Foxfield Primary School Review 2026: Elite Performance in Plumstead

Foxfield Primary School stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Plumstead, serving a diverse community within the London Borough of Greenwich. As a three-form entry state school, it balances a significant capacity of 630 pupils with an atmosphere of high ambition and focused learning. The school is a founding member of the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust, a collaboration that has shaped its trajectory into one of the highest-performing primaries in England.

Recent data places Foxfield in the elite tier of English schools, sitting within the top 2% of schools in England (294th out of over 15,000). Locally, it ranks 2nd among all primaries in Greenwich, a position that reflects consistent investment in teaching quality and a curriculum designed to broaden horizons beyond the immediate locality.

The atmosphere at Foxfield is defined by a sense of purpose and a visible commitment to its core values of Collaboration, Curiosity, and Resilience. Under the leadership of Co-Headteachers Ms Megan Taplin and Ms Tatum Sharp, who have led the school since January 2021, Foxfield operates with a clear global perspective. This is not a school that merely focuses on local benchmarks; it seeks to prepare pupils for a world that is increasingly interconnected.

The physical environment is designed to stimulate learning, with recent investments in digital technology and shared learning spaces that encourage pupils to work together. Despite its size, the school maintains a calm and orderly environment. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, and there is a palpable sense of pride in the achievements of the school community. The inclusion of an on-site nursery ensures that the school's high expectations and nurturing culture are established from the earliest age.

The academic performance at Foxfield Primary School is exceptional, significantly outperforming both Greenwich and England averages. In 2024, 83% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that sits well above the England average of 62%.

The school ranks 294th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 2nd among 64 primaries in Greenwich. These metrics place Foxfield in the elite tier, outperforming 98% of schools in England.

Further density is found in the higher standard achievements. At Foxfield, 49% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. This suggests that the teaching is particularly effective at stretching the most able pupils. Scaled scores remain consistently high, with reading at 110 and mathematics at 109, both of which comfortably exceed the national benchmarks.

Teaching at Foxfield follows a highly structured, research-informed approach. The curriculum is built around the idea of a global citizen, ensuring that pupils do not just learn facts but understand the context of their knowledge. Specialist teaching is a feature of the school, particularly in areas like physical education and the arts, which ensures that pupils receive expert instruction across all subjects.

The use of technology is integrated seamlessly into the daily routine. Every pupil in Key Stage 2 has access to a personal device, allowing for a blended learning approach that supports both independent research and collaborative projects. This digital strategy is not a gimmick; it is a fundamental pillar of how the school delivers its ambitious curriculum and tracks individual progress.

Wellbeing is central to the Foxfield experience. The school employs a dedicated pastoral team that includes a family liaison officer and wellbeing leads. This team provides a vital bridge between home and school, ensuring that any barriers to learning are identified and addressed early. The school follows a restorative approach to behaviour, focusing on understanding the impact of actions and repairing relationships rather than simple punitive measures.

The sensory and emotional needs of pupils are well catered for. Small group interventions and a dedicated nurture space provide a sanctuary for those who may need additional support with regulation or social skills. This inclusive culture ensures that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, feel safe and supported within the school environment.

The extracurricular life at Foxfield is vibrant and designed to provide pupils with experiences they might not otherwise access. The school offers a range of clubs including The Debate Society, Leg Robotics, and a high-performance Athletics Club. Music is also a strength, with the Foxfield Choir performing at regional events and a variety of instrumental lessons available.

STEM excellence is a priority, evidenced by the school’s participation in regional science fairs and coding competitions. The school has invested in industry-standard equipment for its STEM lab, allowing pupils to engage in practical experiments that go beyond the standard primary curriculum. Frequent trips to London’s museums and galleries ensure that the city's cultural assets are an extension of the classroom.

Foxfield Primary School is a highly sought-after institution, resulting in a status of being significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 321 applications for just 90 Reception places, a subscription proportion of 3.57 applications for every available seat.

Admissions are managed by Greenwich Local Authority. After priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, distance is the deciding factor. In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.393 miles. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to this benchmark. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Leavers from Foxfield typically transition to a range of high-performing secondary schools within Greenwich and the surrounding boroughs. Popular destinations include St Ursula’s Convent School, The Halley Academy, and Thomas Tallis School.

The school maintains strong links with local secondaries to ensure a smooth transition. Year 6 pupils participate in a structured transition programme that includes workshops on study skills and emotional resilience. For those pursuing selective education, the school provides guidance on the 11-plus process, though it remains a mainstream primary focused on its broad curriculum.

Fees & Financial Aid

Foxfield is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees for pupils. Parents should, however, account for modest costs associated with school life, such as the branded uniform and optional educational visits. The school is committed to ensuring these costs do not become a barrier; support is often available for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

The on-site nursery follows the same state-funded model. Families are eligible for 15 or 30 hours of government-funded childcare depending on their circumstances. For any hours exceeding the funded entitlement, parents should contact the school office directly for the current hourly rates and availability.

The school day at Foxfield begins at 8:50am and finishes at 3:20pm. Wraparound care is a significant benefit for working families. The school hosts a breakfast club starting at 7:30am, costing £4 per session or £20 per week. The Evergreen after-school club runs until 6:00pm, priced at £14 per day or £50 per week.

The school is located a short walk from Plumstead station, making it accessible for families commuting within South East London. While parking is limited on Sandbach Place, the school encourages walking and cycling, providing secure scooter and bike storage on site.

• Extreme oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families living beyond the 0.4-mile radius are statistically unlikely to secure a place under the distance criteria.
• Intensity of pace: The school’s elite ranking is a result of a fast-paced and ambitious curriculum. While this suits many, pupils who require more time to process concepts may find the environment demanding.
• Digital immersion: The heavy reliance on digital devices from an early age is a core part of the pedagogy. Parents who prefer a more traditional, screen-free primary experience may find this approach a significant shift.

Foxfield Primary School is an exceptional choice for families seeking an academically rigorous, tech-forward education within a supportive community framework. Its elite national ranking and outstanding local reputation are well-deserved, reflecting a school that refuses to let postcode define potential. Best suited to ambitious families who live in the immediate vicinity and want a primary education that prepares children for a global future. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.