Sherington Primary School Review 2026: High-Performing Charlton Primary Near World Heritage Site

Sherington Primary School is a two-form-entry state primary in Charlton, south-east London, ranked 10th in Greenwich and in the top 7% of primary schools nationally by attainment. With a motto of "Aspire Believe Create Achieve", this larger-than-average school serves 438 pupils aged 3 to 11 in a richly diverse community close to Blackheath and Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Most recent results show 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, substantially above the national average of 62%, while an exceptional 43% achieved the higher standard compared to 8% nationally. Rated Good by Ofsted in October 2023, with an Outstanding grade for personal development, Sherington combines strong academic outcomes with a curriculum emphasising the arts, ICT and sport. The school is highly competitive at entry, with 225 applications for 60 Reception places and a catchment distance of just 0.35 miles in recent admissions rounds.

Sherington Primary describes itself as an inclusive community that places the child at the centre of all that it does. The school's four-word motto encapsulates its approach: pupils are encouraged to aspire to high standards, believe in themselves, create opportunities through learning, and achieve their potential. Leadership maintains that the school environment should be creative, stimulating, inspiring and enabling, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth.

Under headteacher Mrs Hannah Freeman, who joined in September 2024, Sherington serves an ethnically and economically diverse student population. Approximately 29% of pupils have a first language other than English, and 14% are eligible for free school meals. The school's location near Blackheath and the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site informs aspects of its curriculum, particularly in local history and real-life experiences. Parents and inspectors note the welcoming atmosphere and the school's success in helping children from varied backgrounds to cooperate, make friends, and manage emotions effectively.

The school operates as a mainstream community primary with nursery provision, serving families in Charlton and the surrounding Greenwich neighbourhoods. Staff and governors work to maintain high expectations while ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. The October 2023 Ofsted inspection found that pupils behave well, learn to resolve conflicts, and develop strong personal and social skills, resulting in an Outstanding rating for personal development.

Sherington Primary School delivers well above average academic outcomes. At Key Stage 2, the most recent data shows 85% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. In reading, 88% reached the expected standard and 51% achieved the higher standard. Maths results were similarly strong, with 86% at the expected level and 51% at the higher standard. Grammar, punctuation and spelling results were particularly impressive: 82% at expected and 63% at the higher standard. Average scaled scores of 108 in reading, 109 in maths and 110 in GPS place the school firmly above the national benchmarks of 105 across all three subjects.

The school ranks 1,032nd out of approximately 15,000 state primary schools in England by attainment, placing it in the top 7% nationally. Within Greenwich, it ranks 10th, reflecting the strength of primary provision in the borough. Critically, 43% of Sherington pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, more than five times the national average of 8%, indicating that the school effectively stretches its most able learners.

Teaching quality was rated Good by Ofsted in October 2023. Inspectors noted that staff teach phonics with precision from the start of school, ensuring all pupils can keep up. The curriculum is designed to give pupils secure foundations and foster reading fluency. However, inspectors observed that some early years activities lacked sufficient focus on curriculum learning goals, an area for continued development. The school's curriculum strengths lie in the arts, ICT and sports, providing enriching contexts for learning. Staff work to connect learning to local history and real-life experiences, using the school's proximity to historic Charlton and Greenwich to bring lessons to life.

Pupils with special educational needs receive targeted support, and the school's inclusive ethos ensures that children at all levels of attainment are challenged appropriately. Leadership and management were rated Good, with Ofsted recognising the school's secure foundations and effective governance. The early years provision was also rated Good, with inspectors praising the positive start children receive in the nursery and Reception classes.

Sherington Primary operates on a Wyndcliff Road campus in Charlton, with facilities to support a two-form entry primary and nursery. The school provides both indoor and outdoor weekly PE sessions in Key Stages 1 and 2, ensuring pupils experience physical activity in varied contexts and environments. Extracurricular provision is broad, with after-school clubs including football, cricket, gymnastics, cheerleading and ball skills. The school states its goal is to cultivate a physically literate population, equipping pupils with the skills and experiences to independently lead healthy, active lives.

Beyond sport, pupils participate in arts and performance activities, including concerts, photography competitions, year 6 productions and special events. Recent celebrations such as World Book Day 2024, featuring "The Red Tree" by Shaun Tan, reflect the school's commitment to fostering a love of reading and creativity. Wrap-around care is available through Sherington Xtra Breakfast and Afterschool Club, supporting working families.

The school emphasises developing pupils' confidence, independence and social skills. Ofsted inspectors awarded an Outstanding rating for personal development, highlighting the effectiveness of pastoral care and the school's success in teaching children to manage emotions, cooperate and resolve conflicts. Behaviour and attitudes were rated Good, with pupils demonstrating respect for adults and peers.

Sherington Primary School is highly competitive at entry. For Reception places, the school received 225 applications for 60 available offers, a subscription ratio of 3.75:1. The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was just 0.35 miles, indicating that families need to live very close to the school to secure a place. Proximity to the school gates is the determining factor for most applicants.

Applications for Reception entry are managed by the Royal Greenwich local authority, with a deadline typically falling in mid-January for children starting the following September. Parents are advised to check the Royal Greenwich admissions pages and the school's website for the most current information on application timelines, oversubscription criteria and catchment patterns. Given the school's strong results and reputation, competition for places is expected to remain intense.

Families considering Sherington should be realistic about catchment distances. Living within a few hundred metres of the school significantly improves the likelihood of securing a place. The school's oversubscribed status reflects both its academic performance and its location in a densely populated area of south-east London where demand for high-quality state primary places consistently exceeds supply.

Sherington Primary School offers an exceptional state primary education in Charlton, combining well above average academic results with an inclusive, values-driven ethos. Results place the school in the top 7% nationally, with strengths across reading, writing, maths and GPS. The Outstanding grade for personal development reflects the school's success in nurturing well-rounded, confident children who cooperate, resolve conflicts and aspire to achieve.

For families fortunate enough to live within the tight catchment area, Sherington represents a strong choice. The curriculum's emphasis on the arts, ICT and sport provides breadth, while precision teaching of phonics and core skills ensures pupils build secure foundations. New leadership under Mrs Hannah Freeman offers continuity and ambition as the school continues to serve its diverse community.

However, securing a place requires realistic planning. The 0.35-mile distance and 3.75:1 subscription ratio mean that families outside the immediate vicinity are unlikely to gain entry. Parents should visit the school, review admissions data from recent years, and consider whether their address falls within the typical catchment before placing Sherington as a first preference. For those who do secure a place, the combination of strong results, Outstanding personal development provision, and a creative, inclusive environment makes Sherington Primary a school where children can genuinely aspire, believe, create and achieve.

Is Sherington Primary School a good school?

Yes. Sherington Primary School is rated Good overall by Ofsted, with an Outstanding grade for personal development. Academic results place the school in the top 7% nationally, with 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to a national average of 62%. The school's inclusive ethos, strong teaching and broad curriculum in the arts, ICT and sport support both academic achievement and personal growth.

How do I apply to Sherington Primary School?

Applications for Reception places at Sherington Primary School are made through the Royal Greenwich local authority admissions process. The application deadline is typically in mid-January for children starting the following September. Parents should check the Royal Greenwich website and the school's admissions page for the most current information. Given the school's oversubscribed status and tight catchment (0.35 miles in recent rounds), living very close to the school is essential for securing a place.

What are the school's key strengths?

Sherington's key strengths include well above average academic attainment, particularly in reading, maths and GPS; an Outstanding grade for personal development; precision teaching of phonics from the early years; and a broad, enriching curriculum emphasising the arts, ICT and sport. The school also benefits from a diverse, inclusive community and proximity to Blackheath and Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, which informs learning in local history and real-life contexts.

What is the catchment area for Sherington Primary School?

The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 0.35 miles. This is a very tight catchment, reflecting high demand for places. Families need to live within a few hundred metres of the school on Wyndcliff Road to have a realistic chance of securing a Reception place. Parents should consult Royal Greenwich's published admissions data from recent years to understand current distance trends.

What extracurricular activities are available?

Sherington offers a range of after-school clubs including football, cricket, gymnastics, cheerleading and ball skills. Pupils also participate in arts and performance activities such as concerts, photography competitions and year 6 productions. The school provides wrap-around care through Sherington Xtra Breakfast and Afterschool Club.