Mulgrave Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results in the Heart of Woolwich

Mulgrave Primary School is a two-form entry state primary in Woolwich, London, serving pupils from age three in its nursery to age eleven. Rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection in May 2023, the school ranks 17th in Greenwich and in the top 13% nationally for primary performance, with 85% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—significantly above the national average of 62%. Led by headteacher Mrs Amanda Weaver, who joined in September 2025, Mulgrave combines a values-based ethos centred on kindness and responsibility with a comprehensive curriculum that includes Forest School, swimming lessons and a Junior Leadership Team. The school's 498-place capacity serves a diverse Woolwich community, supported by nursery provision and extended day childcare.

Mulgrave Primary School positions itself as a values-based inclusive institution at the heart of Woolwich. The school's mission centres on kindness and responsibility, principles reflected in its approach to pastoral care and community engagement. Mrs Weaver has described Mulgrave as characterised by "the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the strong sense of community"—an observation supported by Ofsted's 2023 findings, which noted that pupils are friendly, welcoming and keen to learn.

The school emphasises British Values throughout its curriculum and has cultivated what inspectors described as a rapidly improving environment where pupils thrive in an inclusive atmosphere. Physical education is integrated with mindfulness practices and hygiene education, reflecting the school's holistic approach to child development. Mulgrave registered with London's Healthy Schools programme in October 2014, underscoring its commitment to well-being.

Ofsted inspectors found that bullying is rare and dealt with immediately, with a zero-tolerance policy in place. Pupils reported feeling safe, and the school's behaviour and attitudes were rated positively during the inspection. The institution's focus on creating a nurturing environment extends to its extended services, including a breakfast club, after-school club and holiday club provision.

Mulgrave Primary School delivers well above-average academic outcomes across the primary curriculum. The school's results place it 17th in Greenwich and 1,988th nationally out of approximately 15,000 ranked primary schools.

At Key Stage 2, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—23% above the national average. The school achieved particularly strong results in maths, with an average scaled score of 109 and 86% of pupils meeting the expected standard. More impressively, 52% of pupils achieved the higher standard in maths, compared to 30% nationally. In reading, the average scaled score was 107, with 89% reaching the expected level and 30% achieving the higher standard. For grammar, punctuation and spelling, the average scaled score stood at 108, with 84% reaching expected levels and 43% achieving the higher standard.

Writing outcomes were equally robust, with 30% of pupils working at greater depth. Science results matched the national average, with 82% reaching the expected standard. Overall, 37% of Mulgrave pupils achieved the high standard across reading, writing and maths—substantially above the 8% national figure.

Ofsted noted in its 2023 inspection that pupils in Year 6 are given challenging material intended for Year 7 and Year 8, evidence of the school's commitment to stretching able learners. The curriculum spans English, maths, science, humanities, computing, modern foreign languages, PE, design and technology, art, religious education, global learning, music and PSHE. Early Years Foundation Stage provision includes a structured phonics programme.

Teachers have access to high-quality continuing professional development through membership of the Greenwich Schools Sports Partnership. The school allocates Pupil Premium funding to support disadvantaged pupils, and SEN provision is embedded across the curriculum.

Mulgrave Primary School offers a diverse extracurricular programme designed to foster physical, creative and social development. Physical education is central to the student experience, with the school committed to cultivating "happy, healthy, and active students who develop a lifelong passion for physical activity."

Sports provision includes swimming lessons for all Year 5 pupils throughout the academic year, ensuring the statutory swimming standards are met while building confidence for those already comfortable in water. The school rents a field and dedicated facilities for its annual Sports Day and has invested Sports Premium funding in new equipment for both PE lessons and lunchtime activities. Pupils participate in inter-school competitions through the Greenwich Schools Sports Partnership.

Beyond traditional sports, Mulgrave runs a Forest School programme, providing outdoor learning experiences that complement the mainstream curriculum. A Junior Leadership Team gives older pupils opportunities to develop responsibility and organisational skills.

The school operates extended day services, including a breakfast club, after-school club and holiday club, making wraparound care accessible for working families. Nursery provision offers both morning and afternoon sessions as well as full-time places.

Facilities include specialist spaces for design and technology, art and music, alongside computing resources. The school has developed a Travel Plan to promote sustainable journeys to and from school. Virtual tours are available for prospective families on the school website.

Mulgrave Primary School is heavily oversubscribed, with 88 applications for just 28 Reception places in the most recent admissions round—a subscription ratio of 3.14 to one. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successful, indicating that priority criteria are decisive. The furthest distance offered was 3.8 miles, a reflection of competition for places in central Woolwich.

Admissions to Reception and Years 1 to 6 are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, not by the school itself. Parents must submit applications via the borough's online portal by mid-January for September entry, with offers typically released in mid-April. For September 2025 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2025, with offers made on 16 April 2025. Acceptance of offers was required by 30 April 2025.

The Royal Borough sets oversubscription criteria, which typically include looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings and distance from the school. Catchment boundaries vary year on year depending on the number and distribution of applications, and siblings receive priority, creating outliers in the geographical pattern.

Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school. The nursery has 52 places and offers part-time sessions (15 hours per week) and full-time places (30 hours per week). Two-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare through the Together for Twos programme, while three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free weekly education.

Prospective families are encouraged to visit on Welcome Wednesdays at 10:00 AM, with appointments bookable through the school office. In-year admissions for existing year groups are also processed via the Royal Borough of Greenwich online portal. An independent appeals process is available for unsuccessful applicants, with hearings arranged by the borough's appeals clerk.

Mulgrave Primary School is a strong performer in Woolwich, combining well above-average academic results with a values-driven ethos and a broad extracurricular offer. Its ranking in the top 13% of primary schools nationally is borne out by Key Stage 2 data showing 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, and more than half achieving the higher standard in maths. Ofsted's 2023 Good rating reflects both outcomes and the inclusive, rapidly improving environment that inspectors observed.

The school's community focus is a defining feature. Mrs Weaver's recent appointment brings continuity to a stable and dedicated staff team, while the school's extended services—nursery, breakfast club, after-school club and holiday club—meet the practical needs of working families in Woolwich. The emphasis on kindness, responsibility and British Values creates a clear behavioural framework, and pupils report feeling safe and well supported.

Admissions pressure is intense, with more than three applications for every Reception place and a catchment stretching to nearly four miles. Families should apply early and ensure they understand Greenwich's oversubscription criteria, particularly sibling priority and distance-based allocation. For those living close to the school or with siblings already on roll, Mulgrave offers a realistic and rewarding option. For families further afield, it remains competitive.

Mulgrave Primary School is well suited to parents seeking a mainstream state primary with strong academic outcomes, a values-led culture and a commitment to the whole child. The school's location in central Woolwich, its nursery provision and its proven track record make it a compelling choice in a highly competitive local landscape.

Is Mulgrave Primary School a good school?

Yes, Mulgrave Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted following its most recent inspection in May 2023. The school ranks 17th out of primary schools in Greenwich and in the top 13% nationally. At Key Stage 2, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, significantly above the national average of 62%. Results are particularly strong in maths, with 52% achieving the higher standard. Ofsted inspectors found pupils to be keen learners in an inclusive, rapidly improving environment where behaviour is good and bullying is rare.

How do I apply to Mulgrave Primary School?

Admissions to Reception and Years 1 to 6 are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Parents must apply online via the Greenwich admissions portal by mid-January for the following September entry. For September 2025 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2025, with offers released on 16 April 2025. The school does not control Reception admissions. Nursery applications are made directly to the school. Prospective families can attend Welcome Wednesdays at 10:00 AM by contacting the school office. In-year applications are also processed through the Royal Borough's online portal.

What is the catchment area for Mulgrave Primary School?

Mulgrave Primary School is oversubscribed, with 88 applications for 28 Reception places in the most recent round. The furthest distance offered was 3.8 miles, though the effective catchment varies annually depending on the number and location of applicants, as well as sibling priority. The Royal Borough of Greenwich sets oversubscription criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, children with exceptional needs, siblings and proximity. Families should consult the Greenwich admissions website for the latest guidance and consider visiting the school on a Welcome Wednesday.

What extracurricular activities does Mulgrave Primary School offer?

Mulgrave Primary School provides a diverse extracurricular programme. Physical education is central, with swimming lessons for all Year 5 pupils, participation in inter-school sports competitions through the Greenwich Schools Sports Partnership, and an annual Sports Day. The school also runs a Forest School programme for outdoor learning and a Junior Leadership Team for older pupils. Extended services include a breakfast club, after-school club and holiday club. The curriculum includes specialist teaching in computing, modern foreign languages, design and technology, art, music and PSHE.

Does Mulgrave Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Mulgrave Primary School has a nursery with 52 places, catering for children aged two to four. Part-time sessions (15 hours per week) and full-time places (30 hours per week) are available. Two-year-olds may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare through the Together for Twos programme, and three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free weekly education. Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school, not by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Families interested in nursery places should contact the school office.

Who is the headteacher of Mulgrave Primary School?

The headteacher of Mulgrave Primary School is Mrs Amanda Weaver, who was appointed on 1 September 2025. Mrs Weaver has described the school as characterised by "the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the strong sense of community." Under her leadership, the school continues to build on its Ofsted Good rating and its strong academic performance in Greenwich.