Shacklewell Primary School

Shacklewell Primary School stands out as one of the few Apple Distinguished Schools in England, reflecting an exceptionally high integration of digital learning across the curriculum. This Outstanding-rated community primary serves 472 pupils aged 2 to 11 in Dalston, Hackney, operating within the collaborative New Wave Federation under Executive Headteacher Nicole Reid. Founded from the merger of Shacklewell Junior and Infant Schools, the school champions its "Excellence for All" vision through five core values—Focused, Kind, Responsible, Creative, and Collaborative—delivered via a curriculum that blends the International Primary Curriculum with specialist teaching in art, music, languages, and sport. With a capacity of 482 across nursery, reception, and Years 1–6, the school maintains a 20:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio and has achieved Outstanding status in both its 2019 and 2025 Ofsted inspections. Admissions are highly competitive: 185 families applied for 60 reception places in the most recent cycle, and the furthest distance offered was just 0.32 miles, underlining the school's popularity among local families.

Shacklewell's "Excellence for All" ethos permeates every aspect of school life. The five core values—Focused, Kind, Responsible, Creative, and Collaborative—are embedded through daily practice and the International Primary Curriculum, ensuring children leave equipped with the skills and knowledge for their futures. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, the institution actively promotes democracy via an inclusive school council that involves all pupils in decision-making. Teachers describe a constructive and collaborative culture, and Ofsted inspectors note pupils' strikingly positive attitudes to health, fitness, and learning.

The school arose from the merger of Shacklewell Junior School and Shacklewell Infants' School, creating a unified all-through primary. Since September 2018, it has been part of the New Wave Federation—a partnership committed to collective growth and innovation—with Ms Nicole Reid serving as Executive Headteacher and Rory McGrath as Headteacher on site. This federated model enables resource-sharing, specialist teaching, and forward-thinking curriculum design that benefits all member schools.

Located on Shacklewell Row in the heart of Dalston, the school sits within a vibrant, diverse urban community. The campus has seen significant investment in outdoor spaces designed to encourage gross motor development, calculated risk-taking, and active play. Lunchtime supervisors and sports coaches are trained to support varied activities that promote social interaction, physical fitness, and structured play. The atmosphere is described as dynamic and engaging, with a culture of friendship and kindness evident among both staff and pupils.

Shacklewell Primary achieved 70% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. Science performance was particularly strong, with 90% meeting expectations. The school also shows higher-attainment depth in individual subjects: 30% achieved high scores in reading, 20% in maths and 20% in grammar, while 20% reached the combined high standard in reading, writing and maths. Average scaled scores stood at 105 in reading, 104 in maths and 103 in grammar. In writing, 30% of pupils reached greater depth.

These results place Shacklewell 5,085th academically out of 14,978 primary schools, while its broader overall profile ranks 21st among Hackney primaries—a solid performance reflecting consistent teaching and high expectations. The curriculum is structured around key stages, with topic-based and thematic teaching for foundation subjects using the International Primary Curriculum. Specialist teachers deliver art, music, languages (Spanish), and PE, ensuring depth and expertise in these disciplines. Digital learning is a particular strength: as an Apple Distinguished School, pupils engage with technology across all subjects, using it to explore new places, hear from experts, and expand their creative and critical thinking.

Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is highly effective. Ofsted praised the leadership of SEND provision, noting that appropriate adjustments enable all children to access the full curriculum successfully. Approximately 10% of pupils receive SEN support, overseen by a dedicated SENCO and Inclusion Leader. The school employs a graduated response in line with the SEN Code of Practice 0-25, with early identification and regular monitoring by class teachers. Interventions include 1:1 support, advice from external specialists (such as educational psychologists), and frequent staff SEN training. Parents are invited to collaborate with the SENCO to determine the most effective provision for each child.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm, with wraparound care available from 8:00am (school staff) until 6:00pm via the external contractor-run 'Our Space' playcentre. Breakfast Club operates from 8:00am, and after-school clubs run from 3:30pm to 4:45pm, offering activities ranging from drama, dance, and choir to cookery, seasonal sports, and digital projects. Most clubs are open to children from nursery through Year 6, giving pupils ample opportunity to explore hobbies and socialise beyond the classroom.

Physical education and sport are a priority, with competitive teams fielded in major sports from Year 3 upward. Pupils participate in up to 10 seasonal sports, and extensive sporting activities foster strikingly positive attitudes to health and fitness. Lunchtime and break times are enriched by structured play led by trained supervisors and sports coaches, encouraging social interaction and active engagement. The school has invested heavily in outdoor play spaces designed to develop gross motor skills and support risk-taking in a safe, supervised environment.

Creative and performing arts are taught as discrete subjects (art and music) or integrated into thematic learning (DT, drama, dance). The school has a choir and several extracurricular creative clubs. Spanish is taught to all pupils, and PSHE is embedded across the curriculum. The emphasis on free play in 'Our Space' allows children to choose activities, games, and playmates, supporting independence and peer relationships outside formal lessons.

Shacklewell Primary's approach to SEND is characterised by early identification, close monitoring, and a graduated response tailored to individual needs. The SENCO and Inclusion Leader work closely with class teachers and parents to ensure timely support. All children are monitored regularly through assessment and formal discussions, and any pupil not making expected progress triggers a review of additional provision.

The school uses Hackney Education guidelines to determine placement on the SEND register. Once identified, interventions may include in-class differentiation, targeted small-group work, or 1:1 sessions. External specialists—such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and advisory services—are consulted as needed. Staff receive frequent SEN training to maintain high-quality, evidence-based practice.

Conditions supported

• Learning differences: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia
• Communication and interaction: speech and language needs, social communication difficulties
• Social, emotional, and mental health: anxiety support, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions
• Sensory and physical needs: visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disabilities

Ofsted recognised the school's SEND leadership as highly effective, highlighting that pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils make strong progress thanks to appropriate adjustments and inclusive teaching. The school's Rights Respecting ethos ensures all children feel valued and supported.

Shacklewell Primary is a Hackney community school, meaning admissions are coordinated by the local authority. Applications for reception places open each autumn, with the current deadline published by Hackney for each intake. Families are encouraged to book a tour by contacting the school office on 020 7254 1415 or emailing swoffice@newwavefederation.co.uk. Tours provide an opportunity to see the school in action and discuss individual needs with staff.

Competition for places is intense. In the most recent admissions round, 185 families applied for 60 reception places, representing a subscription rate of 3.08:1. The furthest distance offered was just 0.32 miles, indicating a very tight catchment area. Families living closest to the school have the strongest chance of securing a place, particularly those within a few hundred metres of Shacklewell Row.

Hackney's community schools admissions policy prioritises children in care, those with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, siblings of current pupils, and then proximity to the school measured in a straight line. Detailed admissions arrangements for 2025–26 and 2026–27 are available on the Hackney Education website and the school's own admissions page. Parents should apply via Hackney's online portal at education.hackney.gov.uk, or contact the admissions team on 020 8820 7000 (option 3) or admissions@hackney.gov.uk for advice.

The school also offers two-year-old provision and nursery places for three-year-olds. Both require separate applications via Google Forms linked on the school website. Important to note: nursery attendance does not guarantee a main school place—children must meet local authority entry requirements and apply through the normal reception admissions process.

Shacklewell Primary School delivers an Outstanding education rooted in inclusion, innovation, and high expectations. Its Apple Distinguished status underscores a commitment to digital learning that enriches the curriculum and prepares pupils for a technology-driven world. Results are consistently above national averages, with particular strengths in science and higher attainment across reading, writing, and maths. The International Primary Curriculum, combined with specialist teaching in art, music, languages, and sport, provides breadth and depth rarely seen in many urban primaries.

The school's SEND provision is exemplary, with highly effective leadership ensuring all pupils access the curriculum and make strong progress. The Rights Respecting ethos and collaborative culture create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. Wraparound care, extensive extracurricular clubs, and significant investment in outdoor play spaces support pupils' social, emotional, and physical development beyond the classroom.

Admissions are extremely competitive, with a catchment radius of barely a third of a mile. Families within immediate walking distance of Shacklewell Row stand the best chance of securing a place. For those fortunate enough to gain entry, the school offers a well-rounded, forward-thinking primary education led by experienced, collaborative professionals committed to excellence for all.

Is Shacklewell Primary School a good school?

Yes. Shacklewell Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2025) and shows solid current results. Seventy per cent of pupils meet expected standards in reading, writing, and maths, and 20% achieve the combined high standard in reading, writing and maths. The school is also an Apple Distinguished School, recognised for exceptional integration of digital learning. SEND provision is highly effective, and the Rights Respecting ethos encourages a culture of kindness, collaboration, and high expectations.

How do I apply to Shacklewell Primary School?

Applications for reception places are made through Hackney Council's online admissions portal at education.hackney.gov.uk. The application window typically opens in the autumn term, with the current deadline published by Hackney for each intake. Contact the school office on 020 7254 1415 or swoffice@newwavefederation.co.uk to book a tour. Nursery and two-year-old provision require separate applications via Google Forms available on the school website. Note that nursery attendance does not guarantee a main school place.

What is the catchment area for Shacklewell Primary School?

The furthest distance offered in the most recent admissions round was 0.32 miles (approximately 515 metres). This very tight catchment reflects high demand: 185 families applied for 60 places, a subscription rate of 3.08:1. Families living within a few hundred metres of the school on Shacklewell Row, Dalston, have the best chance of securing a place. Hackney's community schools admissions policy prioritises children in care, those with an EHCP naming the school, siblings, and then distance from home to school.

Does Shacklewell Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Shacklewell offers both two-year-old provision and nursery places for three-year-olds. Two-year-old provision includes part-time and full-time options with wraparound care from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Families must apply separately via Google Forms linked on the school's admissions page, and eligibility criteria apply. Nursery attendance does not guarantee progression to reception; parents must apply through Hackney's main admissions process and meet local authority entry requirements.

What extracurricular activities does Shacklewell Primary School offer?

Shacklewell has an extensive extracurricular programme. Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am, and after-school clubs from 3:30pm to 4:45pm cover drama, dance, choir, cookery, and a range of seasonal sports. The school fields competitive teams in major sports from Year 3. 'Our Space' after-school playcentre operates until 6:00pm, offering free play and varied activities for pupils from nursery through Year 6. The curriculum includes specialist teaching in art, music, Spanish, and PE, plus PSHE and thematic learning via the International Primary Curriculum.

What are the school hours at Shacklewell Primary School?

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm. Wraparound care is available from 8:00am (Breakfast Club, run by school staff) and extends until 6:00pm via 'Our Space', an external contractor-run playcentre. After-school clubs operate from 3:30pm to 4:45pm, offering a wide range of activities for children from nursery to Year 6.