatives, and international programmes that broaden cultural awareness. Ofsted inspectors praised the range of clubs, educational outings, and cultural experiences, noting that pupils enjoy these opportunities and that all children, including those with SEND, participate fully.

The school fosters community engagement through its Parent Club and emphasises the importance of partnerships between home and school. Pupil Parliament meetings ensure children's voices are heard in decisions affecting school life.

Admissions to Charlton Manor Primary School are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The school is heavily oversubscribed: in the most recent admissions round, 47 Reception places were offered against 126 applications, an oversubscription ratio of 2.68. All first-preference applicants who were offered a place received one, but competition for places is intense.

The furthest distance from which an offer was made was 1.92 miles. Proximity to the school is the primary criterion after statutory categories, so families living nearest to Indus Road have the strongest chance of securing a place. Greenwich Council's oversubscription criteria apply, prioritising children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings, and then distance.

Parents must complete the Common Application Form online via Greenwich Council. Applications open each autumn, and National Offer Day for Reception places falls in mid-April. Nursery admissions are handled separately by the school. Parents may apply for a nursery place once their child turns 2, though attendance cannot begin until the term after the child's third birthday. Holding a nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place; families must apply through Greenwich Council for entry to Reception.

Greenwich has recently adjusted planning areas affecting six schools, including Charlton Manor, to manage demand and align places with local neighbourhoods. Prospective families should consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Primary Schools 2024 to 2025 Booklet for detailed catchment maps and criteria, available from all Greenwich schools and the council website.

Given the oversubscription level, families living beyond the school's immediate catchment should consider naming alternative schools on their application and exploring other options within Greenwich.

Charlton Manor Primary School offers a well-rounded, community-centred education that places equal weight on academic achievement, pastoral care, and environmental learning. Results consistently exceed national averages, and the school's 77% combined reading, writing and mathematics attainment—15% above the national figure—demonstrates effective teaching and high expectations.

The school's Forest School programme, Secret Garden, and on-site animals create a distinctive learning environment that connects children with nature and supports outdoor education. The teaching kitchen and Food for Life Gold Award underline a commitment to health and nutrition that extends beyond the classroom. Healthy Schools London Gold status and the Inclusion Charter Mark reflect the school's holistic approach to wellbeing and inclusivity.

Safeguarding is embedded in the culture, and the Pupil Parliament ensures children's voices shape the school's direction. The calm, supportive atmosphere noted by Ofsted inspectors fosters positive relationships and addresses bullying effectively. SEN provision is inclusive, with dedicated spaces and targeted support ensuring all children participate fully.

Admissions pressure is considerable, with nearly three applicants for every place and a catchment extending 1.92 miles. Families should apply early and consider proximity carefully. Nursery provision exists, but does not guarantee a Reception place.

Charlton Manor suits families seeking a nurturing, inclusive primary school with strong pastoral care, solid academic results, and a distinctive emphasis on outdoor and environmental education. It is a community school in the truest sense, with active parental involvement and a commitment to every child's safety, wellbeing, and success.

Is Charlton Manor Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rates Charlton Manor as Good following its March 2023 inspection. Academic results are above the national average, with 77% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school provides a safe, happy environment with strong pastoral care and inclusive SEN provision.

How do I apply to Charlton Manor Primary School?

Apply online via the Royal Borough of Greenwich Common Application Form. Applications for Reception places open in the autumn, with National Offer Day in mid-April. Nursery applications are made directly to the school using a separate form, but a nursery place does not guarantee Reception entry. Consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich Primary Schools booklet for deadlines and criteria.

What is the catchment area for Charlton Manor Primary School?

The school serves the Charlton area of Greenwich. The furthest distance from which a Reception place was offered in the most recent round was 1.92 miles. Proximity to the school is the main criterion after statutory categories, so families living nearest to Indus Road in SE7 have the best chance of securing a place.

What makes Charlton Manor Primary School stand out?

The school's Forest School programme, Secret Garden, teaching kitchen, and on-site beehives and chickens create a distinctive outdoor and environmental learning environment. Charlton Manor holds Healthy Schools London Gold status and the Food for Life Gold Award. Pupil Parliament ensures children's voices are heard, and safeguarding is central to the school's ethos.

What are the school's results like?

Results are above national averages. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 77% met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined (national average 62%), and 22% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects (national average 8%). Grammar, punctuation and spelling is a particular strength, with 41% achieving the high score.