Avonmore Primary School

Avonmore Primary School is a one-form-entry state primary in West Kensington that achieved Outstanding in all five categories at its May 2023 Ofsted inspection, marking a notable step up from its previous Good rating. Serving 184 pupils aged 3 to 11 across its Mund Street site, this community school operates within the Fox Federation, a collaborative partnership formed in 2015 that now spans six educational settings across West London. With 80% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, and particularly strong performance in maths (average scaled score 108) and grammar (average scaled score 111), the school combines solid academic outcomes with a curriculum anchored in three drivers: Awareness, Curiosity and Ambition. Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority manages Reception admissions, and competition for places is considerable.

Avonmore Primary School describes itself as "a vibrant, multi-cultural one form entry primary school" central to Kensington Olympia. Under the leadership of Head of School Ms Maya Wittleton since September 2017, working alongside Executive Headteacher Paul Cotter, the school maintains a clear focus on inclusive teaching and the wellbeing of every child. The May 2023 Ofsted report noted that pupils flourish in an environment characterised by caring and skilled adults, and that behaviour in classrooms and around the school is exemplary, with a calm, friendly and respectful atmosphere.

The school joined the Fox Federation in 2019, a partnership originally formed in 2015 between Fox Primary and Ashburnham Primary, and which now also includes Avondale Park School, St Anne's Nursery and Park Walk School. The Federation structure allows each school to retain its own Head of School, budget and identity, whilst sharing curriculum expertise, training, recruitment and staff development across all six settings. The founding school of the Federation, Fox Primary, was established in 1842 by Caroline Fox, sister of the 3rd Baron Holland, as a charity school "for the education of children of the labouring, manufacturing and other poorer classes" of Kensington.

Avonmore's curriculum is knowledge-rich, ensuring children build key vocabulary and concepts at every stage, and is underpinned by the three drivers of Awareness, Curiosity and Ambition. Subject specialists teach PE, Music, Art and Mindfulness to sustain high levels of expertise. Reading is prioritised from the moment children begin school, with teachers well trained to deliver the phonics programme consistently and with precision, enabling pupils to learn to read with accuracy, fluency and confidence.

Avonmore Primary School now sits comfortably above the typical performance range nationally, ranking 1,874th academically among 14,978 ranked primaries and 12th locally in Hammersmith and Fulham. The most recent Key Stage 2 results show 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, whilst 20% achieved the higher standard.

Breaking down performance by subject, maths stands out with an average scaled score of 108 and 80% of pupils reaching the expected standard, with 40% achieving high scores. Grammar, punctuation and spelling also shows particular strength, with an average scaled score of 111, 80% at the expected standard and 60% at high scores. Reading has an average scaled score of 108, with 80% at the expected standard and 60% achieving high scores. In writing, 20% of pupils demonstrated greater depth. Science saw 90% reach the expected standard.

Ofsted judged the quality of education as Outstanding, noting that the curriculum is broad and very ambitious, enabling pupils to develop a deep body of knowledge and understanding. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities benefit from a highly personalised approach that considers their individual needs, with adults understanding each child's starting points and the strategies needed for them to succeed. The school's local SEND offer ensures inclusive education is available across the cohort.

Leadership and management also received an Outstanding rating. Leaders are described as ambitious, with a clear focus on pupil learning and ongoing improvement. Staff collaborate with other schools within the Federation, which supports professional development and workload management. Safeguarding is effective, with staff receiving comprehensive training and robust procedures ensuring concerns are addressed promptly, supported by external agencies when needed.

Avonmore Primary School is recognised as a Music Mark member, reflecting its commitment to music education excellence. The school provides PE funding and dedicated sports provision, with specialist teachers delivering these curriculum areas alongside Art and Mindfulness.

Beyond the academic timetable, the school offers a range of extracurricular clubs that change every term depending on provider availability, including French, PE skills and Art. Morning sports clubs are available, as well as Avonmore Play, the school's before- and after-school care provision, which families book via School Gateway. Families also have daily access to after-school care at nearby Addison Primary School. Ofsted noted that pupils appreciate the wide variety of enrichment activities on offer.

The school provides experiences beyond traditional academic learning, including cooking and mindfulness sessions. Discussions about equality and diversity feature in Religious Education lessons, and pupils develop empathy through initiatives such as mother-and-baby visits. The Friends of Avonmore, the school's active PTA, supports community engagement, and parents are involved through workshops, newsletters and events.

Avonmore is currently undergoing significant development. The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is working with the school to replace ageing facilities with educational spaces fit for the future. Planning permission has been granted for a scheme that will provide 91 new mixed-tenure homes (over 50% affordable) and a new primary school on a 0.4-hectare site near Kensington Station. This development represents a major investment in the school's long-term provision.

Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority administers Reception admissions for Avonmore Primary School, whilst the school allocates Nursery places directly. One class of 30 places is available for each year group from Reception to Year 6, and 26 full-time places are available in the Nursery. Every nursery child receives a free lunch and a healthy snack at playtimes.

Demand for places is significant. Avonmore is classified as Oversubscribed, so families should treat the local authority's published criteria and recent allocation pattern as important practical checks before relying on admission.

Avonmore does not publish a fixed distance criterion, and the catchment area varies year on year depending on application volumes and the admissions criteria applied by the local authority. Criteria can include distance from the school, priority for siblings, and other locally determined factors. Living in an area where children have previously gained admission does not guarantee a place in future years.

Pupils from Avonmore typically transfer to a range of secondary schools, with recent destinations including Fulham Cross Girls' School and Language College (21%), Holland Park School (17%), West London Free School (17%), Chelsea Academy (14%), and other schools (31%). This spread reflects both parental choice and the range of secondary provision available across Hammersmith and Fulham and neighbouring boroughs.

The school day runs from 8.35am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8.35am to 2.15pm on Fridays. Families should verify term dates and application deadlines on the school website or through Hammersmith and Fulham admissions, as these details are confirmed annually.

Avonmore Primary School offers families in West Kensington a compact, community-focused primary education with solid academic outcomes and an Outstanding Ofsted rating across all categories. The school's recent inspection findings – exemplary pupil behaviour, a broad and ambitious curriculum, and highly personalised SEND support – point to a stable and well-led environment where children are known as individuals and supported to achieve above-national-average standards.

The school's membership of the Fox Federation brings the benefits of shared expertise, staff training and collaborative working across six settings, whilst preserving Avonmore's distinct identity as a one-form-entry school where every child and family can be known by name. The three curriculum drivers of Awareness, Curiosity and Ambition, combined with specialist teaching in music, PE, art and mindfulness, reflect a commitment to breadth as well as rigour.

Academic results place Avonmore comfortably above national averages in combined reading, writing and maths, with particular strength in maths and grammar. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard – more than three times the national average – indicates that able learners are challenged effectively. Reading is prioritised early, and the school's consistent delivery of phonics has been recognised by inspectors.

The major caveat is admissions pressure. Places are significantly oversubscribed, and the lack of a published distance criterion means families cannot easily predict their chances based on proximity alone. The school's one-form-entry structure limits capacity, and families living outside the immediate locality should consult recent admissions data from Hammersmith and Fulham before ranking Avonmore as a sole preference.

The forthcoming redevelopment of the school site, with planning permission now granted for new facilities and residential development near Kensington Station, signals long-term investment in Avonmore's future. Current facilities are acknowledged as ageing, and the new buildings should provide a more modern learning environment in the coming years.

For families seeking a small, inclusive, multi-cultural primary with strong results, specialist teaching and a well-regarded pastoral culture, Avonmore offers much to recommend it. The Outstanding rating, the Federation's collaborative infrastructure and the personalised approach to SEND provision all speak to a school that is clear about its mission and effective in its delivery. Just be prepared for competition at the admissions gate, and ensure you understand the local authority's criteria and priorities before applying.

Is Avonmore Primary School a good school?

Yes. Avonmore Primary School was rated Outstanding in all five categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision – at its May 2023 Ofsted inspection. The school achieves strong results, with 80% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, and 20% achieving the higher standard. The school is recognised for exemplary pupil behaviour, a broad and ambitious curriculum, and highly personalised support for pupils with special educational needs.

How do I apply to Avonmore Primary School?

Admissions for Reception places are managed by Hammersmith and Fulham Local Authority. Parents should apply online via the local authority's admissions portal during the national application window, which typically opens in the autumn before the September entry. Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school. Contact Hammersmith and Fulham admissions at 020 8748 3020, or visit the school website at www.avonmoreprimary.co.uk for the latest admissions policies and key dates. The school is heavily oversubscribed, so it is essential to understand the local authority's oversubscription criteria, which may include distance, sibling priority and other factors.

What are the school hours at Avonmore Primary School?

The school day begins at 8.35am and finishes at 3.30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the school finishes earlier at 2.15pm. Before- and after-school care is available through Avonmore Play, which families book via School Gateway, and pupils also have access to after-school care at nearby Addison Primary School.

Is Avonmore Primary School part of a federation or trust?

Yes. Avonmore Primary School is part of the Fox Federation, which was formed in 2015 and expanded to include Avonmore in 2019. The Federation now comprises six educational settings: Fox Primary School, Ashburnham Primary School, Avonmore Primary School, Avondale Park School, Park Walk School and St Anne's Nursery. Each school retains its own Head of School, budget and identity, whilst sharing curriculum expertise, training, recruitment and professional development across the Federation. Executive Headteacher Paul Cotter oversees the Federation, with Ms Maya Wittleton serving as Head of School at Avonmore.

What extracurricular activities are available at Avonmore Primary School?

Avonmore offers a range of extracurricular clubs for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils, including French, PE skills and Art. Clubs change every term and vary depending on provider availability. Morning sports clubs are also available. The school is a Music Mark member and employs specialist teachers for music, PE, art and mindfulness. Enrichment activities include cooking, mindfulness sessions, and empathy-building initiatives such as mother-and-baby visits. The Friends of Avonmore PTA organises events and community activities throughout the year.

What secondary schools do pupils from Avonmore Primary School go to?

Pupils from Avonmore typically transfer to a range of secondary schools across Hammersmith and Fulham and neighbouring boroughs. Recent destinations include Fulham Cross Girls' School and Language College (21% of leavers), Holland Park School (17%), West London Free School (17%), Chelsea Academy (14%), and a variety of other schools (31%). The diversity of destinations reflects both parental choice and the range of secondary provision available in the area.