Ealdham Primary School Review 2026: Community-Focused Learning in Eltham

Ealdham Primary School, a two-form entry community primary serving 3–11-year-olds in Eltham, operates under the motto "Delight, Excite, Achieve." Led by headteacher Mr C York, the school provides nursery through Year 6 education for up to 520 pupils, creating what it describes as "a safe haven" where children of all abilities and backgrounds develop exploration skills and experience the thrill of achievement. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2021, recognising a journey that has seen consistent improvement over the past decade. The school's commitment to local heritage is evident in its curriculum, which celebrates the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich and regularly takes learning beyond the classroom to key locations across the borough.

Ealdham Primary encourages every pupil to "shine like a diamond" in all endeavours, embedding a culture of mutual respect and high expectations. The school's vision centres on creating an environment where children develop as confident explorers and investigators, supported by staff who value each child's unique background and ability. This ethos is reflected in the school's approach to learning, which extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries to include partnerships with organisations such as the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, enriching pupils' experiences with place-based education rooted in their local area.

Under Mr York's leadership, the school has maintained its Good rating and continues to build on the positive trajectory noted in successive Ofsted reports. The 2021 inspection found that "pupils talked about their learning with enthusiasm. They love it when they learn new things," indicating a culture where curiosity is fostered and achievement celebrated. Parents considering Ealdham will find a school that prioritises inclusivity and community connection alongside academic progress.

Ealdham Primary delivers results that are in line with national averages, with recent outcomes showing areas of particular strength in reading and grammar. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 78% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the national average of 62%. This places the school comfortably above the typical national performance and ranks it 38th among primary schools in Greenwich.

Breaking down the results further, 81% of pupils met the expected standard in reading (national average: 62%), with 39% achieving the higher standard. In mathematics, 74% reached the expected level, and in grammar, punctuation and spelling, 78% met expectations with an impressive 44% achieving the higher standard. Average scaled scores of 107 in both reading and grammar demonstrate consistent performance in literacy fundamentals. Science outcomes were also strong, with 80% of pupils reaching the expected standard.

The school offers two PE lessons per week, with swimming instruction for Years 4, 5 and 6, ensuring all children have the opportunity to learn to swim by the end of Key Stage 2. Similarly, every Year 6 pupil will have had the chance to learn guitar or drums, reflecting the school's commitment to a broad, balanced curriculum. The outdoor areas are well-utilised to support early years learning, and the school maintains partnerships that enable pupils to participate in competitive sporting activities.

Ealdham Explorers, the school's wraparound care programme, provides before- and after-school provision, including breakfast club and a range of after-school clubs such as gymnastics. The school choir performs annually at St John's Church in Eltham at Christmas, and the entire school, from Nursery to Year 6, takes part in the Ealdham Carnival, a summer-term performance for the local community and parents.

Ealdham Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. For Reception entry, the school typically offers 60 places annually and receives around 111 applications, creating a subscription rate of 1.85 times the available places. All applicants who listed Ealdham as their first preference and were offered a place received their first choice, indicating that the school fills its places primarily from families who make it their top priority.

Applications are managed through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated admissions process. The school follows standard local authority criteria, prioritising looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings, and then children living nearest to the school. The furthest distance offered a place in recent years was 2.95 miles, though this can vary annually depending on the number and location of applicants, particularly when sibling priority applies.

Parents aiming for a Reception place at Ealdham should expect competition and are advised to consider their proximity carefully. The school welcomes prospective parents to visit; details of tour arrangements for September 2026 Reception entry can be found on the school website. Applications must be submitted via the Greenwich online admissions portal, with deadlines typically in mid-January for the following September entry. Offers are usually made in mid-April.

Ealdham Primary School offers a solid, community-centred education where pupils achieve results consistently above national averages in a nurturing environment. The school's distinctive focus on celebrating Greenwich's heritage, combined with its partnerships with local cultural and scientific institutions, provides children with a curriculum that feels connected to the world around them. Parents seeking a Good-rated school with strong literacy outcomes, broad extracurricular opportunities and a clear commitment to inclusivity will find much to value here.

The oversubscription and catchment distance of nearly three miles indicate healthy demand, though families living further from Ealdham Square should manage expectations and ensure they have realistic backup options. For those within reasonable distance, the school delivers what it promises: a place where children are encouraged to shine, supported to achieve, and genuinely excited about their learning.

Is Ealdham Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rated Ealdham Primary School as Good in its most recent inspection in October 2021. The school delivers results above national averages, particularly in reading and grammar, and inspectors noted that pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and keen to discover new things.

How do I apply to Ealdham Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated admissions scheme. You must submit your application online via the Greenwich admissions portal, typically by mid-January for September entry the following year. Visit the Royal Borough of Greenwich website or contact the council's admissions team on 020 8854 8888 for guidance and deadlines.

What is the catchment area for Ealdham Primary School?

Ealdham Primary School does not operate a defined catchment area but uses distance from the school as a tiebreaker after other admissions criteria. The furthest distance offered a place in recent years was approximately 2.95 miles. This distance can fluctuate annually depending on application numbers and sibling priority, so families should check with Greenwich Council for the most recent year's data.

Does Ealdham Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Ealdham Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3. Contact the school directly to enquire about nursery admissions, availability and session patterns.

What extracurricular activities does Ealdham Primary School offer?

The school provides a range of extracurricular opportunities including after-school clubs such as gymnastics, a breakfast club, and the Ealdham Explorers wraparound care programme. The school choir performs at local events, and all pupils participate in the annual Ealdham Carnival. Pupils also have access to competitive sports opportunities through school partnerships.

What are the school's results like?

In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 78% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the national average of 62%. Ealdham ranks 38th among primary schools in Greenwich, placing it in the top half of local schools and performing solidly in line with the national norm across all subjects.