Housed in a striking three-storey Victorian building dating from 1879, Brackenbury Primary School stands as one of the most distinctive landmarks in Hammersmith. This two-form entry state primary serves 318 pupils aged 3 to 11 in the heart of Brackenbury Village, combining historic architecture with modern educational provision. Part of the Brackenbury, Kenmont and Wendell Park Federation, the school operates under Executive Head Teacher Dave Collins and achieved a Good rating across all areas in its December 2022 Ofsted inspection. With 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—well above the 62% national average—and ranked in the top 21% of primary schools nationally, Brackenbury delivers strong academic outcomes alongside a nurturing community ethos built on its core principles: Engage, Enrich, Empower.
The school caters to a diverse intake (50% of pupils have English as an additional language, 37.4% receive free school meals) and offers nursery provision for 3-year-olds. Currently operating at 71% capacity with spaces for 446 children, Brackenbury remains highly sought-after, with recent admissions data showing 106 applications competing for 29 Reception places—a subscription ratio of 3.66:1. The school's location on Dalling Road places it within easy reach of Hammersmith's transport links while maintaining the quieter, residential character of Brackenbury Village.
Founded in 1879 to serve the rapidly expanding population of west Hammersmith, Brackenbury Primary has educated local children for over 145 years. The imposing Victorian brick building—constructed at a time when the area was transforming from orchards and vegetable beds into a bustling urban neighbourhood following the arrival of the Hammersmith & City Railway in 1864—remains the largest structure in Brackenbury Village today. The three-storey edifice towers above the surrounding residential streets, a physical reminder of the importance Victorian communities placed on elementary education.
The school's federation with Kenmont and Wendell Park Primary Schools creates shared expertise and resources across three distinct Hammersmith communities. Under the leadership of Executive Head Teacher Dave Collins, the federation model allows for consistency of educational approach while respecting each school's individual character. At Brackenbury, the guiding philosophy centres on three words: Engage, Enrich, Empower. This framework underpins every aspect of school life, from curriculum design to pastoral care, with the aim of nurturing pupils' potential while fostering independence and resilience.
Ofsted inspectors in December 2022 noted that "a positive, respectful and hard-working ethos underpins everything in this school community." Parents consistently praise the commitment of staff in helping children succeed, and the school is described as a calm and purposeful place to learn where everyone feels welcome. Pupils report feeling safe, behave well, and respond positively to high expectations for both behaviour and learning. The school's inclusive approach is particularly evident in its support for the significant proportion of children learning English as an additional language and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The community dimension extends beyond the school gates. The Parent Staff Association actively supports school life, organising events and fundraising activities that strengthen bonds between families and staff. The school operates an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) playtimes initiative, which transforms break times into opportunities for creative, child-led outdoor activities. This aligns with Brackenbury's emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals who can take the lead in different areas of school life—whether as school ambassadors, councillors, librarians, house captains or sports leaders.
Brackenbury Primary delivers outcomes well above national averages, ranking 3,131st out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England (top 21%) and placing 26th locally within Hammersmith and Fulham. The latest Key Stage 2 results demonstrate the school's academic strength:
These figures position Brackenbury comfortably above the national average and reflect sustained academic progress across year groups. The school's particular strength in grammar, punctuation and spelling—where more than half of pupils achieve high scores—suggests rigorous attention to literacy fundamentals.
The curriculum follows the National Curriculum framework across all subjects: English (reading, phonics and writing), mathematics, science, art and design, computing, design technology, French, geography, history, music, physical education, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), relationships education, and religious education. Every classroom is equipped with modern technology including interactive whiteboards, enabling teachers to integrate digital resources into daily lessons. The school's dedicated facilities—full computer suite, art room, music room, flexible hall and large performance hall—provide specialist spaces for creative and physical education.
Early Years provision receives particular attention. The nursery and Reception classes, rated Good by Ofsted, offer a play-based curriculum that builds foundations for later learning. Children develop phonics skills systematically, with regular reading practice underpinning literacy development. The school participates in the government's 30 hours entitlement scheme for 3- and 4-year-olds, with nursery children transitioning smoothly into Reception.
Online safety is integrated throughout the curriculum, reflecting the school's awareness of digital risks facing young people. Google Classroom supports remote learning and homework, while parent workshops help families understand curriculum expectations and support learning at home. French is taught from Key Stage 2, giving pupils early exposure to modern foreign languages.
The school invests its PE and Sports Premium in expanding physical education opportunities and competitive sports participation. Brackenbury purchases the Hammersmith & Fulham games package annually, granting pupils access to borough-wide competitions in netball, football, athletics, panathlon, basketball, badminton, hockey and skittleball. After-school sports clubs run Monday to Thursday, with children permitted to attend up to three evenings per week. A Year 3–6 Sports Leaders programme develops pupil leadership through roles in lunchtime clubs, PSA sports mornings, and the annual Sports Day.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
88%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Within its Victorian shell, Brackenbury offers updated facilities designed to support modern learning. The three-storey building accommodates 14 classes across nursery, Reception and Years 1–6, with each classroom benefiting from interactive technology and contemporary teaching resources. Specialist spaces include a full computer suite, dedicated art and music rooms, and two halls: a flexible space for music, drama and parent activities, plus a large hall for performances, assemblies and PE lessons. "The Shed" provides an additional large performance space for drama and events.
Outside, the school grounds offer outdoor play areas where the OPAL initiative transforms traditional break times into imaginative, child-led activities using natural materials and loose parts. While the urban setting limits extensive playing fields, staff make regular use of nearby Ravenscourt Park and other local green spaces for outdoor learning, walks and sports.
Wraparound care supports working families. The Breakfast Club operates at £2 per day, offering morning childcare from 7:45am. After-school provision, managed by external provider Aktiva, costs £12 per day and includes multi-activity sessions with outdoor sports such as hockey, netball, football, touch rugby and rounders. Holiday care is available at £24–£27 per day, extending provision beyond term time.
Extracurricular opportunities enrich the core curriculum. Clubs, visits and performances give pupils chances to explore interests beyond the classroom. Children represent Brackenbury in inter-school sports competitions and have earned recognition for sporting achievements. The school encourages leadership through various pupil roles: school ambassadors welcome visitors and represent the school at events; school councillors voice pupil views in decision-making; librarians manage the library and promote reading; house captains lead their teams in inter-house competitions; and sports leaders mentor younger children and assist at sporting events.
The diverse pupil body—with half speaking English as an additional language and over a third eligible for free school meals—creates a multicultural environment where children learn alongside peers from varied backgrounds. This diversity is seen as a strength, fostering tolerance and broadening horizons. The school's pastoral approach recognises that many families face challenges, and staff work closely with parents to ensure every child can access opportunities and achieve their potential.
Brackenbury Primary is a community school, meaning admissions are coordinated by Hammersmith & Fulham Local Authority rather than the school directly. Parents apply online through the borough's centralised system, with the closing date typically in mid-January for Reception entry the following September. Children are admitted to Reception in the academic year they turn five (those born between 1 September and 31 August). The school's Published Admission Number (PAN) is 30, though recent data shows 29 offers were made to the most recent Reception cohort.
Competition for places is substantial. The latest available figures reveal 106 applications for 29 Reception places, creating a subscription ratio of 3.66:1—nearly four applicants for every available spot. All 29 first-preference applicants who were offered places accepted them (100% first-preference acceptance rate), underscoring the school's popularity with local families. The "Oversubscribed" status means Brackenbury cannot accommodate all applicants, and some families will receive offers from other schools.
Hammersmith & Fulham operates a distance-based admissions system after applying oversubscription criteria (looked-after children, siblings, and so on). While exact catchment distances vary annually depending on demand, Brackenbury typically serves the immediate Brackenbury Village area and surrounding streets. Families considering the school should carefully review the borough's admissions booklet and consult distance data from previous years, available on the council website and third-party tools such as Locrating. Living very close to the school significantly improves admission chances.
The admissions process follows a standard timetable. The borough publishes its "Starting School" booklet each autumn, available in schools, libraries and online, explaining the process in detail. Prospective parents are encouraged to visit Brackenbury during Open Mornings, which begin at 9:15am with a presentation from the school leadership team followed by a tour. Booking is not required. Open Mornings for the 2026 intake begin in January 2026, allowing families to experience the school in action before making application choices.
Parents should note that federation membership with Kenmont and Wendell Park does not affect admissions; each school operates its own PAN and admissions process through the local authority. Families may apply to all three schools if desired, ranking them in order of preference. Offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April, with appeals and waiting lists managed thereafter.
Given the level of competition, families should consider applying to multiple schools and ranking preferences honestly. Living within the immediate vicinity of Dalling Road offers the strongest chance of securing a place, though siblings of current pupils and looked-after children receive priority under the council's oversubscription criteria.
Applications
106
Total received
Places Offered
29
Subscription Rate
3.7x
Apps per place
Brackenbury Primary School offers strong academic performance, a supportive community ethos and the character of a historic Victorian school building, all within the residential tranquillity of Brackenbury Village. Parents seeking a state primary that delivers well-above-average results in a diverse, inclusive setting will find much to value here. The school's ranking in the top 21% nationally, combined with Key Stage 2 outcomes that significantly exceed national averages, provides reassurance about academic standards.
The federation structure brings benefits of shared expertise and resources while preserving each school's individual identity. Executive Head Teacher Dave Collins's "Engage, Enrich, Empower" philosophy translates into a curriculum that balances core academic rigour with creative opportunities, leadership development and pastoral care. Ofsted's Good rating across all areas, awarded in December 2022, confirms that quality of education, behaviour, personal development and leadership all meet high expectations.
Families drawn to Brackenbury's strengths should be realistic about admissions. With nearly four applicants for every Reception place, proximity to Dalling Road is a significant advantage. The absence of published distance data in the provided information means prospective parents should research recent allocation patterns carefully and visit the school to assess fit. The school's wraparound care provision (Breakfast Club and Aktiva after-school club) supports working parents, and the OPAL playtimes initiative demonstrates creative thinking about child development beyond the classroom.
The building itself—a towering Victorian landmark over 145 years old—adds character and a sense of heritage, though some families may wonder about accessibility or space constraints in a three-storey structure. The school's modern technology and updated facilities show investment in maintaining contemporary standards within the historic shell.
Brackenbury suits families who value strong academic outcomes without selective entry, a diverse pupil community reflecting modern London, and a nurturing environment where children develop independence and leadership skills alongside literacy and numeracy. The school's long history and federation partnerships suggest stability and continuity, while the Engage, Enrich, Empower ethos indicates ambition to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for secondary school and beyond.
Prospective parents should attend an Open Morning, explore the Victorian building, meet staff, and assess whether Brackenbury's particular blend of academic strength, community warmth and historic character aligns with their child's needs. For families living within the likely catchment area who prioritise above-average results, inclusive values and a school rooted in its local community, Brackenbury represents an excellent choice—if you can secure a place.
Yes, Brackenbury Primary School is a good school. Ofsted rated it Good across all areas in December 2022, and academic results place it in the top 21% of primary schools nationally. In the latest Key Stage 2 tests, 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—well above the 62% national average—and 27% achieved the higher standard (national average 8%). The school ranks 26th out of primary schools in Hammersmith and Fulham and demonstrates particular strength in grammar, punctuation and spelling, where 51% of pupils achieve high scores.
Applications are made through Hammersmith & Fulham Local Authority's online admissions system, not directly to the school. The application window typically opens in autumn for Reception entry the following September, closing in mid-January. Hammersmith & Fulham publishes a "Starting School" booklet each autumn explaining the process, available at schools, libraries and online at the council website. Offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend Open Mornings (starting January for the following year's intake) to tour the school before applying.
Admissions follow Hammersmith & Fulham's standard oversubscription criteria: looked-after children and previously looked-after children receive highest priority, followed by siblings of current pupils, then all other applicants prioritised by straight-line distance from home to school. The school's Published Admission Number is 30 (though 29 offers were made in the most recent cycle). With 106 applications for 29 places (subscription ratio 3.66:1), living very close to the school on Dalling Road significantly improves chances. Detailed criteria are published in the council's annual admissions booklet and on the school website.
Yes, Brackenbury Primary School offers nursery provision for 3- and 4-year-old children. The Early Years provision, including nursery and Reception, was rated Good by Ofsted in December 2022. The school participates in the government's 30 hours entitlement scheme for eligible families and offers both 3-year-old and 4-year-old funding. Nursery children benefit from the same facilities and federation support as older pupils, with a play-based curriculum designed to build foundations for later learning.
Brackenbury offers a range of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports. After-school sports clubs run Monday to Thursday, with pupils able to attend up to three evenings per week. The school participates in Hammersmith & Fulham's borough-wide sports competitions in netball, football, athletics, panathlon, basketball, badminton, hockey and skittleball. A Sports Leaders programme for Years 3–6 develops leadership skills. Beyond sports, pupils participate in clubs, visits, performances and leadership roles including school ambassadors, councillors, librarians, house captains and sports leaders. The OPAL playtimes initiative provides creative outdoor play opportunities during break times.
Brackenbury Primary School does not operate a defined catchment area; instead, Hammersmith & Fulham allocates places based on proximity after applying oversubscription criteria. The school serves the immediate Brackenbury Village area and surrounding streets, with exact distances varying annually depending on demand. With 106 applications for 29 places (subscription ratio 3.66:1), the school is highly competitive, and living very close to Dalling Road is advantageous. Prospective parents should consult the borough's admissions data and tools such as Locrating to assess likely allocation distances for recent years before applying.
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