Grazebrook Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding State Primary in the Heart of Stoke Newington

At the gates of Lordship Road, where Stoke Newington's Victorian terraces meet modern family life, lies a two-form entry state primary where ambition and kindness are woven into daily routines. Grazebrook achieved Outstanding status across all areas in its November 2023 Ofsted inspection, its performance in national assessments placing it firmly among the top tier of schools in England. The school ranks 449th nationally, sitting in the top 3% of primary schools (FindMySchool ranking). In Hackney, it ranks 4th locally. With 471 pupils aged three to eleven, including those in nursery provision, Grazebrook combines academic rigour with genuine pastoral warmth. The defining strength is how the school moves pupils forward: reading scaled scores of 111, mathematics at 109, and grammar, punctuation and spelling at 110 place the school substantially above England averages across the board.

The school day begins early with breakfast club at 8:00am, offering a calm entry point to learning. By 8:55am, the playground takes on purposeful energy as pupils line up with their teachers. The atmosphere is described by the latest inspection as "calm and orderly" with behaviour rated Outstanding. What distinguishes Grazebrook is the evident ownership pupils take of the school values: kindness, focus, creativity, responsibility and collaboration.

The Grazebrook Passport is a distinctive initiative designed to develop pupils as active citizens and extend their understanding of the world beyond their immediate community. Pupils engage proudly in charity work because they want to improve the lives of others, reflecting a genuine sense of agency rather than token participation. The inspection noted that pupils readily take on responsibility for enhancing school life, through roles as subject ambassadors, learning counsellors and playground friends.

Mrs Nicole Reid has led the school as Executive Headteacher since October 2022, with Headteacher Katie Beecroft overseeing day-to-day operations. The leadership team invests in professional development for all staff, creating an environment where teachers can support pupils effectively. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and pupils consistently report feeling safe with trusted adults in the school.

Key Stage 2 (Year 6) Outcomes

In the most recent national assessments, Grazebrook's performance stands out. 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. This 31-percentage-point gap reflects the strength of teaching and curriculum design across the school.

Breaking down individual subjects: in reading, 97% met expected standards with a scaled score of 111 (England average: 100). In mathematics, 93% achieved expected standards, with a scaled score of 109. Grammar, punctuation and spelling saw 95% reach expected standards at a scaled score of 110. At the higher standard, 54% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, mathematics and grammar combined, compared to just 8% nationally. This concentration of high-achieving pupils indicates both selective provision and the strength of teaching to accelerate progress.

Ranking Context

The school ranks 449th in England for primary outcomes, placing it in the top 3% of England's 15,158 primary schools (FindMySchool ranking). In Hackney, it occupies 4th position among 88 primary schools, making it one of the strongest performers locally. These rankings reflect sustained excellence: the school was rated Outstanding at its previous inspection in February 2012 and has maintained that standard.

The curriculum at Grazebrook is ambitious and broad, as confirmed by Ofsted. The school uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a thematic framework recognised globally for engaging pupils through real-world topics while maintaining rigour across subjects. This means pupils learn science, geography, history, and literacy integrated within meaningful units — children explore chocolate, time, inventions, and airports — rather than subjects in isolation.

Reading is genuinely prioritised from Reception onwards. All pupils learn phonics through a well-structured, fidelity-based programme. Teachers have expertise in early reading instruction and assessment is used to identify gaps quickly, with expert additional support deployed where needed. The goal extends beyond the phonics screening check: pupils develop fluency and a genuine love of books. Pupils are "immersed in books, language and stories" according to the inspection.

Specialist teaching is embedded. Computing is a particular strength, with the school recognised nationally and internationally for its digital integration and technology teaching. Spanish is taught from the early years, with the school embedding a Modern Foreign Language culture into the community. Physical Education is delivered by specialist coaches. Music education aspires to give every pupil access to learning instruments and ensemble participation. This specialist input is balanced: most lessons are taught by form tutors, ensuring continuity and deep knowledge of individual pupils.

For pupils with SEND, the curriculum is fully accessible. The inspection confirmed that pupils with special educational needs access the same curriculum as peers with purposeful adaptations. Regular communication with families, teachers and external agencies ensures needs are understood and well-supported. Teachers receive training to help pupils thrive, and extra transition support is provided when pupils move years or to secondary school.

Assessment is used to check what pupils know and remember, with teachers addressing misconceptions in the moment. Formal assessments fine-tune teaching. This cycle ensures gaps don't accumulate.

As a primary school with nursery provision, Grazebrook acts as a feeder to a range of secondary options across Hackney. The school is part of the New Wave Federation, which includes sister schools Woodberry Down, Shacklewell and Thomas Fairchild primaries. Internally, transition is supported through familiar leadership structures across the federation.

The majority of pupils progress to non-selective comprehensives, including Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form (0.6 miles away). For families pursuing grammar school places, approximately 15 pupils per year typically secure entry to Reading School or other selective secondaries, though the school does not focus heavily on intensive 11-plus preparation. The school provides familiarisation with entrance-style assessments and supports pupils applying to grammar schools, but the emphasis remains on broad, ambitious learning rather than test coaching.

The extracurricular provision at Grazebrook supports the school's commitment to developing the whole pupil. After-school clubs and activities run most evenings, giving pupils opportunities to explore hobbies and interests beyond the core curriculum.

Music: A Rich Offer

Musical education is a pillar of school life. Pupils have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments, with specialist teaching embedded in the timetable. String, woodwind, brass and keyboard lessons are available. Whole-year-group ensembles participate in school performances and celebrations. The curriculum emphasises both technical skill and joy in music-making. Pupils rehearse for assemblies, where singing songs and musical performances are regular features of morning gatherings.

Sports: Coached and Competitive

The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports throughout the year, with competitive teams in major sports from Year 3 onwards. Lunchtime supervisors and specialist sports coaches support play and structured activities. The school makes full use of its playgrounds and facilities, with activities such as table tennis, skipping and drawing available during breaks. Physical Education is taught by specialist coaches, ensuring high-quality instruction across all year groups. Football, netball, athletics, gymnastics and other sports feature across the curriculum.

Arts and Creativity

Art and music are taught as discrete subjects to all pupils, reflecting their importance in the curriculum. The inspection praised the school's ability to develop character through enrichment experiences and opportunities designed to meet pupils' needs. Access to visual arts, drama and creative expression is embedded rather than optional.

Extended Schools and Care

Beyond the school day, Grazebrook offers extended provision. Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am, providing a healthy breakfast and activities before formal lessons. Our Space is the after-school play centre, operating from 3:30pm to 6:00pm daily, offering joyful creative play led by experienced practitioners. This dual provision allows parents to balance work and family commitments whilst children explore interests in structured, caring environments.

Leadership and Responsibility

Pupils have multiple opportunities to develop leadership. Subject ambassadors, learning counsellors and playground friends are roles pupils apply for, with responsibilities valued by the whole-school community. This real agency — applying for roles, taking genuine responsibility — contrasts with cosmetic pupil leadership and builds character as effectively as any curriculum.

Reception entry is coordinated by Hackney Local Authority. The school is significantly oversubscribed: in the most recent cycle, 249 applications competed for 60 places, representing an oversubscription ratio of 4.15 times. This means demand far exceeds supply.

After looked-after children and pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.417 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Weekly tours run every Wednesday at 9:15am, bookable via the school office (gboffice@newwavefederation.co.uk or 0208 802 4051). The school's website details admissions criteria and timelines.

For in-year applications, Hackney maintains a primary school vacancies list. Children can be admitted at any point during the school year, though the popularity of Grazebrook means waiting lists may be active.

Nursery Provision

The school offers one full-time and two part-time nursery classes for children aged three to four. Nursery pupils do not automatically progress to Reception; entry to the main school is through the standard coordinated admissions route. Government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours for eligible families) reduce nursery costs, and the school website contains fee information for families seeking additional paid sessions.

The school day runs from 8:55am to 3:30pm, approximately 32.5 hours per week. Breakfast Club opens at 8:00am for pupils wishing an earlier start. The gate opens at 8:45am.

Lunchtime is supervised with structured activities and play opportunities. Pupils can bring packed lunches or access school meals. Sports coaches support children's play during breaks.

Grayling Road is a School Street, meaning it is illegal to drive between 8:30am–9:30am and 3:00pm–4:00pm without exemption. A limited school car park is available by prior consent. On-street parking in the surrounding residential roads becomes challenging at peak times.

Transport: The nearest tube station is Stoke Newington, approximately a 15-minute walk. Buses 73, 67, 73A and 149 serve the area. Walking and cycling are viable for many families given the urban location.

The school prioritises the wellbeing of all pupils. A calm, orderly environment has been created where behaviour is exemplary. Pupils feel safe and know trusted adults are available if they have concerns. The inspection highlighted that pupils' own attitudes and those of their peers positively impact school experience.

Attendance is high compared to national averages, suggesting families value the school and pupils engage with learning. Behaviour routines are clear and understood from early years upwards, lived consistently across the school. Pupils described being kind and courteous to one another.

Oversubscription and distance: Securing a place requires living very close to the school. With a last distance of 0.417 miles and 4.15 applications per place, competition is fierce. Families should verify their current distance before relying on entry. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. If you are outside the typical catchment, the school is unlikely to have capacity.

English as an additional language: Approximately 20% of pupils speak English as an additional language, which the school supports well through its inclusive curriculum. For families new to English-speaking education, staff are trained and experienced in supporting EAL learners, though expectations remain high.

Limited secondary choice: Once pupils leave Grazebrook, the range of secondary options within walking distance is limited. Stoke Newington School is the nearest non-selective secondary. For families seeking alternatives, travel times to other schools increase. This is less a school issue and more a feature of London geography, but worth considering if secondary choice flexibility matters to your family.

Pace of learning: The curriculum is ambitious and outcomes are strong, meaning the pace of progress is brisk. Pupils who are slower to settle into academic routines, or who benefit from extended consolidation time, may find the environment intense. The school supports SEND pupils well, but the default expectation is that pupils will engage with and progress through a full curriculum.

Grazebrook is a state primary firing on all cylinders. The combination of an Outstanding inspection, top-3% performance in national assessments, genuinely kind school culture and ambitious curriculum makes it one of London's strongest community primaries. The challenge is access: competition for places is extreme, and proximity to Lordship Road is essential. For families living within the tight catchment, or those fortunate enough to secure a place through the waiting list, the school offers first-class primary education at no cost. The specialist teaching, thematic curriculum, strong reading culture and emphasis on character development mean pupils leave well-prepared for secondary school, both academically and emotionally. Best suited to families seeking a genuinely excellent, values-driven primary within walking distance, or those prepared to navigate the oversubscription process. This is a school where standards are high and kindness is lived rather than sloganed.