Kingsmead Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding LEAP Federation School in Homerton

Kingsmead Primary School is a state-maintained community primary in Homerton, Hackney, graded Outstanding by Ofsted in November 2023. Part of the LEAP federation since 2015, the school serves 210 pupils aged 3–11 with nursery provision and operates as both a National Teaching School and National Support School. With a combined average scaled score of 320 in reading, grammar and maths, the school ranks 3,773rd nationally and 25th in Hackney, placing its performance above the national average. Located on Kingsmead Way, E9 5PP, the school combines a culturally diverse intake (over 90% ethnic minority pupils) with strong academic outcomes: 82% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 62% nationally. Day fees do not apply; this is a fully state-funded school.

Kingsmead was founded as a community school for the immediate neighbourhood and has grown into a federation hub. In June 2015, the school federated with Gayhurst Community School, a partnership that began in 2011. By 2017, Mandeville Primary joined, forming the LEAP federation (Learning, Education, Arts Partnership), which expanded again in 2025 to include Grasmere Primary. The federation model enables shared leadership, specialist staff and collaborative improvement across four schools. Kingsmead leads the Hackney Teaching Schools' Alliance, an alliance of 15 mixed-phase schools in the borough, supporting professional development and best-practice sharing.

The school's ethos centres on putting pupils' interests first. Ofsted's 2023 inspection report noted that "Pupils' best interests are at the heart of all the school's work. Pupils are exceptionally well behaved and show kindness and respect for their fellow pupils and school staff." Leadership under Executive Headteacher Louise Nichols and Headteacher Evelyn Deeney emphasises intellectual curiosity, imagination, creativity and personal development. The LEAP Empowerment Curriculum provides the framework, with Forest School programmes, pupil voice initiatives and enrichment activities designed to nurture individual talents.

Recognition of the school's work extends beyond inspection results. Kingsmead holds the Quality Mark for History Gold Award from the Historical Association, reflecting a curriculum enriched by visits to the British Museum, Hackney Museum, Epping Forest, the Museum of London and St Augustine's Tower. Pupils benefit from workshops and talks by community members, building cultural capital and a sense of place. The school previously received Outstanding status in 2012 and was designated a National Teaching School that year, a role it continues to fulfil.

Kingsmead delivers strong academic outcomes across the primary curriculum. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, pupils achieved an average scaled score of 108 in reading, 105 in maths and 107 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, for a combined score of 320. This places the school in the top quartile nationally. 82% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, well above the national average of 62%. At the higher standard, 32% of pupils reached greater depth across the three core subjects, compared to 8% nationally.

Subject-by-subject, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, with 46% achieving high scores. In writing, 29% reached greater depth. In maths, 79% met the expected standard and 21% achieved high scores. Grammar results were particularly strong: 86% met the threshold and 46% scored highly. In science, 86% reached the expected standard, against a national average of 82%.

These results reflect careful teaching and targeted support. Ofsted observed that staff are well trained, adapt teaching for individual needs and ensure pupils understand material before moving on. The school employs 15 full-time equivalent teachers for 226 pupils, yielding a pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1. Pupils with English as an additional language (around 67%) and those eligible for free school meals (48%) receive focused intervention, and the school's inclusive approach ensures that 82% of all groups reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

The LEAP Empowerment Curriculum emphasises breadth alongside depth. History teaching is enriched by the Gold Award curriculum, and the school has been recognised for its approach to cultural capital. Pupils engage with their local heritage and broader national narratives through museum visits and community partnerships. Extracurricular opportunities include Forest School, which uses outdoor learning to build resilience and teamwork, and a variety of pupil voice structures that develop leadership and citizenship skills.

Kingsmead occupies a mixed-use site on Kingsmead Way, within walking distance of Homerton High Street and Hackney Marshes. The school provides wraparound care for working families, including breakfast club and after-school provision. Nursery places for 3- and 4-year-olds are available, and the school participates in the government's free childcare scheme. School lunches are provided, with free meal applications handled through the school office.

Facilities include classrooms equipped for the LEAP curriculum, outdoor learning areas for Forest School, and spaces for specialist teaching in history and the arts. The federation structure enables pupils to benefit from shared resources and expertise across four schools, including specialist teachers and professional development programmes. The school's location in a culturally diverse, urban neighbourhood informs its curriculum and community links, with pupils reflecting the broader Hackney demographic.

Ofsted noted that pupils are "exceptionally well behaved and show kindness and respect," a testament to the school's pastoral culture. Pupils contribute to school life through pupil voice initiatives, and the enrichment programme includes workshops, trips and creative projects. The federation's emphasis on nurturing talents means that pupils across the four LEAP schools access a wider range of opportunities than a standalone primary might offer.

Kingsmead Primary School admits Reception pupils through Hackney Council's coordinated admissions scheme. The school is a community school, so Hackney Council applies its published oversubscription criteria. Parents apply online via Hackney's admissions portal, listing up to six schools in preference order. The deadline for Reception applications is typically mid-January of the year preceding entry, with offers issued on National Offer Day in mid-April.

The school is oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, 85 families applied for 29 Reception places, a subscription ratio of 2.93:1. The furthest distance offered was 1.63 miles, indicating that families living beyond this radius were unlikely to secure a place. All 29 places offered were filled, and first-preference applicants slightly exceeded first-preference offers, reflecting the school's popularity in the local area.

Hackney's admissions criteria for community schools typically prioritise children in care, pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, siblings of current pupils, and then distance from home to school. Because Kingsmead is in an area with many families and relatively few primary places, proximity is critical. Families living within a few hundred metres of the school stand the strongest chance of admission, though the 1.63-mile furthest offer suggests that in some rounds, places extend further when the school is less oversubscribed.

Parents should check the Hackney Education website for the current Community Schools Admissions Arrangements for 2025–26 and 2026–27, which set out the exact criteria and distance thresholds. Kingsmead's nursery provision does not guarantee a Reception place; parents must still apply through the LA. Nursery attendance may, however, familiarise families with the school's ethos and help with the transition to Reception.

Kingsmead Primary School is a strong community primary with a track record of high performance and a distinctive federation structure. Its Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects excellent behaviour, inclusive teaching and results well above national averages. The LEAP federation and Teaching Schools' Alliance roles signal a school confident in its practice and committed to sharing expertise. Parents seeking a nurturing, culturally aware environment with enriched history and outdoor learning provision will find Kingsmead a compelling choice.

The school's main strengths are its academic results, particularly in reading and grammar; its emphasis on cultural capital through museum visits and curriculum enrichment; and its pastoral care, which Ofsted described as putting pupils' interests "at the heart of all the school's work." The federation model offers resilience and continuity, with shared leadership ensuring consistency even as individual heads rotate.

Challenges are modest. Oversubscription means that many applicants will be disappointed, and families living beyond 1.6 miles should consider backup options. The school's urban setting limits outdoor space compared to schools with extensive grounds, though Forest School provision addresses this. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 is reasonable but not as low as some smaller schools, and class sizes in a 210-place, one-form-entry school will be near the statutory maximum of 30 in Key Stage 1.

Kingsmead suits families who value community roots, diversity, and a school actively engaged in educational leadership across the borough. The LEAP Empowerment Curriculum, Gold Award history teaching, and strong core-subject outcomes combine to offer a well-rounded primary education. Parents should visit on an open day to experience the school's warm, purposeful atmosphere and to assess the fit with their child's needs.

Is Kingsmead Primary School a good school?

Yes. Kingsmead is graded Outstanding by Ofsted (2023) and delivers results well above national averages. 82% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 62% nationally, and the school ranks 3,773rd out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England. Behaviour and pastoral care are also rated highly.

How do I apply to Kingsmead Primary School?

Apply online through Hackney Council's primary admissions portal, listing up to six schools in preference order. The deadline for Reception applications is typically mid-January of the year preceding entry. Check Hackney Education's website for the current Community Schools Admissions Arrangements and key dates.

What is the catchment area for Kingsmead Primary School?

Kingsmead does not have a formal catchment area, but the furthest distance offered in the most recent round was 1.63 miles. Proximity to the school on Kingsmead Way is critical. Families living within a few hundred metres stand the best chance. Review Hackney's published admissions criteria and distance maps for precise thresholds.

Does Kingsmead Primary School have nursery provision?

Yes. The school offers nursery places for 3- and 4-year-olds, participating in the government's free childcare scheme. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place; parents must still apply through Hackney's coordinated admissions process.

What are the school's strengths in the curriculum?

Kingsmead excels in reading and grammar (average scaled scores of 108 and 107, respectively) and holds the Quality Mark for History Gold Award. The LEAP Empowerment Curriculum emphasises cultural capital, with trips to museums, Forest School outdoor learning, and pupil voice initiatives that develop leadership and citizenship.

What is the LEAP federation?

The LEAP federation (Learning, Education, Arts Partnership) comprises four Hackney primary schools: Kingsmead, Gayhurst, Mandeville and Grasmere. Established in 2015, the federation shares leadership, specialist staff and professional development, enabling each school to benefit from collective expertise and resources.