Plumcroft Primary School Review 2026: Large Two-Campus Community School in Plumstead and Woolwich

Plumcroft Primary School is a large, five-form entry state primary school serving the diverse communities of Plumstead and Woolwich across two campuses in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. With a capacity for 1,050 pupils aged 3 to 11, the school operates the Plum Lane Campus on Shooters Hill in Plumstead and the Vincent Road Campus in the heart of Woolwich. Rated Good by Ofsted, Plumcroft embraces the motto "In Pursuit of Excellence" and positions itself as a diverse and friendly community that celebrates cultural differences while fostering shared interests. The school has expanded substantially in recent years, growing from a three-form to a five-form entry institution to meet rising local demand. Recent results show 82% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, well above the national average of 62%, and 27% reached the higher standard, significantly outperforming the national figure of 8%.

Plumcroft Primary School articulates a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion, serving a population that represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds across its two sites. The school's ethos centres on recognizing and celebrating these differences while building a cohesive community united by shared values and goals. Leaders emphasize high expectations for all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, and have developed a highly ambitious curriculum designed to ensure every child can succeed.

The school has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Originally a three-form entry school, Plumcroft expanded to accommodate bulge classes in 2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17, before permanently expanding to five-form entry in 2018/19 with the addition of two forms at the Vincent Road Campus. This growth reflects both rising local demand and the school's reputation within the community. The two-campus model allows the school to serve families in both Plumstead and Woolwich effectively, with pupils typically allocated to the campus nearest their home unless they have siblings at the Plum Lane site.

Executive Headteacher Richard Slade leads the school alongside Deputy Headteacher Annette Graney, with Dave Witham serving as Head of School at Plum Lane and Alicia Whytock at Vincent Road. This distributed leadership structure supports the effective operation of both campuses while maintaining a unified vision and approach. The senior team is supported by Assistant Headteachers Kelly Clifford (Plum Lane) and Laura Ings (Vincent Road), alongside phase leaders for Early Years, Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2, and Upper Key Stage 2.

Ofsted inspectors found that pupils are excited about coming to school, are proud to share what they are learning, and thrive in a caring and nurturing environment. Leaders maintain very high expectations for behaviour and attitudes to learning, resulting in calm, focused classrooms where pupils can concentrate on their work. The inspection noted that there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest the school could be judged outstanding if a full graded inspection were carried out.

Plumcroft Primary School delivers strong academic outcomes that place it comfortably above national averages. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 82% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly exceeding the national average of 62%. The school's performance is particularly notable at the higher standard, where 27% of pupils achieved the higher level in all three subjects, more than three times the national average of 8%.

Breaking down the results by subject, reading performance shows 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard with an average scaled score of 107, and 34% achieving the higher standard. In writing, 20% of pupils reached greater depth. Mathematics results show 84% meeting the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, and 27% achieving the higher standard. Grammar, punctuation and spelling saw 73% at the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, and 29% at the higher standard. Science outcomes were strong, with 84% reaching the expected standard, matching the national average.

These results rank Plumcroft 4,607th nationally out of approximately 15,000 primary schools, placing it well within the middle tier of performance nationally, and 37th out of approximately 60 primary schools in Greenwich. While not among the very highest performers, the school delivers consistently solid outcomes that exceed national benchmarks across all key measures.

The curriculum is underpinned by structured approaches to core subjects. Literacy development follows the Read Write Inc phonics programme alongside Talk for Writing methodologies, providing pupils with systematic support in developing reading and writing skills. Mathematics teaching adopts a Maths Mastery approach, emphasizing deep understanding of mathematical concepts. The school also maintains specialist provision in computing and environmental education, supported by an active Eco-Council.

Leaders provide pupils with a broad curriculum that extends beyond the core subjects, ensuring access to a wide range of experiences and opportunities. The school uses its Sports Premium funding to ensure all children benefit from high-quality physical education regardless of sporting ability, exposing pupils to both traditional and non-traditional sports through the curriculum, clubs and school visits. Swimming provision is prioritized to ensure all children are water safe as a minimum standard.

Pastoral support and personal development are integral to the school's approach. The school implements comprehensive programmes in personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and e-safety, ensuring pupils develop the knowledge and skills to navigate challenges and stay safe. Leaders prioritize pupil well-being alongside academic achievement, creating an environment where children feel happy and supported.

Operating across two campuses provides Plumcroft pupils with access to substantial resources and facilities. The Plum Lane Campus sits on the side of Shooters Hill in Plumstead, while the Vincent Road Campus occupies a central location in Woolwich. Together, the sites accommodate almost 1,000 pupils and 140 staff members, creating vibrant learning communities at each location.

The school offers a broad range of extracurricular opportunities matched to pupils' needs and interests. Sports provision includes after-school clubs and participation in local and regional tournaments, giving children the chance to develop their skills and compete with peers from other schools. During school holidays, Camp Elite operates at the school, offering activities including music, arts and crafts, tennis, drama, PSHE, multi-sports, football and coding, providing additional enrichment opportunities for families.

Beyond sports, the school emphasizes exposure to the arts and creative activities. Pupils participate in regular community events celebrating the diverse cultural traditions represented within the school population, fostering mutual understanding and respect. The school holds a Bronze Healthy Schools London Award, valid through March 2025, reflecting its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being.

The pupil-to-teacher ratio stands at approximately 23:1, typical for a large primary school, allowing for effective class sizes that balance individual attention with collaborative learning opportunities. Each Reception class has a maximum of 30 children, with three classes in each year group from Reception through Year 6 distributed across the two campuses.

Nursery provision is available for children from age 3, offering families early access to the school community and providing a foundation for later learning. Admission to Reception requires a separate application through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's central admissions process, even for children already attending the nursery.

Plumcroft Primary School faces significant admissions pressure, reflecting its solid reputation and the growing population in the Plumstead and Woolwich areas. For Reception entry, the school received 338 applications for 143 available places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 2.36:1. This means the school receives more than twice as many applications as it has spaces, making it oversubscribed and highly competitive.

The furthest distance at which a place was offered stands at 5.151 miles, though this figure should be interpreted with caution as it may reflect exceptional circumstances such as children in care or those with Education, Health and Care Plans. The typical catchment area is likely to be considerably smaller, concentrated around the two campus locations in Plumstead and Woolwich.

All admissions to Reception are administered centrally by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Parents must complete the Common Application Form online at www.eadmissions.org.uk, with paper copies available but the online version encouraged. The five forms of entry are split across the two campuses, with children typically allocated a place at the campus nearest their home unless they have siblings already attending the Plum Lane Campus, in which case sibling priority may result in placement at that site.

For families moving into the area during the academic year or those already resident who wish to apply for an in-year transfer, applications must be made through Greenwich's central admissions team by requesting an In-Year Application Form. The school's website notes that Reception and nursery places for September admission are typically fully subscribed, underscoring the importance of timely application.

The school's expansion to five-form entry reflects sustained high demand. Between 2014 and 2017, Plumcroft accommodated bulge classes to meet immediate pressure before permanently expanding with the addition of two forms at Vincent Road in 2018/19. This growth trajectory indicates both the school's capacity to manage expansion effectively and the ongoing pressure on primary places in this part of Greenwich.

Prospective parents should be aware that securing a place at Plumcroft requires careful attention to application deadlines and a realistic assessment of proximity to the school. Given the subscription ratio and the school's central role in serving two distinct communities, families living further afield face limited prospects of admission unless they fall within priority categories such as looked-after children or those with specific medical or social needs evidenced in the application.

Plumcroft Primary School represents a solid choice for families in Plumstead and Woolwich seeking a large, diverse, community-focused primary education with strong academic outcomes. The school's results consistently exceed national averages by substantial margins—20% ahead on expected standards in reading, writing and maths, and more than three times the national rate for the higher standard—demonstrating effective teaching and high expectations for all pupils.

The two-campus model is both a strength and a practical consideration. It allows Plumcroft to serve two distinct communities effectively and provides the scale to offer broad specialist provision, extensive facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. However, it also means families should clarify which campus their child would attend, as this affects daily logistics and the immediate peer community.

Leadership appears stable and effective, with a clear distributed model that balances campus autonomy with overall strategic coherence. Ofsted's observation that the school could potentially achieve an outstanding rating in a full inspection reflects genuine strengths in provision, though parents should remember that such an upgrade would require formal inspection under current frameworks.

The admissions picture presents the clearest challenge. With more than twice as many applicants as places and a subscription ratio exceeding 2:1, Plumcroft is accessible primarily to families living relatively close to one of the two campuses or those with priority factors such as siblings already on roll. Families considering the school should investigate recent admission patterns through Greenwich's published data and assess their proximity realistically before relying on securing a place.

For families who do gain admission, Plumcroft offers a well-resourced, academically strong, and inclusive environment where children from diverse backgrounds learn together, achieve well, and are supported to reach their potential. The school's commitment to celebrating diversity while maintaining high standards creates a positive atmosphere where pupils are happy, engaged, and proud of their learning. It is a good school delivering on its promise of pursuing excellence for all.

Is Plumcroft Primary School a good school?

Yes, Plumcroft Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted and delivers academic outcomes well above national averages. In recent assessments, 82% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared to the national average of 62%, and 27% reached the higher standard against a national figure of 8%. Ofsted inspectors noted that evidence of improved performance suggests the school could be judged outstanding in a future graded inspection, and found that pupils are excited about learning, thrive in a caring environment, and benefit from an ambitious curriculum delivered by leaders with high expectations.

How do I apply to Plumcroft Primary School?

Applications for Reception places at Plumcroft Primary School must be made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's central admissions process. Parents should complete the Common Application Form online at www.eadmissions.org.uk by the statutory deadline, typically in mid-January for September entry. Places are allocated by Greenwich using the published admissions criteria, with children typically assigned to the campus nearest their home unless siblings already attend the Plum Lane site. For in-year admissions, families should contact Greenwich's admissions team to request an In-Year Application Form. Note that attending the school's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place; a separate formal application is required.

What are Plumcroft Primary School's catchment area and admission chances?

Plumcroft is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 338 applications for 143 Reception places (a subscription ratio of 2.36:1). While the furthest distance offered was 5.151 miles, this likely reflects exceptional circumstances; most places go to families living much closer to either the Plum Lane (Plumstead) or Vincent Road (Woolwich) campus. Greenwich uses distance-based criteria after priority categories such as looked-after children and those with medical or social needs. Prospective parents should examine Greenwich's published admission data for recent years to understand realistic catchment distances and should apply with a balanced list of preferences given the competitive environment.

Does Plumcroft Primary School have nursery provision?

Yes, Plumcroft Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3. However, attending the nursery does not guarantee automatic progression to Reception. Parents of nursery children must still complete a formal application through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's central admissions process by the statutory deadline if they wish their child to continue at the school in Reception. Nursery places are subject to availability, and parents should contact the school directly for information about nursery admissions and waiting lists.

What makes Plumcroft Primary School unique or distinctive?

Plumcroft's key distinctive features include its two-campus model, serving both Plumstead and Woolwich across separate sites with a combined capacity of over 1,000 pupils, making it one of the larger primary schools in Greenwich. The school serves a highly diverse population and actively celebrates the range of cultural backgrounds represented within its community. It employs structured, evidence-based approaches to literacy (Read Write Inc phonics and Talk for Writing) and numeracy (Maths Mastery), and maintains specialist provision in computing and environmental education. The school's substantial expansion in recent years—from three to five forms of entry—demonstrates both capacity for growth and sustained local demand.

What is the class size and pupil-to-teacher ratio at Plumcroft Primary School?

Reception classes at Plumcroft have a maximum of 30 children, in line with statutory infant class size regulations. The overall pupil-to-teacher ratio across the school is approximately 23:1. With nearly 1,000 pupils and 140 staff members across both campuses, the school maintains a well-staffed environment that supports effective teaching and learning. There are three classes in each year group from Reception to Year 6, split across the Plum Lane and Vincent Road sites, providing both the intimacy of individual campus communities and the resources and breadth of provision that come with being a large school.