Woodberry Down Community Primary School Review 2026: Diverse Finsbury Park community school delivering outstanding behaviour and personal development

Woodberry Down Community Primary School places kindness and understanding at the very heart of its ethos, fostering a proudly diverse and inclusive community in Finsbury Park, Hackney. This three-form-entry state primary serves approximately 680 pupils aged 2 to 11, reflecting the vibrancy of inner London while achieving academic outcomes well above national averages. Part of the New Wave Federation since 2018 under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Nicole Reid, the school earned a Good Ofsted rating in December 2023, with Outstanding judgements for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. With 82% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—significantly above the 62% national average—Woodberry Down demonstrates that strong pastoral care and academic rigour can coexist. The school operates on a School Street, with vehicle access restrictions during drop-off and collection times, reinforcing its commitment to pupil safety and environmental responsibility.

Woodberry Down Community Primary School anchors its work in five core values: Kind, Responsible, Focused, Creative, and Collaborative. These principles shape daily interactions across a community that celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect. Teachers and leaders describe their mission as removing barriers to learning and helping every child build upon their strengths and talents, with an expectation that pupils will reach and exceed age-related national expectations.

The school's governing board, chaired by Chris Howard and comprising nine members including parent, staff, and local authority representatives, works closely with the New Wave Federation leadership. Nicole Reid has served as Executive Headteacher since September 2018, bringing a vision that all children, regardless of background, deserve the best educational provision to achieve and succeed. Derek Hewie serves as Headteacher, with Shayne Davids leading on special educational needs coordination.

Located on Woodberry Grove close to Finsbury Park, the school welcomes families from across Hackney and beyond. The atmosphere is described as stimulating and creative, with staff reporting high levels of support and manageable workload considerations. Pupils take on active roles such as eco-champions and reading ambassadors, contributing to a culture where responsibility and leadership are nurtured from an early age. The institution registered with the Healthy Schools London programme in 2019, reflecting its ongoing commitment to pupil wellbeing.

Woodberry Down Community Primary School delivers academic performance that places it in line with national averages when compared to all state primaries in England. In the most recent Key Stage 2 results, 82% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The school also excelled in higher attainment, with 34% of pupils reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to just 8% nationally.

Reading is a particular strength. The school achieved an average scaled score of 108 in reading, with 82% of pupils meeting the expected standard and 45% achieving the higher score. In maths, the average scaled score was 106, with 80% reaching the expected standard and 33% achieving high scores. Writing outcomes were similarly strong, with 24% of pupils working at greater depth. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 72% met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 105. Science results were robust, with 88% meeting the expected standard, above the 82% national figure.

The school uses Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics instruction as its foundation for early literacy, ensuring systematic progression from the earliest years. Technology is integrated across the curriculum, and the school maintains a clear focus on preparing pupils for secondary transfer. Special educational needs support is coordinated by Shayne Davids, with provision tailored to individual requirements and a philosophy of inclusion embedded throughout the school.

Ofsted's December 2023 inspection awarded Good for quality of education and leadership and management, while behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision all received Outstanding ratings. Inspectors noted the school's success in creating an environment where pupils flourish, and highlighted the effectiveness of the early years setting in preparing children for the next stages of learning. This represents a shift from the school's previous Outstanding overall rating in 2012, though the inspection findings emphasise significant strengths in key areas that directly affect pupil experience.

The school day runs from 8:55am to 3:30pm, totalling approximately 32.5 hours per week. Extended provision is available from 8:00am via a breakfast club, with after-school care running until 6:00pm to accommodate working families.

Woodberry Down Community Primary School is oversubscribed, with 101 applications competing for 71 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.42. All families who listed the school as their first preference and received an offer did so successfully, demonstrating a fair allocation process. The furthest distance offered was 2.906 miles, reflecting the school's appeal across a wide catchment within Hackney and neighbouring areas.

As a Hackney community primary school, admissions are coordinated centrally by Hackney Education through the eAdmissions platform (www.eadmissions.org.uk). Applications for Reception entry open on 1 September each year, with a statutory closing date of 15 January for the following September intake. Children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 were eligible to apply for Reception entry in September 2025.

The admissions criteria follow Hackney's standard framework for community schools. After children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school are admitted, remaining places are allocated in priority order starting with looked-after children and previously looked-after children (including those in state care outside England). Subsequent priorities typically include siblings of current pupils, proximity to the school, and other tie-breaker criteria specified in Hackney's published admissions arrangements. Parents should consult the annual Community Schools Admissions Arrangements document on Hackney Education's website for the precise criteria applicable to their application year.

Waiting lists for normal point of entry (Reception) are maintained until the end of the summer term. Families wishing to remain on the waiting list beyond that point must reapply via Hackney's in-year application process. It is important to note that living in an area where children have previously attended the school does not guarantee admission in future years, and catchment areas can shift based on demand and local housing developments.

The school operates on a School Street designation, meaning vehicular access on Woodberry Grove is prohibited between 8:30–9:30am and 3:00–4:00pm. Hackney Council can issue fines to drivers without exemptions, so families should plan alternative drop-off arrangements or use active travel options.

For in-year admissions or queries specific to Woodberry Down, families should contact the school office at wdoffice@newwavefederation.co.uk or call 020 8800 5758. Detailed admissions information is also available on the school's website and Hackney Education's admissions pages.

Woodberry Down Community Primary School offers families a genuinely inclusive, values-led environment where academic achievement and personal development are pursued with equal conviction. The school's Outstanding judgements for behaviour, personal development and early years provision reflect a culture where kindness, collaboration and high expectations combine to produce confident, articulate learners. Academic outcomes well above national averages—particularly the 34% higher standard rate in reading, writing and maths, more than four times the national figure—demonstrate that the school's ethos translates into tangible results.

Parents seeking a diverse, urban primary with strong pastoral support, robust early years teaching, and a commitment to removing barriers to learning will find much to value here. The school's federation structure provides additional leadership capacity and shared expertise, while the location near Finsbury Park offers good transport links and a strong sense of community identity. Oversubscription is a reality, with competition for places reflecting the school's reputation, so early application and attention to admissions criteria are essential.

Woodberry Down is well-suited to families who prioritise inclusivity, character development and academic progress within a supportive, creative setting. Its blend of strong teaching, engaged leadership and a clear values framework positions it as a compelling choice for Hackney families and those able to secure a place within the school's catchment reach.

Is Woodberry Down Community Primary School a good school?

Yes, Woodberry Down Community Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (December 2023), with Outstanding judgements for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. Academic outcomes are well above national averages, with 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school also achieves exceptional higher attainment rates, with 34% reaching the higher standard versus 8% nationally.

How do I apply to Woodberry Down Community Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made through Hackney Education's coordinated admissions process via www.eadmissions.org.uk. The application window opens on 1 September each year, with a closing date of 15 January for the following September intake. The school is oversubscribed, so early application and careful attention to Hackney's admissions criteria are important. For in-year applications or specific queries, contact the school office at wdoffice@newwavefederation.co.uk or 020 8800 5758.

What age range does Woodberry Down Community Primary School serve?

Woodberry Down serves children aged 2 to 11, offering two-year-old provision, nursery, reception, and Year 1 through Year 6 classes. The school operates as a three-form-entry primary with approximately 680 pupils on roll.

What are the school's core values?

The school's five core values are Kind, Responsible, Focused, Creative, and Collaborative. These values underpin daily life at Woodberry Down and shape the school's approach to teaching, behaviour and personal development.

What are the school hours at Woodberry Down Community Primary School?

The school day runs from 8:55am to 3:30pm, totalling approximately 32.5 hours per week. A breakfast club is available from 8:00am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm.

How competitive is admission to Woodberry Down Community Primary School?

Woodberry Down is oversubscribed, with 101 applications for 71 Reception places in the most recent cycle (subscription ratio of 1.42). The furthest distance offered was 2.906 miles. All families who listed it as their first preference and received an offer were successful, but competition for places remains significant.