St Margaret's Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Historic Faith School in the Heart of Plumstead

St Margaret's Church of England Primary School has served the Plumstead community since 1856, making it one of Greenwich's longest-established faith primaries. Founded by the National Society for Promoting Education on land gifted by the Lords of the Manor of Plumstead, the school originally enrolled 430 children and was known as Plumstead Central School. Today, it is a two-form-entry voluntary-aided Church of England primary with nursery provision, educating children aged 3 to 11. Led by headteacher Ms Anna Sullivan, the school was rated Good across all categories by Ofsted in July 2023. It operates from its original St Margaret's Grove site in SE18, serving a mixed intake with a clear Christian vision that shapes teaching and learning, though it welcomes families of all faiths and none.

The school's most recent results show 67% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. In individual subjects, 72% met the expected standard in reading (national 74%), 60% in maths (national 73%), and 72% in grammar, punctuation and spelling (national 72%). At higher standards, 20% achieved greater depth across all three core subjects, well above the national figure of 8%. Ranked 12,341st in England and 62nd locally in Greenwich, the school's performance sits below national averages in some areas but demonstrates particular strength in stretching higher-attaining pupils. The school is significantly oversubscribed, with 44 applications competing for just 10 Reception places in the most recent cycle—a subscription ratio of 4.4 to 1.

St Margaret's wears its Church of England heritage proudly, rooted in the Diocese of Southwark and underpinned by a theologically informed Christian vision. The school's stated aim is to show love in all that it does, creating an environment where both pupils and adults flourish. This ethos translates into a warm and welcoming atmosphere; Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils enjoy their learning and are happy to come to school. Families of all faiths and none are welcomed, with the school positioning itself as a community resource rather than an exclusive faith institution.

The school's 169-year history shapes its identity. Originally established to educate the poor in the principles of the Church of England, St Margaret's has evolved from Plumstead Central School—a name changed to avoid confusion with the post-war tripartite system. At its peak, the roll exceeded 800 children; recent expansion and refurbishment have enabled the school to operate as a full two-form-entry primary with capacity for 420 pupils. Despite currently enrolling 215 children, the school offers nursery provision alongside its main Reception-to-Year-6 cohorts.

Leadership under Ms Anna Sullivan emphasises providing each child with a wealth of experience and opportunities to succeed. The school's mission is for all children to reach their full potential and become successful learners who are confident, responsible, self-assured, and ready for the next stage of their educational journey.

St Margaret's delivers a broad and balanced curriculum shaped by its Christian values. Teaching across all phases was judged Good by Ofsted in 2023, maintaining the grade first achieved in 2013 after earlier Satisfactory ratings. The trajectory from 2009 to the present day reflects a school that has steadily improved and consolidated its offer.

Academic outcomes are mixed. The school's 67% expected-standard pass rate in reading, writing and maths combined exceeds the national average of 62%, but subject-level performance shows variation. Reading attainment stands at 72% compared to 74% nationally; maths at 60% versus 73% nationally; and grammar, punctuation and spelling matches the national 72%. Scaled scores are broadly in line with national norms—103 in reading, 102 in maths, and 102 in grammar—suggesting consistent teaching but limited stretch for middle-attaining groups.

However, the school's real strength emerges at the higher end. Twenty per cent of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing and maths combined, far ahead of the 8% national average. In reading alone, 26% achieved high scores (national 29%); in writing, 20% (national 13%); in maths, 14% (national 24%); and in grammar, 22% (national 29%). This pattern indicates a school that successfully extends its most able learners, though there is room to raise outcomes for those working towards expected levels, particularly in maths.

Early years provision is rated Good, with 52 nursery places available. Behaviour and attitudes are Good, as is personal development—areas that reflect the school's strong pastoral framework and community ethos. Leadership and management are also Good, with inspectors noting a clear vision and purposeful direction.

The school's ranking—12,341st nationally and 62nd in Greenwich—places it below national averages overall, but this broad measure does not capture the school's specific strengths in supporting higher attainment. Parents should weigh the school's faith character, historic roots, and track record with high achievers against areas where performance lags behind national benchmarks.

Admissions to St Margaret's are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, with the school operating a highly competitive entry process. In the most recent admissions cycle, 44 families applied for just 10 Reception places, producing a subscription ratio of 4.4 to 1. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successful, indicating that the school's oversubscription criteria are efficiently applied.

As a voluntary-aided Church of England school, St Margaret's admissions policy prioritises applicants according to criteria that typically include looked-after children, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, siblings, children of practicing Anglican families, and those living nearest to the school. Exact criteria and definitions vary year to year and should be confirmed via the school or local authority.

No distance data is available for the most recent cycle, but the high level of competition suggests families should demonstrate both a genuine connection to the school's faith ethos and proximity to the site. Living in Plumstead or the surrounding areas does not guarantee admission; successful applicants are likely to meet multiple criteria, especially sibling or church attendance requirements.

Families considering St Margaret's should engage early with the school, attend open days, and—if seeking priority on faith grounds—establish and evidence regular worship at an Anglican church. Applications are submitted through the coordinated Greenwich admissions process, with deadlines typically in mid-January for the following September entry. Parents should consult the Royal Borough of Greenwich website and the school directly for the most current admissions arrangements and timings.

St Margaret's Church of England Primary School offers a distinctive combination of historic heritage, faith-based ethos, and strong outcomes for high-attaining pupils. Families seeking a welcoming Church of England environment with deep community roots and a clear Christian vision will find much to value. The school's track record in achieving greater depth results well above national averages demonstrates its capacity to stretch able learners, making it a compelling choice for families whose children thrive with academic challenge.

However, the school's below-national performance in some core subject areas—particularly maths at expected standard—means it may not suit families prioritising across-the-board academic attainment above ethos and community. The intense competition for places (4.4 applications per offer) requires families to plan strategically, particularly around faith and proximity criteria.

For parents committed to faith education, attracted by the school's long history in Plumstead, and confident their child will benefit from a nurturing environment with proven strength at higher attainment levels, St Margaret's is a strong contender. For those seeking the highest possible outcomes at expected standard across all subjects, or those unable to meet competitive admissions criteria, alternative primaries in Greenwich may offer a better fit.

Prospective families should visit the school, speak with current parents, and review the admissions policy carefully to assess whether St Margaret's is the right match for their child and circumstances.

Is St Margaret's Church of England Primary School a good school?

Yes. St Margaret's was rated Good across all categories by Ofsted in July 2023, maintaining the Good grade it first achieved in 2013. The school demonstrates particular strength in supporting high-attaining pupils, with 20% achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths—well above the 8% national average. Its Christian ethos, experienced leadership under Ms Anna Sullivan, and welcoming atmosphere contribute to a positive learning environment. However, performance in maths at expected standard (60% versus 73% nationally) indicates areas where outcomes could be stronger.

How do I apply to St Margaret's Church of England Primary School?

Applications are made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated admissions process. The school is voluntary-aided, so its own governing body sets admissions criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, those with EHCPs naming the school, siblings, children of practicing Anglican families, and proximity. Application deadlines are usually mid-January for September entry. Parents should consult the Greenwich admissions portal and the school's website for the current policy and timeline. With 44 applications for 10 places in recent cycles, early engagement and meeting multiple criteria are advisable.

What are the admissions criteria for St Margaret's Church of England Primary School?

As a Church of England voluntary-aided school, St Margaret's applies faith-based oversubscription criteria determined by its governing body. While exact criteria should be confirmed annually, they typically include: looked-after and previously looked-after children; children with an EHCP naming the school; siblings; children of families who worship regularly at Anglican churches; children of other Christian denominations; children of other faiths; and proximity to the school. Parents seeking priority on faith grounds should evidence regular worship and may need a supplementary form signed by a clergy member.

What is the catchment area for St Margaret's Church of England Primary School?

St Margaret's does not publish a fixed geographical catchment area. As a voluntary-aided faith school, admissions prioritise criteria such as sibling links, church attendance, and faith affiliation before applying distance measures. The school's location in Plumstead means most successful applicants are likely drawn from SE18 and neighbouring postcodes, but proximity alone does not guarantee a place given the high level of oversubscription (4.4 applications per offer). Families should consult the detailed admissions policy on the Greenwich local authority website for the most current criteria and consult past years' data if available.

What age range does St Margaret's Church of England Primary School cover?

St Margaret's educates children from age 3 to 11, offering nursery provision (from age 3) through to the end of Year 6 (age 11). The school operates as a two-form-entry primary with 52 nursery places and 30 Reception places available each year. After Year 6, pupils typically transition to secondary schools in Greenwich or neighbouring boroughs.

What extracurricular activities are offered at St Margaret's Church of England Primary School?

Specific details on clubs, sports, and extracurricular programmes were not available from verified sources at the time of writing. Parents should contact the school directly or consult the school website for current information on after-school clubs, music tuition, sports teams, and enrichment activities.