Addison Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in West Kensington

In West Kensington, where Victorian terraces face Edwardian mansion blocks, Addison Primary has quietly assembled one of the finest academic records in England. The 2024 KS2 results place the school 69th among 15,158 ranked primaries nationwide, an elite tier shared by fewer than 100 state schools. With 96% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined, Addison achieves outcomes that exceed many selective and independent alternatives.

The school occupies a compact site on Addison Gardens, serving approximately 420 pupils aged 3 to 11. Two-form entry means roughly 60 children per year group, creating a community large enough for social breadth but small enough that teachers know every child by name. The nursery, which admits from age three, feeds into Reception but does not guarantee a place.

The red-brick Victorian building sits behind iron railings on a quiet residential street. At drop-off, the gates reveal a school that runs with calm efficiency. Children arrive confidently, greeting staff by name before moving to their classrooms. The atmosphere is purposeful without feeling pressured.

Inside, corridors display work that reflects genuine ambition. Year 6 poetry sits alongside Year 2 science diagrams. The library, recently refurbished, occupies a central position. Children use it freely during breaks and lunchtimes.

Ms Emma Reynolds has led the school since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Richmond. Under her leadership, the school achieved Good in its 2022 Ofsted inspection, having previously been rated Outstanding. The report noted strong teaching, high expectations, and a culture where pupils genuinely enjoy learning.

Staff stability is notable. Several teachers have worked here for over a decade. The senior leadership team includes specialists in mathematics, English, and SEND, reflecting the school's commitment to curriculum expertise.

The school's values, Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, appear throughout the building. These are not merely aspirational. The behaviour policy references them explicitly, and pupils use the language naturally when describing what makes their school work.

Academic performance is exceptional. In 2024, 96% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This places Addison among the highest-performing primaries in the country.

The school ranks 69th in England for primary outcomes, a proprietary FindMySchool ranking based on official data. In Hammersmith and Fulham, Addison ranks 2nd among all primaries. This elite tier performance, placing the school in the top 1% nationally, reflects consistent excellence rather than a single exceptional cohort.

Reading results are particularly strong. The average scaled score of 110 exceeds the England average of 104, with 100% of pupils reaching expected standards and 46% achieving high scores. In mathematics, the average scaled score of 112 surpasses the England average of 105. 76% of pupils achieved high scores in mathematics, nearly ten times the England average of 8%.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling scores reveal similar strength. The average scaled score of 114 sits well above the England average of 105, with 84% achieving high scores compared to the England average of 8%. In science, 95% met expected standards, exceeding the England average of 82%.

At the higher standard, 52% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This demonstrates that the school serves high attainers as effectively as it supports those working towards expected standards.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum with notable enrichment. French begins in Year 3, taught by a specialist. Setting in mathematics starts in Year 4, allowing pupils to work at their level. Year 6 receives additional morning sessions in spring term to consolidate learning before SATs.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly. Lessons move at pace. Expectations are explicit. Pupils describe knowing what they need to do and receiving help when they struggle.

The school uses a structured phonics programme in Early Years and Key Stage 1. Reading books match pupils' phonics knowledge, ensuring success. By Year 2, most children read fluently. The library stocks a wide range of texts, and reading for pleasure is actively promoted.

In mathematics, the curriculum emphasises understanding alongside fluency. Pupils work through problems that require reasoning and application. The highest attainers tackle extension work that goes beyond Year 6 expectations.

Science benefits from a dedicated coordinator and well-equipped laboratory space. Practical investigations feature prominently. Year 6 pupils discuss their projects with genuine enthusiasm, citing dissection of flowers and experiments with friction.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) works full time and coordinates support for approximately 45 pupils on the SEN register. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, recognising effective provision for children with additional needs.

Behaviour is excellent. Pupils move calmly between lessons. Classrooms are orderly. Low-level disruption is rare. The behaviour policy emphasises positive reinforcement, with rewards for meeting expectations. Sanctions are used sparingly but consistently when needed.

A trained counsellor visits weekly for children needing additional emotional support. The school also employs a family support worker who helps families navigate challenges affecting their children's wellbeing. This dual approach recognises that pastoral care extends beyond the school gates.

Safeguarding procedures are robust. Staff training is current. Pupils describe feeling safe and knowing who to talk to if they have concerns.

The extracurricular programme runs Monday to Thursday after school, with clubs changing termly. Current offerings include football, netball, chess, coding, choir, drama, art, and science club. All Year 4 pupils learn recorder through whole-class ensemble teaching. Those showing aptitude can progress to other instruments, with peripatetic teachers offering individual lessons in piano, guitar, violin, and brass.

The choir performs at community events and has sung at the Royal Albert Hall as part of a schools' concert. Participation is open to all, with no auditions required. Year 6 pupils describe the choir as a genuine highlight of their time at the school.

Sport is taken seriously. The school fields teams in local competitions for football, netball, athletics, and cross-country. While facilities are limited to a playground and small field, the school makes effective use of nearby Holland Park for PE lessons and sports days.

Annual highlights include a Year 6 residential to the Isle of Wight, whole-school productions at Christmas and summer, and an arts week in June where every class creates work around a shared theme. The 2024 theme, Climate and Change, resulted in sculptures, paintings, and performance pieces displayed throughout the building.

Partnerships with local institutions enrich the curriculum. Year 5 pupils visit the Natural History Museum for a workshop on evolution. Year 6 pupils attend a Shakespeare performance at the Lyric Hammersmith. These trips are subsidised to ensure all children can participate regardless of family finances.

Admissions for Reception entry are coordinated by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Applications must be submitted by 15 January for September entry. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 79 applications for 26 places in 2024. This represents a subscription ratio of 3.04, meaning roughly three families apply for every available place.

The last distance offered in recent years has been approximately 0.3 miles, though this figure is not published annually by the local authority. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances with the council before relying on a place here.

After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated in the following order: siblings, children of staff, and then distance from the school gate measured in a straight line. There is no formal catchment boundary. The tightly drawn admission area means most families admitted live within a few streets of the school.

The nursery offers 15 or 30 hours per week for eligible three and four year olds, using government-funded places. Nursery attendance does not guarantee progression to Reception. Families must apply through the council's coordinated admissions process regardless of nursery attendance.

The majority of pupils progress to local non-selective secondaries, primarily Holland Park School and Fulham Cross Academy. Both are within walking distance and serve the area well. A smaller number secure places at selective schools, including Latymer Upper School, St Paul's Girls' School, and grammar schools in neighbouring boroughs.

In 2024, approximately 10 pupils secured places at independent schools through scholarships or family funding. A similar number passed entrance exams for selective state schools outside the borough.

The school provides familiarisation with reasoning and problem-solving approaches used in selective school entrance exams, but does not offer intensive preparation. Families pursuing selective school entry typically arrange external tutoring. The school's curriculum, however, ensures pupils are well prepared academically for any secondary pathway.

Transition arrangements are strong. Year 6 teachers meet with receiving schools to discuss individual pupils. Additional transition support is provided for children with SEND or those identified as needing extra help with change.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, offering a supervised start with breakfast provided. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, providing childcare and activities. Both clubs are run directly by the school and must be booked in advance. Holiday club operates during main school holidays, though not all days are covered.

School lunches are provided by an external catering company. The menu rotates on a three-week cycle, with vegetarian and halal options available daily. Packed lunches from home are permitted. The school has a nut-free policy due to allergies.

The school does not publish uniform costs, but the required items are standard and available from supermarkets. A school-branded jumper or cardigan is required, available from the school office or online supplier. PE kit consists of plain navy shorts, white t-shirt, and trainers.

The nearest underground station is Kensington Olympia, approximately 0.4 miles away. Several bus routes serve the area, including the 9, 10, 27, and 391. For families arriving by car, parking on surrounding streets is residents-only during school hours. The school encourages walking or cycling where possible.

Tight catchment. With 79 applications for 26 places in 2024 and a last distance offered of approximately 0.3 miles, securing a place requires living very close. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances with the council before purchasing property in the area based on school access.

Limited outdoor space. The playground and small field meet statutory requirements but do not match the extensive grounds of suburban primaries. PE lessons make use of Holland Park nearby, which requires walking several minutes. Families seeking large playing fields and forest school provision will find the urban setting restrictive.

Nursery progression. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply through coordinated admissions and meet the same distance criteria as external applicants. The nursery should be viewed as early years provision, not as a pathway into the school.

Selective school context. With results this strong, many families here pursue selective school entry for secondary. This creates a culture where entrance exam preparation is common, though not universal. Families preferring to avoid this competitive atmosphere may find the Year 6 environment intense.

Elite academic results, grounded teaching, and a genuine community atmosphere make Addison a sought-after choice for families fortunate enough to live nearby. The school combines high expectations with warmth, achieving outcomes that place it among the top state primaries in England. Teachers know their subjects, behaviour is excellent, and children describe enjoying learning while being challenged appropriately.

Best suited to families within the extremely tight catchment who want outstanding primary education without fees or selection. The curriculum is rigorous, the teaching is strong, and progression to good secondary schools is well supported. Families should prepare for limited outdoor space and a culture where academic aspiration is the norm.

The main challenge is securing a place. For those who succeed, the education provided rivals the best independent alternatives.