Henwick Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results in a Values-Led Eltham Primary

Henwick Primary School is a two-form entry state primary serving 3–11-year-olds in the heart of Eltham, Greenwich. The school's five core values—Belonging, Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, and Ambition—shape a culture recognised by Ofsted's Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes in April 2024. Results are significantly above both national and Greenwich averages, with 83% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, placing the school in the top third nationally. Distinctive features include a Forest School programme and a magical Rainforest Library, reflecting the school's commitment to blending strong academics with rich, hands-on learning experiences. Part of The Ambition Federation and led by Principal Lisa Lazell, Henwick offers nursery provision through to Year 6, with wraparound care available from 7:30am to 6:30pm. Admissions are managed by Greenwich LA and the school is consistently oversubscribed, with places most recently offered to families living up to 3.2 miles away.

Henwick's ethos rests on five foundational values: Belonging, Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, and Ambition. These principles are woven into daily life and underpin both pastoral care and academic expectations. The school positions itself as a place where every child feels at home, grows in confidence, and is inspired to learn. Leaders have made reading a big priority, with a recently embedded phonics programme ensuring all pupils, from Reception upwards, receive expert instruction. Staff, including teaching assistants, are described as early reading experts, and pupils who struggle receive effective support and intervention.

The school belongs to The Ambition Federation, a local partnership that provides shared leadership and strategic support. Principal Lisa Lazell leads a stable team, and the governing body is active in school oversight. Henwick is a fully inclusive mainstream community school with no religious character, welcoming children from a variety of backgrounds. The school's particular passion for outdoor learning is evident in its Forest School provision, which operates throughout the year and recognises the developmental, educational, and wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature.

Henwick's approach to the history curriculum reflects its broader educational philosophy: pupils explore timelines with every new topic, building a secure chronological framework of the past. Through the study of the local area, children compare life in Eltham in the early 1900s with the present day, grounding historical understanding in their own community. This attention to place and progression is characteristic of the school's teaching across the curriculum.

Henwick's most recent results show 83.3% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The proportion achieving the higher standard in all three subjects stood at 27%, more than three times the national average of 8%. In mathematics, 85% met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 107, and 35% achieved the high score. Reading saw 80% at the expected level (scaled score 105) and 22% at the high level. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 78% met expectations (scaled score 106) and 42% achieved the high score. Science attainment was 84%, comfortably above the national 82%.

These outcomes place Henwick around the top third nationally for primary performance—ranked 4,981st in England among ranked primaries. Within Greenwich, the school is 39th out of ranked primaries, a solid position in a competitive local authority. The school's phonics performance is also significantly above both national and Greenwich benchmarks, with leaders embedding formal phonics instruction from the start of Reception. Pupils who fall behind receive targeted interventions, ensuring gaps are closed quickly.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Art and music are taught as discrete subjects to all pupils, while design technology, drama, and dance are integrated into other areas. There is a school choir and a range of extracurricular clubs covering creative and performing arts. Outdoor learning is central: the Forest School programme offers regular, structured opportunities for pupils to build resilience, teamwork, and a love of the natural world. The Rainforest Library provides a distinctive reading environment, reinforcing the priority leaders have placed on literacy.

Henwick has a capacity of 476 and currently educates around 352 pupils across the main school, with 52 nursery places also available. The school operates with 16.3 full-time equivalent teachers and 15.4 teaching assistants, alongside 7.9 non-teaching staff. The pupil-to-teacher ratio is approximately 23:1, in line with national norms for a two-form entry primary. Class sizes average 26 pupils. The school's inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, regardless of prior attainment or background, are given equal opportunities to succeed.

Henwick's facilities support its values-led curriculum. The Rainforest Library is a standout feature, offering pupils an immersive and engaging space for independent reading and storytelling. The Forest School area provides year-round access to outdoor learning, with dedicated sessions for each year group. These sessions develop practical skills, environmental awareness, and confidence in natural settings.

Wraparound care is available from 7:30am, delivered by school staff, and runs until 6:30pm via an external contractor. This extended provision supports working families and ensures continuity of care before and after the school day. The school holds weekly tours every Wednesday for parents and carers whose children will be starting Reception, led by a member of the senior leadership team. This accessible and regular schedule reflects the school's open and welcoming approach to prospective families.

Extracurricular provision includes a choir and a variety of clubs focusing on creative and performing arts. While the school does not publish a comprehensive list of all activities, the emphasis on music, drama, and outdoor education suggests a rich co-curricular offer. The school also organises community events such as the annual Harvest Festival, reinforcing its role as a community hub in Eltham.

Henwick Primary School is consistently oversubscribed. For the most recent Reception cohort, the school made 28 offers against 88 applications, a subscription ratio of 3.14:1. All first-preference applicants who were offered a place received one, indicating that the school fills its places with families who prioritise Henwick. The furthest distance offered was 3.175 miles, a relatively wide radius reflecting high demand and the school's strong reputation.

All admissions from Reception to Year 6 are allocated through the Royal Borough of Greenwich Admissions Team. Parents can apply for up to six primary schools, listing them in order of preference. Greenwich's standard admissions criteria apply: looked-after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school are given first priority, followed by children with siblings at the school, and then by distance from the school. Where priority needs to be decided within a category, proximity to the school is the determining factor.

Henwick admits 60 pupils each year across two forms. Nursery provision is available, with 52 places offered to 3-year-olds. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, but families who attend the nursery are well-placed to understand the school's ethos and to engage with the admissions process.

The catchment area is indicative and varies year-on-year depending on the number of applications and the distribution of sibling priority. The 3.2-mile radius from the most recent round suggests families need to live within a few miles of the school to have a realistic chance of securing a place, though this distance may contract or expand in future years. The school recommends that all prospective parents consider the admissions booklet published by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and attend a school tour to understand the school's offer and their child's likelihood of admission.

Applications must be submitted through the home local authority, even if the family lives outside Greenwich. The national closing date for Reception applications is mid-January, with offer day at the end of April. Parents are encouraged to visit the school before applying; weekly tours take place on Wednesdays and can be booked via the school office.

Henwick Primary School delivers strong academic results within a values-driven, inclusive environment. With more than four in five pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, and more than a quarter achieving the higher standard, outcomes are well above national norms and place the school in the top third nationally. Phonics, reading, and broader curriculum provision are all strengths, supported by expert staff and a clear instructional model.

The school's commitment to outdoor learning, exemplified by its Forest School programme and Rainforest Library, distinguishes it from many local primaries and reflects a holistic approach to child development. Ofsted's Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes underlines the effectiveness of the school's ethos in shaping a positive, purposeful culture. Leadership is stable, the curriculum is broad and ambitious, and pastoral support is embedded in the school's daily rhythms.

Admissions are competitive, with the school oversubscribed by more than three to one. Families living within a few miles of the school and willing to name Henwick as a first preference have the best chance of securing a place. Proximity matters, and the catchment radius may tighten if local demand increases. For parents seeking a well-led, academically strong, and values-centred primary in Eltham, Henwick represents a compelling choice. The school's inclusive ethos, combined with its track record of high attainment and outstanding behaviour, makes it a safe and ambitious option for families across Greenwich and neighbouring boroughs.

Is Henwick Primary School a good school?

Yes. Henwick Primary School is rated Good overall by Ofsted (inspected April 2024), with an Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes. Academic results are significantly above national averages, with 83% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths and 27% achieving the higher standard. The school is ranked in the top third nationally for primary performance and is well-regarded within Greenwich.

How do I apply to Henwick Primary School?

All admissions are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Parents should apply through their home local authority by the mid-January deadline for Reception entry. You can list up to six schools in order of preference. Henwick admits 60 pupils each year. Admissions criteria prioritise looked-after children, those with EHC plans naming the school, siblings, and then distance from the school. Attend a school tour (held weekly on Wednesdays) before applying.

What is the catchment area for Henwick Primary School?

The catchment area varies each year depending on the number of applications and sibling priority. In the most recent admissions round, places were offered to families living up to 3.2 miles from the school. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with more than three applications for every place. Proximity to the school is the key factor once higher-priority criteria are satisfied.

Does Henwick Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Henwick offers nursery provision for 3-year-olds, with 52 places available. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, but attending the nursery allows families to experience the school's ethos and understand its approach. Nursery applications are separate from Reception applications and are also managed through the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

What are the school's core values and ethos?

Henwick's ethos is built on five core values: Belonging, Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, and Ambition. These values shape all aspects of school life, from teaching and behaviour management to pastoral care and community engagement. The school aims to ensure every child feels at home, grows in confidence, and is inspired to learn. The emphasis on outdoor learning through Forest School and reading via the Rainforest Library reflects the school's holistic approach to education.