Gordon Primary School Review 2026: A Well-Regarded Eltham Community Primary with Outstanding Behaviour

Gordon Primary School stands out in Eltham for its Outstanding behaviour rating from Ofsted, a rare distinction reflecting exceptional pupil conduct and attitudes to learning. Located on Grangehill Road in the London Borough of Greenwich, this two-form entry state primary serves 422 children aged 3 to 11 in a Grade II Listed building with historical architectural significance. The school's motto, "Be The Best You Can Be," underpins a curriculum delivering above-average results in reading, writing, and mathematics, placing it in line with national performance standards. Led by headteacher Mr Jason Taylor, Gordon Primary combines a strong academic foundation with wraparound care, a broad extracurricular programme, and a house system fostering healthy competition and community spirit.

Gordon Primary School operates within a framework of high expectations for behaviour and personal development. Ofsted inspectors in November 2023 awarded the school an Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes, noting that pupils behave well, demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, and want to do well. Friendships, positive relationships, and kindness are actively encouraged by leaders, with pupil "friendship ambassadors" receiving training to help peers join in with games and make friends.

The school motto, "Be The Best You Can Be," is more than rhetoric. Leaders have embedded a systematic approach to teaching reading and developed a well-structured curriculum that matches national expectations. Pupils are taught to be respectful and welcoming to everyone, creating an inclusive environment where 23% of pupils speak English as an additional language and the school community reflects Eltham's diverse population.

The historic school building, a Grade II Listed structure, adds character to the campus and connects pupils to local heritage. While the listing includes original huts in the playground's southwest corner, the site has been adapted to meet modern educational needs with wraparound care facilities, specialist teaching spaces, and areas for the school's varied extracurricular clubs.

Leadership is stable and collaborative, with headteacher Mr Jason Taylor supported by deputy headteacher Mrs Charlie Fabian and assistant headteacher Mrs Hannah Cuesta, who also serves as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). The school's governing body and an active Parents' Association, Friends of the Gordon (PTA), contribute to decision-making and community engagement. Regular newsletters keep families informed, and the house system—currently led by Dunvegan as House Cup Champions—fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition.

Gordon Primary School's academic performance is solid, with most recent Key Stage 2 results placing it in line with national averages. In the latest assessments, 76% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, comfortably above the national average of 62%. More impressively, 28% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, significantly exceeding the national figure of 8%.

Breaking down the results by subject, 79% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, with 42% achieving high scores. In mathematics, 75% reached the expected standard and 33% the higher level. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling saw particularly strong performance, with 81% meeting expectations and 48% reaching the high score threshold. Average scaled scores were 106 in reading and mathematics, and 108 in grammar, all above the national baseline of 100.

The curriculum is well thought through and follows a systematic approach, particularly in early reading. Phonics instruction is a priority from the early years, ensuring pupils develop strong foundational skills. In some subjects, however, inspectors noted that where teaching does not follow the curriculum as intended, pupils can develop gaps in their knowledge. School leaders are aware of this and continue to refine curriculum delivery to ensure consistency across all year groups.

Pupils who need extra support are helped to catch up and keep up. The school identifies the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) swiftly and ensures the right support is in place, led by Mrs Cuesta. With 10% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school remains attentive to disadvantaged learners, though specific targeted intervention data is not publicly detailed.

Early years provision has been rated Good by Ofsted, with 52 nursery places and 60 reception places available. Children in the early years benefit from a structured curriculum that prepares them for Key Stage 1, with strong emphasis on communication, literacy, and social skills.

While Gordon Primary does not publish Progress 8 or attainment scores for secondary phases (as it is a primary school), its solid performance in national assessments positions pupils well for transition to local secondary schools. The school's ranking of 4,097th in England places it around the 27th percentile nationally—a middle-ranking performance that reflects consistent, dependable teaching rather than selective or exceptionally high outcomes.

Gordon Primary School offers a varied programme of extracurricular clubs that enrich the curriculum and cater to diverse interests. Clubs span sports, musical theatre, dance, gymnastics, reading, drawing, and board games, available both before and after school. Parents praise the breadth of options, with one review noting, "We love the extra-curricular clubs too—lots of sports, music and drama options available."

The school's house system provides structure to student life, with pupils assigned to houses that compete for the House Cup. Dunvegan is the current champion, and the system encourages teamwork, leadership, and healthy rivalry.

Wraparound care is well established, with the GO! Club offering breakfast club and after-school play club. The GO! Holiday Club extends provision into school breaks, supporting working families and providing continuity of care and activities for pupils.

The school's participation in Healthy Schools London, registered in February 2022, signals a commitment to promoting physical and mental wellbeing. While specific sports facilities are not detailed in public information, the school's emphasis on sports clubs and physical education aligns with this broader health agenda.

The Grade II Listed building adds historical interest but may present challenges for modern adaptations. Nonetheless, the school has managed to create functional learning spaces, and parents report satisfaction with the environment their children experience.

Gordon Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. For Reception entry, the school received 203 applications for 60 places, a subscription ratio of 3.38 to 1. The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 1.239 miles, indicating a tight catchment area in a popular part of Eltham.

Admissions are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Authority. For children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, applications for Reception places in September 2026 must be submitted by 15 January 2026. The school holds Open Day tours for prospective Reception 2026 parents starting at 9:10am, with bookings typically opening in September prior to the entry year. Tours last approximately one hour and provide an opportunity to view the school, meet staff, and ask questions.

Nursery admissions operate on a separate timeline, with the closing date for the 2025 intake having been 15 February 2025 at 9:00am. Confirmation of nursery places is sent by 1 March. Families interested in nursery places for future years should monitor the school website and Greenwich Council admissions pages for updated deadlines.

The school's oversubscription and limited catchment distance mean that living close to the school significantly improves chances of securing a place. Families considering Gordon Primary should check their home address against recent admissions data and, if on the edge of the catchment, consider backup options.

The admissions policy is available on the school website, and for detailed information on the application process, including appeals, families should consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich admissions team.

Gordon Primary School is a dependable choice for families in Eltham seeking a well-run, inclusive state primary with strong behaviour and pastoral care. Its Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes, combined with above-average academic results and a broad extracurricular offer, makes it an appealing option for parents who value a safe, supportive learning environment and a curriculum that balances academic rigour with personal development.

The school's results in reading, writing, and mathematics are comfortably above national averages, and the higher attainment figures suggest that pupils capable of greater depth are well supported. However, the school is not in the top tier nationally—ranked around the 27th percentile—and families seeking exceptionally high academic outcomes may wish to explore selective or outstanding-rated alternatives in the area.

Admissions are highly competitive, with a subscription ratio exceeding 3:1 and a catchment that has tightened to approximately 1.2 miles. Proximity matters, and families living beyond this range should plan carefully and consider other schools in their area.

For local families who secure a place, Gordon Primary offers a caring community, strong leadership, and a well-thought-through curriculum delivered in a school with a proud history and a clear sense of purpose. The combination of excellent behaviour, solid academic performance, and a genuine commitment to the motto "Be The Best You Can Be" makes Gordon Primary a school where children can thrive.

Is Gordon Primary School a good school?

Yes, Gordon Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted as of November 2023, with an Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes. The school achieves above-average results in reading, writing, and mathematics, with 76% of pupils meeting the expected standard in all three subjects, compared to a national average of 62%. Parents praise the school's inclusive ethos, strong pastoral care, and varied extracurricular programme. The school's leadership is stable, and the curriculum is well structured, particularly in early reading. While not in the top tier nationally, Gordon Primary is a solid, dependable choice for Eltham families.

How do I apply to Gordon Primary School?

Applications for Reception places at Gordon Primary School are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Authority. For children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, applications for September 2026 entry must be submitted by 15 January 2026. The school holds Open Day tours for prospective parents, typically starting at 9:10am and lasting about an hour; bookings usually open in September prior to the entry year. Nursery admissions operate on a separate timeline. For full details, visit the school's admissions page at www.gordonprimary.co.uk or consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich admissions team.

What is the catchment area for Gordon Primary School?

The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 1.239 miles, reflecting a tight catchment area. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 203 applications for 60 Reception places, a subscription ratio of 3.38 to 1. Living within approximately 1.2 miles of the school significantly improves chances of securing a place. Families on the edge of the catchment should check recent admissions data and consider backup options. Admissions are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and the school's admissions policy is available on its website.

What extracurricular activities does Gordon Primary School offer?

Gordon Primary School offers a broad range of extracurricular clubs, including sports, musical theatre, dance, gymnastics, reading, drawing, and board games, available before and after school. The school also runs the GO! Club, providing wraparound care with breakfast club and after-school play club, and the GO! Holiday Club during school breaks. The house system adds structure to student life, with pupils competing for the House Cup. The school's participation in Healthy Schools London underscores its commitment to physical and mental wellbeing. Parents report high satisfaction with the variety and quality of extracurricular provision.

Who is the headteacher of Gordon Primary School?

The headteacher of Gordon Primary School is Mr Jason Taylor. He is supported by deputy headteacher Mrs Charlie Fabian and assistant headteacher Mrs Hannah Cuesta, who also serves as the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). The leadership team works closely with the school's governing body and the Parents' Association, Friends of the Gordon (PTA), to maintain high standards of teaching, behaviour, and pastoral care. The school publishes regular newsletters to keep families informed of developments and events.