Montbelle Primary School Review 2026: Community-Focused Primary with Forest School and Spacious Grounds

Montbelle Primary School benefits from extensive outdoor facilities rare for an urban primary, with dedicated Forest School provision for Reception and Year 1 pupils and a wildlife area integrated into the curriculum. The school's 470-capacity site supports a two-form entry model with 60 Reception places and 52 nursery places (morning, afternoon, or full-time sessions). Results in the most recent assessments showed 69% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, above the national average of 62%. The school's motto, "Learning together for Life," underpins nine core values including creative learning, inclusive environment, and safe expression, all aimed at equipping children with skills for their next educational steps and active community membership. Extended provision runs from 7.30am to 6pm during term time, with before- and after-school clubs offered through specialist providers including Sportacus and Rainbow Rhythm.

Montbelle Primary School centres its identity on the principle of "Learning together for Life." The school defines this mission through nine interconnected values: creative learning approaches designed to stimulate achievement and inspire aspirations; an inclusive environment where individual uniqueness is celebrated; open expression that welcomes children's feelings and opinions; and a safe learning culture where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning journey. The school cultivates a "safe, calm, purposeful and happy environment which nurtures life-long learners," with an emphasis on community engagement, effective resource management, and developing children's understanding of rights and responsibilities.

Leadership is provided by headteacher Elspeth Geden, who oversees a staff structure delivering a pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 18.6:1. The school describes itself as a place where "each member of the school community aims to provide the very best education for all pupils, giving time so that each child can develop their academic, personal and social skills in a caring and stimulating environment." This ethos is supported through active participation in the Greenwich Community Schools Partnership, which enables collaboration across the education sector and shared values focused on supporting families and enabling children to thrive.

The school's physical environment reinforces this community-focused atmosphere. Montbelle's spacious grounds are fully incorporated into the curriculum, with Reception and Year 1 pupils attending weekly Forest School sessions that promote experiential learning. The wildlife area and field provide opportunities for outdoor exploration, while the two large playgrounds serve distinct play zones. Specialist teachers and external visitors regularly enhance the curriculum, particularly in music, drama, and sport, while residential trips in Years 4 and 6 offer activities including archery, raft building, canoeing, orienteering, and wall climbing.

In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, Montbelle Primary School achieved 69% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. Performance varied across individual subjects: 71% met the expected standard in reading (with 29% achieving the higher standard), 66% in maths (24% higher standard), and 60% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (21% higher standard). In writing, 16% of pupils achieved greater depth. Science results showed 74% reaching the expected standard, below the national average of 82%.

The school's combined total scaled score across reading, grammar, and maths was 308, with average scaled scores of 103 in both reading and maths and 102 in grammar. Notably, 23% of pupils achieved the high standard across all three core subjects (reading, writing, and maths), well above the national average of 8%. When looking at the proportion achieving high scores in reading, maths, and grammar combined, Montbelle achieved 25%, reflecting strong support for higher-attaining pupils.

Nationally, Montbelle ranks 11,789th among primary schools on combined performance metrics, placing it in the 78th percentile. Within Greenwich, the school ranks 60th out of the borough's primary schools. These rankings reflect the broader reality that Montbelle performs above national averages in several key measures, particularly in the proportion of pupils reaching high standards, while showing areas for development in science and grammar.

The curriculum at Montbelle is designed to ensure breadth and balance, incorporating arts subjects (music, art, design and technology, drama) alongside core academic learning. Leaders use rigorous systems to identify pupils needing additional support, and the Ofsted inspection noted that "pupils in all year groups have made good progress since the start of the school year." The school's collaborative partnerships with other Greenwich schools provide access to specialist equipment, teaching expertise, and extended learning opportunities beyond what a single institution could offer independently.

Montbelle Primary School operates from 7.30am to 6pm during term time, with extended provision including breakfast club and after-school care available to all families. The school's extracurricular programme includes lunchtime clubs run by Rainbow Rhythm and after-school sports clubs provided by Sportacus. The physical education and sport offering is a particular strength, with PE Premium funding used to subsidise clubs and ensure access for all pupils, including the least active children.

The school has established a Montbelle Football Squad to develop competitive sport opportunities, and collaborates with cluster schools to widen access to specialist equipment and teaching. Residential trips in Years 4 and 6 provide immersive learning experiences, with activities ranging from sensory walks and buggy building to crate challenges and evening discos. These residential experiences complement weekly Forest School sessions for Reception and Year 1, during which children engage in hands-on outdoor learning in a controlled natural environment.

The school's spacious grounds underpin much of student life. The two large playgrounds allow for age-appropriate play, while the field supports sports, outdoor lessons, and informal recreation. The wildlife area is embedded in the curriculum, offering opportunities to observe and interact with nature throughout the school year. Specialist teachers and visitors enhance provision in music and drama, ensuring children develop key skills beyond the core academic curriculum.

Behaviour and safety are strong features of school life. Ofsted noted that "pupils behave well in lessons and around school," with children reporting that they feel safe and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. The school's values-driven approach emphasises creating an environment where children can explore, experiment, struggle, and make mistakes in a supportive setting.

Montbelle Primary School is highly oversubscribed, with 117 applications competing for 32 available places in the most recent admissions round, a subscription ratio of 3.66:1. All families naming Montbelle as their first preference who were offered a place received it, indicating that while competition is intense, the school prioritises first-choice applicants within its overarching admissions criteria. The furthest distance offered in the most recent allocation was 1.5 miles from the school, a relatively tight catchment reflecting the school's popularity in the New Eltham and Chislehurst area.

Admissions to Montbelle are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich under the borough's coordinated scheme. The school operates a single point of entry in September each year, with children born between 1st September 2019 and 31st August 2020 eligible for Reception places in September 2024. All applications, including in-year transfers, must be processed via Greenwich's Admissions Section at The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Parents can contact the admissions team at 020 8921 8043 or email school-admissions@greenwich.gov.uk.

The school typically holds multiple open days for prospective Reception families, with the 2024–25 cycle including sessions in September, October, November, and December at both morning and afternoon times. Families are encouraged to attend an open day to experience the school's environment and meet staff. The admissions booklet "Choosing a Greenwich Primary School," available from Children's Services, sets out Greenwich's overarching criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and proximity to the school.

It is worth noting that Montbelle plans to reduce its Published Admission Number (PAN) by 0.5 forms of entry from 2026/27, which may further intensify competition for places. Families considering Montbelle should apply through the Greenwich coordinated scheme by the national closing date (typically mid-January for the following September's Reception intake) and rank the school realistically alongside other preferences. Given the 1.5-mile furthest distance offered and oversubscription ratio exceeding 3.5:1, living within walking distance does not guarantee a place, and families may wish to consider proximity carefully when planning applications.

Montbelle Primary School offers a well-rounded, community-focused primary education in Eltham, with particular strengths in its outdoor provision, values-driven ethos, and academic performance above national averages in key measures. The school's extensive grounds, Forest School, and wildlife area are genuine assets, providing experiential learning opportunities that many urban primaries cannot match. Results show that Montbelle consistently delivers above-average outcomes in the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, and performs particularly strongly in supporting higher-attaining pupils, with 23% achieving the high standard across all core subjects.

The school's collaborative approach, underpinned by membership of the Greenwich Community Schools Partnership, broadens opportunities and access to specialist resources. Extended provision from 7.30am to 6pm supports working families, while the extracurricular programme, including residential trips and subsidised sports clubs, enriches the overall experience. Behaviour, safety, and pastoral care are strong, with Ofsted noting that pupils feel safe and maintain a positive attitude towards learning.

However, families should be aware of the intense competition for places. With an oversubscription ratio exceeding 3.5:1 and a furthest distance offered of 1.5 miles, proximity to the school does not guarantee admission. The planned reduction in PAN from 2026/27 will likely tighten this further. Science performance at 74% reaching the expected standard lags behind the national average of 82%, indicating an area for development, though the school's rigorous tracking systems and support structures suggest a commitment to continuous improvement.

Montbelle is well-suited to families seeking a values-led, inclusive primary with strong outdoor learning provision and above-average academic outcomes, particularly for pupils capable of reaching higher standards. Those prioritising specialist provision, consistently outstanding results, or guaranteed local access may need to weigh these factors against the school's broader strengths. For families living within the tight catchment and valuing a community-focused, nurturing environment with spacious grounds and collaborative ethos, Montbelle represents a strong choice within the Greenwich primary landscape.

Is Montbelle Primary School a good school?

Montbelle Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (March 2023) and delivers above-average academic outcomes, with 69% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school performs particularly well in supporting higher-attaining pupils, with 23% achieving the high standard across all three core subjects, well above the national average of 8%. Strengths include extensive outdoor facilities (Forest School, wildlife area, two playgrounds, and a field), a values-driven ethos centred on "Learning together for Life," and strong behaviour and safety. Science performance at 74% reaching the expected standard is below the national average of 82%, indicating an area for development. The school's collaborative partnerships, extended provision (7.30am–6pm), and residential trips enrich the overall experience.

How do I apply to Montbelle Primary School?

All applications to Montbelle Primary School must be made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated admissions scheme. The school operates a single point of entry in September each year. Parents should apply online via Greenwich's admissions portal or contact Children's Services (Admissions Section) at The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ (tel. 020 8921 8043, email school-admissions@greenwich.gov.uk). The national closing date for Reception applications is typically mid-January for entry the following September. Montbelle is highly oversubscribed, with 117 applications for 32 places in the most recent round, and the furthest distance offered was 1.5 miles. Families are encouraged to attend one of the school's open days (typically held in September–December) and rank Montbelle realistically alongside other preferences, as living nearby does not guarantee a place.

What is the catchment area for Montbelle Primary School?

Montbelle Primary School does not operate a defined catchment area in the strict sense, as admissions are managed by Greenwich using borough-wide oversubscription criteria (typically looked-after children, siblings, and proximity). In the most recent admissions round, the furthest distance offered was 1.5 miles from the school, indicating a relatively tight radius reflecting intense demand. Families living within walking distance should be aware that proximity alone does not guarantee admission, given the oversubscription ratio of 3.66:1. The school plans to reduce its Published Admission Number by 0.5 forms of entry from 2026/27, which may tighten the effective catchment further. For detailed maps and distance estimates, families should consult Greenwich's "Choosing a Greenwich Primary School" booklet or contact the borough's admissions team.

What are the school hours at Montbelle Primary School?

Core school hours at Montbelle Primary School follow the standard primary timetable, typically running from approximately 8.45am to 3.15pm (exact times should be confirmed directly with the school). Extended provision is available from 7.30am to 6pm during term time, including breakfast club and after-school care. This wraparound childcare is run by fully qualified staff, supporting working families. Extracurricular clubs, including lunchtime sessions run by Rainbow Rhythm and after-school sports clubs provided by Sportacus, extend the day further for participating pupils. Parents seeking specific timings or wraparound costs should contact the school directly at 020 8857 3909 or admin@montbelle.org.uk.

Does Montbelle Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Montbelle Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged 3, with 52 nursery places available. The nursery operates morning and afternoon sessions, with some full-time places also offered. Nursery admission is separate from Reception entry and must be arranged directly with the school. Families interested in nursery places should contact Montbelle at 020 8857 3909 or admin@montbelle.org.uk to discuss availability, session times, and the application process. Attending Montbelle's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, as Reception admissions are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Greenwich under borough-wide criteria.