Wyborne Primary School Review 2026: An Inclusive Community School with an Innovative Museum of Learning

Wyborne Primary School distinguishes itself through its "Museum of Everything", a classroom transformed into an immersive learning facility that develops inquisitive minds through real-life experiences. This state-funded primary school for children aged 3 to 11 sits on Footscray Road in New Eltham, within the London Borough of Greenwich. Led by Headteacher James Searjeant, Wyborne combines strong inclusive values with creative teaching approaches, earning shortlisting for the TES Inclusive School of the Year Award. The school serves a diverse community across 403 places, offering nursery provision and a curriculum structured around five priorities: Art and Design Technology, Science and Humanities, Physical/Mental/Emotional Health, Technology and Computing, and Cultural Capital development. Rated Good by Ofsted, Wyborne's approach centres on the belief that "inclusion is not a bolt-on but at the core" of the school, supported by specialist facilities including a sensory room, forest school, and therapy dog.

Wyborne Primary School frames its identity through three defining words: "Kind, hardworking and welcomes all." This mission translates into five core values that shape everyday school life: empathy, empowerment, curiosity, collaboration, and champion. Parents consistently describe the school as genuinely welcoming, with families noting that staff "really do welcome all children from all communities" and create "a feeling of community and coming together." The inclusive ethos is not rhetorical; it is embedded in tangible initiatives such as Inclusion Ambassadors, projects celebrating neurodiversity, and strong pupil voice mechanisms that drive positive change across the school.

The vision emphasises creating a stimulating, safe, and respectful environment where partnerships between staff, families, and pupils support children's development as "happy, confident, individual learners" with positive attitudes and values. This commitment to inclusivity has been recognised formally through an Inclusion Quality Mark award and most recently through shortlisting for a major national award. Leadership promotes mental health and emotional well-being, physical well-being, and professional development across all levels of the school community. The culture is one of innovation and calculated risk-taking, with leadership explicitly stating a desire to work with educationalists "that are also innovative and not afraid to try new things."

Wyborne Primary School's most recent Key Stage 2 results show 68% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%. In individual subjects, 75% met the expected standard in reading, 70% in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 59% in maths. Science performance was solid at 77% meeting the expected standard. Average scaled scores were 103 in both reading and grammar, and 101 in maths. At the higher standard, 10% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and maths, compared to the national average of 8%, while 16% achieved high scores in reading, 16% in grammar, and 13% in maths.

The school's national ranking places it ranked 12,310th in England, with stronger performance in reading and grammar than in maths. Local competition within Greenwich is robust, with Wyborne ranked 61st among area primaries. These outcomes reflect the school's curriculum focus on reading, mathematics, and writing skills, delivered through a responsive curriculum adapted to pupil needs. The school's "Museum of Everything", developed in partnership with Punchdrunk Enrichment, serves as an innovative pedagogical tool that immerses children in experiential learning, moving beyond traditional classroom structures to stimulate curiosity and engagement.

Support for special educational needs is a pronounced strength. Leadership includes a dedicated Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, and the school maintains specialist facilities including a sensory room, forest school for Early Years and Year 1, therapeutic spaces, and a therapy dog. The approach has earned a solid reputation within the local community, acknowledged through the Inclusion Quality Mark. Early years provision benefits from dedicated forest school experiences designed to promote hands-on learning and emotional development, setting a foundation for the school's nurturing pastoral culture.

The "Museum of Everything" is Wyborne's signature facility, described as "an incredible facility which ensures that inquisitive minds are developed in a very creative way." Developed with Punchdrunk Enrichment, this transformed classroom space provides immersive, real-life learning experiences that parents and pupils consistently praise. Beyond this distinctive resource, the school offers a sensory room, dedicated therapeutic spaces, and an onsite forest school that supports early learners through outdoor, hands-on experiences.

The school's location in New Eltham provides access to ample green open spaces and rich cultural local resources, with the campus situated just five minutes' walk from New Eltham train station. Facilities support a broad extracurricular programme, with clubs catering to diverse interests from birdwatching to coding. Breakfast and after-school clubs provide wraparound care, while the enrichment programme draws on the sensory garden and specialist learning spaces to extend classroom learning. The physical environment and programme reflect the school's commitment to developing Cultural Capital alongside academic skills, ensuring pupils experience a breadth of learning opportunities beyond the statutory curriculum.

Wyborne Primary School is consistently oversubscribed, with 125 applications for 59 Reception places in the most recent admissions round, a subscription ratio of 2.12. All families who listed Wyborne as their first preference and were offered a place received that offer, reflecting a clear admissions process. The furthest distance offered was 2.014 miles, providing a practical guide to the realistic catchment area, though this figure can vary annually depending on sibling numbers and the geographical distribution of applicants.

Admissions are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and parents should consult the local authority's admissions pages and the school's own website for current oversubscription criteria and timelines. Living near the school does not guarantee admission, particularly given the level of demand. Families considering Wyborne should apply through the standard Greenwich application process, typically in the autumn term before the September entry year, with offers made in mid-April. The school's popularity reflects both its inclusive reputation and its innovative approach to learning, and prospective families are advised to visit during open days to understand the ethos and facilities firsthand. Given the oversubscription, parents should list multiple preferences on their application form to secure alternative options if Wyborne cannot offer a place.

Wyborne Primary School is a Good school in the most meaningful sense: it delivers solid academic outcomes while prioritising the well-being, individuality, and inclusion of every child. The standout "Museum of Everything" and specialist support facilities demonstrate a school willing to invest creatively in how children learn, not just what they learn. Results in reading and grammar are above national expectations, and the higher attainment figures exceed national averages, though maths outcomes suggest an area where continued focus may benefit future cohorts.

The school's inclusive ethos is not marketing language but evidenced practice, recognised through awards and parent testimony. Leadership under James Searjeant is forward-thinking and collaborative, fostering innovation while maintaining a stable, values-driven culture. For families seeking a primary school that genuinely welcomes diversity, invests in pastoral care, and offers creative, immersive learning experiences, Wyborne presents a compelling option. The high level of admissions competition reflects local confidence in the school, and families who secure a place can expect a nurturing environment that balances academic progress with emotional and social development. This is a school where kindness and hard work are not slogans but visible daily practices.

Is Wyborne Primary School a good school?

Yes, Wyborne Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted following its most recent inspection in November 2022. The school achieves above-average results in reading, writing and maths combined (68% versus 62% nationally), with particular strength in reading and grammar. Beyond academic outcomes, the school has been shortlisted for the TES Inclusive School of the Year Award and holds an Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting strong pastoral support and a genuinely inclusive culture. Parents consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and the innovative "Museum of Everything" learning facility.

How do I apply to Wyborne Primary School?

Applications to Wyborne Primary School are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Parents must apply online through the local authority's admissions portal, typically during the autumn term before the September entry year (for Reception entry). The deadline is usually mid-January, with offers made in mid-April. Given that Wyborne is oversubscribed (with 125 applications for 59 places in the most recent round), it is essential to list multiple school preferences on your application. Check the Royal Borough of Greenwich website and the school's own admissions pages for current timelines, oversubscription criteria, and open day dates.

What is the catchment area for Wyborne Primary School?

Wyborne Primary School does not operate a fixed catchment area. Admissions are determined by the Royal Borough of Greenwich's oversubscription criteria, which typically prioritise children with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school. The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 2.014 miles, providing a practical (though not guaranteed) guide. This distance can vary annually depending on sibling numbers and applicant distribution, so living close to the school does not guarantee a place.

What are the school's core values and ethos?

Wyborne's ethos is summarised as "Kind, hardworking and welcomes all," with five core values: empathy, empowerment, curiosity, collaboration, and champion. These values are embedded across school life, influencing teaching, behaviour expectations, and pupil-led initiatives such as Inclusion Ambassadors and neurodiversity celebration projects. Headteacher James Searjeant has stated that "inclusion is not a bolt-on at Wyborne, it is at the core of our school," a philosophy reflected in specialist facilities, strong SEN support, and the diverse pupil body.

What makes the Museum of Everything unique?

The Museum of Everything is a classroom transformed into an immersive learning facility, developed in partnership with Punchdrunk Enrichment. It provides real-life, experiential learning opportunities designed to develop inquisitive minds in creative ways. Pupils and parents consistently highlight this resource as a distinctive feature of the school, and it exemplifies Wyborne's commitment to innovative teaching methods that go beyond traditional classroom structures.

What special educational needs provision does the school offer?

Wyborne Primary School has a strong reputation for SEN support, acknowledged through an Inclusion Quality Mark award. The school employs a dedicated Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and provides specialist facilities including a sensory room, dedicated therapeutic spaces, an onsite forest school for Early Years and Year 1, and a therapy dog. The inclusive approach extends to student-led initiatives such as Inclusion Ambassadors and projects celebrating neurodiversity, ensuring that children with diverse needs are fully integrated into school life.