Invicta Primary School Review 2026: Platinum Artsmark Primary in Blackheath and Deptford

Invicta Primary School holds Platinum Artsmark status, the first primary in London to achieve this recognition. Located across two sites in Blackheath and Deptford, this three-form-entry state primary educates 762 pupils aged 3 to 11 in a culturally diverse community where 22 languages are spoken. Rated Good by Ofsted in April 2024, with Outstanding judgement for personal development, the school combines creative arts provision with strong academic outcomes that place it in line with national averages. Led by Executive Headteacher Jodie Cawte with site heads Emily Perfect (Blackheath) and Olyvia Shaw (Deptford), Invicta operates on a model of integrated sister sites that maintain individual identities while sharing curriculum and professional development. With 630 places for 762 pupils, the school is consistently oversubscribed, receiving over three applications for every Reception place.

Invicta Primary School is built on a commitment to diversity, creativity and community. The leadership's vision centres on providing a friendly, caring and inclusive learning environment where children feel safe, supported and happy to take risks in their learning. The school serves families from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, celebrating its multicultural community as a strength that enriches the school experience.

The two-site model defines Invicta's character. The Blackheath site at Invicta Road features a large outdoor space and modern building, while the Deptford site at Benbow Street occupies a spacious location between Charlotte Turner Gardens and the River Thames, offering pupils direct access to Greenwich's rich maritime heritage. Each site admits 60 children per year group and functions with its own identity, yet the schools collaborate closely on curriculum design, staff development and enrichment opportunities.

Creativity sits at the heart of the school's educational philosophy. Beyond the Platinum Artsmark accolade, every child learns a musical instrument or sings in the choir, visits museums and galleries, performs to an audience, and experiences the Greenwich World Heritage site through the curriculum. Physical activity and emotional health and wellbeing are prioritised alongside academic learning, reflecting a holistic approach to child development. The school's registration with Healthy Schools London since 2013 underlines this commitment to pupils' broader welfare.

Invicta Primary School delivers solid academic outcomes in line with national expectations. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 75% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, comfortably above the national average of 62%. The proportion reaching greater depth in all three subjects stood at 32%, significantly exceeding the national average of 8% and demonstrating the school's capacity to stretch higher attainers.

Subject-by-subject performance shows strength across the curriculum. In reading, 75% met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, while 32% achieved the higher standard. Writing outcomes were particularly impressive, with 38% reaching greater depth. In mathematics, 70% met the expected standard (average scaled score 104) and 27% achieved high scores. Grammar, punctuation and spelling showed strong results with 69% at expected and 37% at high standard, with an average scaled score of 105. Science attainment reached 77% at the expected standard.

These results position Invicta at rank 7,404 nationally among primary schools, placing it in the middle band of performance. Locally in Greenwich, the school ranks 50th out of over 70 primary schools, reflecting the competitive educational landscape of the borough. While not an academic powerhouse, Invicta delivers consistent outcomes that equip pupils well for secondary transition.

Ofsted's April 2024 inspection rated the quality of education as Good, with inspectors awarding an Outstanding judgement for personal development. This exceptional rating recognises how the school develops pupils' character, resilience and broader life skills. Behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision all received Good ratings. The inspection marks an improving trajectory from Satisfactory ratings in 2006 and 2009 to sustained Good judgements since 2013, with a brief Outstanding in 2013.

The school's inclusive approach supports pupils with special educational needs through tailored provision, though specific details of the SENCO structure and intervention programmes are not publicly detailed. The diverse intake, with pupils speaking 22 home languages, requires skilled EAL support, which forms part of the school's pastoral framework.

Invicta's two sites offer complementary facilities. Both benefit from state-of-the-art sports provision including astro pitches, studios, classrooms and a full range of sporting facilities that enable a robust PE curriculum and extensive extracurricular programme. The Deptford site's proximity to the River Thames provides unique opportunities for environmental learning and local history studies.

Extracurricular life is rich and varied. Clubs run every evening and at weekends, with options ranging from super sports and power teams to boxing, origami and language learning. Every child has the opportunity to represent the school in inter-school competitions and house sports events. Music permeates school life, with instrumental tuition and choir available to all. Theatre visits, museum trips and gallery tours are woven into the curriculum, ensuring pupils engage with London's cultural assets.

Forest School sessions and visits to local environmental centres connect pupils with nature and outdoor learning. The school runs breakfast and after-school clubs to support working families, and JAG Holiday Clubs operate during half terms and holidays for children aged 4–12. The Invicta Children's Centre offers Stay and Play sessions, Zumba fitness, mother and baby groups and family support activities, embedding the school within the wider community.

Invicta Primary School is a highly competitive choice. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 358 applications for 113 Reception places (60 at each site plus some flexibility), resulting in a subscription rate of 3.17 to 1. Every place offered went to a first-preference applicant, with the proportion of first preferences to first-preference offers at 1.04, indicating that virtually all families who list Invicta first and fall within the distance criterion secure a place.

Admissions are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich (020 8921 8034; school-admissions@royalgreenwich.gov.uk). Each site admits 60 children: one at Invicta Road (SE3) and one at Benbow Street (SE8). When applying, families are assessed against the site nearest to their home address. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, priority goes to looked after and previously looked after children, then distance from home to the nearest site.

The furthest distance offered in the latest round was 1.38 miles, a tight catchment reflecting the school's popularity and the density of Greenwich's population. Families seeking a place should live within comfortable walking distance of one of the two sites. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, so families must apply through the standard LA process regardless of prior attendance.

The school draws from a wide geographical area given its two-site operation, with feeders reflecting the diverse residential neighbourhoods of Blackheath, Deptford and surrounding Greenwich postcodes. Families are advised to visit both sites during open events, as each has a distinct character and community feel despite the shared curriculum.

Invicta Primary School offers a creative, inclusive and community-focused education that goes well beyond the classroom. Its Platinum Artsmark status and Outstanding personal development judgement reflect a school that prioritises the whole child, not just test scores. Academic results are solid and above national averages, equipping pupils well for the next stage, even if the school doesn't dominate local league tables.

The two-site model is both a strength and a practical consideration. Families benefit from double the chance of securing a place compared to a single-site school, and the collaboration between Blackheath and Deptford enriches professional practice and resource-sharing. However, parents should be clear about which site suits their logistical needs, as each serves a distinct catchment.

Invicta suits families who value cultural diversity, creative expression and a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to discover their talents across arts, sports and academics. The consistent oversubscription and tight catchment mean prospective families need realistic expectations about their distance from the school. For those within reach, Invicta offers a warm, ambitious and well-resourced primary experience in one of London's most historic boroughs.

Is Invicta Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rated Invicta Primary School as Good in April 2024, with an Outstanding judgement for personal development. Pupils achieve above-average results in reading, writing and mathematics, and the school's Platinum Artsmark status underscores its exceptional creative arts provision. The school serves a diverse community with 22 languages spoken, fostering an inclusive environment where all children are supported to succeed academically and personally.

How do I apply to Invicta Primary School?

Applications are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. You can apply online via the Greenwich admissions portal or contact the School Admissions Service at 020 8921 8034 or school-admissions@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. The school operates on two sites (Blackheath and Deptford), each admitting 60 children. Your application is assessed based on the site nearest your home. Apply during the standard Reception application window, typically in the autumn before your child's planned September start. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

What is the catchment area for Invicta Primary School?

Invicta Primary School admitted pupils living up to 1.38 miles from the school in the most recent round. However, this distance varies annually depending on the number and location of applicants. After children with EHC Plans and looked after children, places are allocated by straight-line distance from home to the nearest school site (Blackheath or Deptford). With over three applications per place, families should live within walking distance of one of the sites to have a realistic chance of admission.

Does Invicta Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Invicta Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3, accommodating both full-time and part-time pupils. However, attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the Royal Borough of Greenwich admissions process. The nursery follows the same values of creativity, diversity and holistic development that characterise the main school.

What extracurricular activities does Invicta Primary School offer?

Invicta offers a diverse range of clubs running every evening and at weekends. Activities include super sports, boxing, origami, language learning, choir, and instrumental music tuition. Every child can represent the school in competitions and participate in house sports. The school also provides forest school sessions, theatre visits, museum trips, and gallery tours. Breakfast club, after-school club, and holiday clubs (JAG Holiday Clubs for ages 4–12) support working families year-round.