Morden Mount Primary School Review 2026: Community Primary with Strong Inclusive Values in Hither Green

Morden Mount Primary School sits on the border of Greenwich and Lewisham in Hither Green, serving 400 pupils aged 3 to 11 with the motto "Where potential comes alive." This two-form entry state community primary school, rated Good by Ofsted in October 2023, also hosts Quaggy Children's Centre on site, providing integrated early education, childcare, and family support for local families. Led by headteacher Mr Stephen Harris since April 2018, the school prioritises inclusivity and high expectations, teaching pupils to value and respect everyone in the community. At Key Stage 2, 70% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%, with 20% achieving high standards.

Morden Mount ranks 56th out of 67 ranked primary schools in Greenwich and 10,120th nationally, placing it below national averages in the most recent performance data. However, Ofsted inspectors found that pupils achieve well and are happy and proud of their school. The school's strength lies in its mature understanding of diversity, enriching curriculum experiences including a Year 5 Shakespeare production with a local theatre company, and strong pastoral care. Reception entry is managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is highly competitive; the furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 2.67 miles, with 81 applications competing for 38 places (subscription rate of 2.13:1).

Morden Mount's ethos centres on helping each child realise their full potential across all areas of learning and personal development. The school expresses pride in "our school, our children and our achievements," creating a culture where pupils feel valued and supported. Staff teach pupils to appreciate people's differences, and Ofsted inspectors noted that children demonstrate a mature understanding and appreciation of diversity within the school community. The school motto, "Where potential comes alive," reflects this commitment to nurturing every child's talents and capabilities.

The school's inclusive atmosphere is evident in its approach to behaviour and expectations. Teachers maintain high standards for both conduct and learning, and pupils respond by focusing well on their work. Pupils feel safe and trust adults to support them if they have concerns. The partnership with Quaggy Children's Centre, located on the same site, strengthens the school's community role by providing integrated services for families with young children, including health services and family support.

Morden Mount occupies a prominent position serving families across the Greenwich-Lewisham border in southeast London. The Hither Green location provides access to a culturally diverse community, and the school actively embraces this diversity through its curriculum and enrichment opportunities. Year-round engagement includes eco-warrior initiatives, musical performances, sports clubs, and regular field trips such as visits to the Florence Nightingale Museum. The school's breakfast and after-school clubs offer practical support for working families.

At Key Stage 2 in the most recent published data, Morden Mount pupils achieved an average total scaled score of 311 across reading, grammar/punctuation/spelling and maths. Seventy per cent of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined, comfortably exceeding the national average of 62%. In individual subjects, 72% met expected standards in maths, 66% in reading, 60% in grammar/punctuation/spelling, and 85% in science. At higher standards, 20% achieved greater depth across the three core subjects, well above the national average of 8%.

Reading attainment shows solid foundations, with an average scaled score of 104 and 23% achieving high scores. Mathematics mirrors this pattern with an average scaled score of 103 and 23% at high levels. Grammar, punctuation and spelling is also consistent, averaging 104 with 28% reaching high scores. Writing saw 15% of pupils achieve greater depth. Science performance is particularly strong, with 85% meeting expected standards compared to the national average of 82%.

The school's approach to early reading begins in Reception, where phonics teaching introduces letter sounds and blending systematically. Teachers use strong subject knowledge to extend pupils' thinking, asking questions that deepen understanding. The curriculum is well-sequenced to ensure breadth of coverage, though Ofsted noted that some subjects would benefit from clearer identification of the small learning steps required. Exciting curriculum opportunities enhance learning; the Year 5 Shakespeare production with a local theatre company exemplifies this enrichment approach, alongside African drumming, musical performances, and iPad toolkit integration for digital learning.

Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is embedded in teaching. Adapted resources and additional support enable SEND pupils to focus on their learning, though Ofsted identified that individual targets could be shared more effectively with all staff. The SENCo, Stephanie Mahoney, coordinates this provision and can be contacted at smahoney@mordenmount.greenwich.sch.uk. The school gives priority in admissions to children with Education, Health and Care plans and those with professionally supported medical or social needs.

Student life at Morden Mount extends beyond the classroom through a range of clubs and activities. Pupils attend sports clubs, participate in chess and games programmes, and engage in speaking and listening development activities. Lunch clubs operate across year groups, and the breakfast club and after-school provision support families needing wraparound care. Year 6 pupils participate in performance events and awards ceremonies, celebrating their achievements before transition to secondary school.

The school's enrichment calendar includes educational visits, musical performances, and community partnerships. The recent collaboration with a local theatre company for a Year 5 Shakespeare production demonstrates the school's commitment to cultural enrichment. African drumming sessions and regular musical performances provide creative outlets, while eco-warrior initiatives encourage environmental awareness. Pupils take pride in these opportunities, and Ofsted inspectors observed that the enriching experiences support the overall learning environment.

The site in Hither Green accommodates the two-form entry primary school and nursery provision, with capacity for 450 pupils. Quaggy Children's Centre shares the premises, creating an integrated early years hub for the local community. While specific facilities details are limited, the school's digital learning approach includes iPad toolkits, and pupils access spaces for physical education, sports clubs, and outdoor activities. The location on Lewisham Road provides convenient access for families in both Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs.

Admissions to Morden Mount Primary School are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich for Reception and in-year applications. The school is oversubscribed, with 81 applications competing for 38 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle, giving a subscription rate of 2.13:1. Every first preference applicant who was offered a place received one, indicating that the school fills entirely from first-choice families. The furthest distance offered was 2.67 miles, reflecting significant geographical reach in a competitive London admissions landscape.

Priority is given first to children with Education, Health and Care plans naming the school, then to looked-after children and previously looked-after children, followed by those with professionally supported medical or social needs for the school. After these categories, siblings of current pupils receive priority, then Greenwich children living closest to the school, and finally children from other boroughs ranked by home-to-school distance. This distance-based system means catchment areas fluctuate annually depending on sibling numbers and application patterns.

For Reception entry (children turning four by 31 August), parents must apply to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, with applications typically opening in the autumn term for the following September. The school recommends notifying the school office once an application has been submitted. Reception open days are held on Thursday mornings (10:00–10:30) during the autumn term, with recent dates including October and November. No booking is required for these sessions, allowing prospective families to visit the school in action.

Nursery admissions operate separately, with the school accepting children part-time from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability. Parents complete an application form available from the school office and email it to info@mordenmount.greenwich.sch.uk. Nursery open days are held in early December (9:30–10:00) and require an appointment. The same priority criteria apply, with siblings and proximity determining offers. Contact the school office on 020 8692 2920 for nursery availability and specific admission timelines.

Morden Mount Primary School delivers a Good education with solid academic outcomes and a notably inclusive, supportive atmosphere. Pupils achieve above national averages at Key Stage 2, with 70% reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined and strong science results. The school's commitment to diversity, enrichment opportunities such as theatre partnerships and African drumming, and effective pastoral care create a learning environment where children feel valued and safe. Leadership under Mr Stephen Harris has maintained consistency and high expectations, earning positive feedback from Ofsted across all categories.

However, families should be realistic about admissions. With over two applications for every place and a catchment extending to 2.67 miles, securing a Reception place is highly competitive. The school's position in the lower performance tier nationally (ranked 10,120th) reflects results that, while above national averages, lag behind higher-performing primaries in Greenwich and London. Ofsted noted that some curriculum areas need clearer learning progressions and that SEND target-sharing could improve. For families prioritising diversity, community integration, and a nurturing environment over selective exam results, Morden Mount offers a well-rounded primary education with genuine care for every child.

Morden Mount suits families seeking an inclusive, community-focused primary school with enriching extracurricular opportunities and above-average academic outcomes. Its location serving the Greenwich-Lewisham border, integration with Quaggy Children's Centre, and emphasis on valuing difference make it particularly appealing to families who want their children to learn in a diverse, supportive setting. Prospective parents should visit on a Thursday morning open day to experience the atmosphere firsthand and assess whether the school's strengths align with their priorities. Given the competitive admissions, consider it alongside other local primaries and ensure you understand the Royal Borough of Greenwich's application process and timelines.

Is Morden Mount Primary School a good school?

Yes, Morden Mount Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (October 2023) across all categories. Pupils achieve above national averages at Key Stage 2, with 70% reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths compared to 62% nationally. The school excels in creating an inclusive, respectful environment where pupils feel safe and happy, with strong pastoral care and enriching curriculum opportunities including theatre partnerships and musical performances.

How do I apply to Morden Mount Primary School?

For Reception entry, apply through the Royal Borough of Greenwich during the autumn term for the following September start. The school recommends attending Thursday morning open days (10:00–10:30) in October and November to visit. Notify the school office at info@mordenmount.greenwich.sch.uk once you've submitted your application. For nursery places (from the term after your child turns three), complete an application form from the school office and email it to the school. In-year admissions for other year groups are also managed by Greenwich; apply via their website.

What is the catchment area for Morden Mount Primary School?

The school is highly competitive, with the furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round being 2.67 miles. Admissions priority goes to children with EHC plans, looked-after children, medical/social needs, siblings, then Greenwich residents by distance, followed by other boroughs by distance. Catchment varies annually depending on sibling numbers and applications. With 81 applications for 38 places (2.13:1 subscription rate), living close to the school significantly improves your chances.

What are the school's strengths according to Ofsted?

Ofsted highlights Morden Mount's high ambitions for all pupils, inclusive community values, and mature understanding of diversity. Teachers use strong subject knowledge to extend thinking, and pupils focus well on learning due to high behavioural expectations. Enrichment opportunities such as the Year 5 Shakespeare production with a local theatre company, African drumming, and musical performances enhance the curriculum. Early reading and phonics teaching are effective from Reception, and pupils feel safe with trusted adult support.

Does Morden Mount Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Morden Mount offers nursery provision for children from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability. Nursery places are part-time and use the same priority criteria as Reception admissions (siblings, then distance-based). Apply directly to the school by completing an application form and emailing it to info@mordenmount.greenwich.sch.uk. The school also hosts Quaggy Children's Centre on site, providing integrated early education, childcare, and family support services for local families.