Melcombe Primary School Review 2026: Community Primary with Outstanding Behaviour

Melcombe Primary School is a state community primary in Hammersmith that made national headlines in 2022 for its environmental commitment, receiving £10,000 to transform its garden space with a new greenhouse, gardening lessons, and a green wall. The school, which became part of the Thames Federation with two local nursery schools in September 2019, serves 136 pupils aged 4 to 11 on Fulham Palace Road. Ofsted's most recent inspection in February 2023 awarded the school a Good rating overall, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes—a remarkable turnaround from its Requires Improvement judgment just four years earlier. Led by Executive Head Teacher Anne-Marie Strachan since April 2021, the school combines its green credentials with a Healthy Schools commitment and an active pupil voice programme.

Melcombe Primary School operates within the Thames Federation, a collaborative structure formed in September 2019 that brings together Melcombe with Bayonne and James Lee Nursery Schools under one governing body and senior leadership team. The federation's vision centres on ensuring every child achieves their full potential through a broad and balanced curriculum that lays an excellent foundation for future success. Since Anne-Marie Strachan joined as executive head teacher in April 2021, bringing 25 years of teaching experience including nearly four years running a school in Bromley, the school has pursued a values-driven approach emphasising pupil voice and community engagement.

The school's commitment to environmental education stands out in its local context. In 2022, Melcombe was selected by Hammersmith & Fulham Council to receive funding as part of the borough's drive to tackle climate change and poor air quality. The £10,000 grant transformed the school's outdoor space, creating opportunities for hands-on gardening lessons and green learning. This practical environmental focus reflects a wider pastoral and wellbeing philosophy that has earned the school a series of Healthy Schools awards: the Healthy Early Years Bronze Award in 2016, Silver Award for Emotional Wellbeing in 2017, and Gold Award in 2018.

Parents describe a welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. The school actively encourages parental involvement through its PTA and has implemented initiatives such as promoting walking to school rather than driving. Pupils access after-school clubs including a school choir that performs regularly. Partnerships with external providers such as Pelican Music enrich the musical offer, while a structured trips and events programme and dedicated Year 6 secondary transition support aim to broaden horizons and prepare pupils for their next steps.

Melcombe Primary School's academic performance places it below national averages in most key measures, with results that reflect the typical challenges faced by inner-city schools serving diverse communities. In the most recent key stage 2 assessments, 66% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the national average of 62%. This slightly above-average headline figure masks some uneven performance across individual subjects. Just 52% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, significantly below the national norm, while 65% achieved it in maths. Writing at greater depth stood at 26%, and 17% of pupils achieved the higher standard across reading, writing and maths.

Average scaled scores tell a similar story. Pupils achieved 101 in reading, 102 in maths and 104 in grammar, punctuation and spelling—all close to the expected score of 100 but without the strong uplift seen in higher-performing schools. The school ranked 12,289th nationally and 36th within Hammersmith and Fulham, placing it in the lower quartile of English primary schools by attainment. Science results, however, showed relative strength with 87% of pupils reaching the expected standard, well above the national average of 82%.

Ofsted's February 2023 inspection painted a more nuanced picture than raw results suggest. Inspectors rated the quality of education as Good, finding that leaders have high expectations and that pupils make good progress from their starting points. Crucially, behaviour and attitudes were judged Outstanding—a striking achievement that reflects the school's success in creating a purposeful and respectful learning environment. Personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated Good. The inspection represented a significant improvement from the Requires Improvement judgment awarded in December 2019, itself a fall from the school's previous Outstanding rating in 2013.

The school employs a structured teaching and learning model documented across its policy framework. Pupil Premium and Sports Premium funding target support for disadvantaged pupils and physical education provision. The SENCO, Amira Hegazey, coordinates provision for pupils with additional needs, though detailed information about specific interventions and the breadth of support offered is not widely published. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a current roll of 136 against a capacity of 210, class sizes remain manageable, though the school operates at around two-thirds capacity.

Melcombe Primary School admits 21 pupils to Reception each year, and recent admissions data shows significant oversubscription. In the latest cycle, the school received 49 applications for 21 places, giving a subscription rate of 2.33—meaning the school attracted more than twice as many applicants as it had spaces. All pupils who received offers had listed Melcombe as their first preference, indicating that families who applied genuinely wanted a place and that the school did not simply fill spaces with those ranking it lower down their lists.

Admissions are managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham through the coordinated primary admissions process. As a community school, Melcombe follows the local authority's standard oversubscription criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and then children living closest to the school measured by straight-line distance. The school does not operate a traditional fixed catchment area, and the furthest distance offered varies each year depending on the number of applications and the location of sibling families. Distance data for the most recent admissions round is not publicly available, but the high level of oversubscription suggests competition for places is intense.

Families applying to Melcombe should be aware that Hammersmith & Fulham contains many popular and high-performing primaries, which can make securing a place at a preferred school challenging. Application timelines follow the national framework: the closing date for Reception applications is 15 January, with national offer day on 16 April. The school publishes its admissions policy each year by 15 March, and the local authority determines arrangements by 28 February. Parents are advised to use all six preferences on their application form, ranking schools in genuine order of preference, as higher-ranked preferences are always considered before lower ones. Appeals are available for unsuccessful applicants, managed through the local authority's school admissions team, which can be reached at 020 8753 1085 or school.admissions@lbhf.gov.uk.

The school's location on Fulham Palace Road places it on the boundary between Hammersmith and Fulham proper, within reach of families living in the neighbourhoods around Brook Green, Hammersmith Broadway, and the riverside areas towards Fulham. Its position as part of the Thames Federation alongside two nursery schools may appeal to families seeking continuity from early years through to the end of primary education. Given the oversubscription levels and the school's smaller size, living very close to the school is likely to be essential for families without sibling links or other priority criteria.

Melcombe Primary School is a small, community-focused primary that has made notable strides in recent years under new leadership and as part of the Thames Federation. Its journey from Outstanding to Requires Improvement and back to Good—with an Outstanding judgment for behaviour—suggests a school that has faced challenges but is rebuilding its reputation. The February 2023 Ofsted inspection recognised genuine progress in the quality of education and praised the exemplary conduct and attitudes of pupils, which any parent visiting the school should be able to observe firsthand.

Academically, Melcombe sits below national averages in many key stage 2 measures, and its national ranking places it in the lower tier of English primaries. However, context matters. Inner-London schools serve diverse communities, often with high levels of pupil mobility, varying levels of English language fluency, and socio-economic challenges that affect attainment. The fact that 66% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—just above the national average—and that science results were strong suggests teaching is effective even if outcomes are not yet exceptional. Inspectors found that leaders have high expectations and that pupils make good progress from their starting points, which is the fairer measure for a school in this context.

For families prioritising pastoral care, wellbeing, and character development, Melcombe offers clear strengths. The Outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes speaks to a school culture where children feel safe, behave well, and develop positive learning habits. The Healthy Schools awards, environmental focus, and active pupil voice programme indicate a commitment to educating the whole child, not just teaching to tests. The small size—136 pupils across seven year groups—means every child is known, which appeals to parents seeking a nurturing environment. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of 18:1 is manageable, and the school's capacity suggests there is room for future growth without overcrowding.

The Thames Federation structure offers some advantages, including shared leadership capacity and potential for collaboration across the nursery and primary phases, though it also means executive head teacher Anne-Marie Strachan's attention is divided across three sites. Her arrival in April 2021 coincided with the school's improvement trajectory, and her 25 years of experience—including successful headship in Bromley—suggests steady hands at the helm. The federation's vision of laying an excellent foundation for future success is aspirational, though turning that vision into consistently strong academic outcomes will require continued focus.

Admissions competition is high, with more than twice as many applicants as places, and families should be realistic about their chances unless they live very close to the school or have a sibling already attending. The school's smaller size and limited capacity mean it cannot absorb the demand from the surrounding area, and the lack of published distance data makes it difficult to predict whether a given address will fall within the likely offer radius. Parents who value proximity, a village feel within an urban setting, and a school with improving Ofsted ratings may find Melcombe an appealing choice. Those focused primarily on league table performance or preparing for selective secondary entry might look elsewhere.

Melcombe Primary School is a solid local option for families in Hammersmith who live close enough to secure a place and who value a caring, community-oriented environment over headline results. Its environmental credentials, Healthy Schools focus, and outstanding behaviour rating distinguish it from some nearby alternatives, even if academic outcomes remain a work in progress. Parents visiting the school should look for evidence of the high expectations and pupil progress that inspectors found, and should feel confident asking about curriculum plans, staffing stability, and how the school supports children working at different levels. For the right family, Melcombe offers a small, supportive primary experience with a clear sense of identity and an improving track record.

Is Melcombe Primary School a good school?

Melcombe Primary School was rated Good overall by Ofsted in February 2023, with an Outstanding judgment for behaviour and attitudes. The school has improved notably since its Requires Improvement rating in 2019, and inspectors found that leaders have high expectations and pupils make good progress. Academic results are below national averages in some key measures, but the school's pastoral care, wellbeing focus, and small size offer strengths for families prioritising a nurturing environment. It is a good school in the sense that it provides effective education and outstanding personal development, though academic attainment remains an area for continued focus.

How do I apply to Melcombe Primary School?

Applications to Melcombe Primary School are made through the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham's coordinated primary admissions process. For Reception entry, the application deadline is 15 January, with offers made on national offer day, 16 April. Parents should apply online via the Hammersmith & Fulham admissions portal, listing up to six schools in order of preference. As a community school, Melcombe follows the local authority's standard oversubscription criteria, prioritising looked-after children, exceptional medical or social need, siblings, and proximity. Given the school receives more than twice as many applications as places, living close to the school is likely essential. Contact the school admissions team at 020 8753 1085 or school.admissions@lbhf.gov.uk for guidance.

What are the catchment area boundaries for Melcombe Primary School?

Melcombe Primary School does not operate a fixed catchment area. Admissions are determined by Hammersmith & Fulham's oversubscription criteria, which include sibling priority and straight-line distance from home to school. The furthest distance offered varies each year depending on the number of applications and how many sibling families apply. Recent admissions data shows the school is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 49 applications for 21 Reception places, so families should expect that living very close to the school will be necessary to secure a place without sibling or other priority links. Check the school's published admissions policy each year for the most current criteria.

What extracurricular activities does Melcombe Primary School offer?

Melcombe Primary School offers a range of after-school clubs and activities, including a school choir that performs regularly at events. The school partners with Pelican Music to enrich its music education provision and runs a structured trips and events programme throughout the year. Its environmental focus includes gardening lessons in the school's greenhouse and outdoor learning linked to its green wall project. The school also emphasises pupil voice, allowing children to participate in decision-making and school improvement activities. While the published details of specific clubs vary by term, parents should contact the school office for the current timetable and any associated costs.

Who is the headteacher at Melcombe Primary School?

Miss Anne-Marie Strachan is the Executive Head Teacher of Melcombe Primary School, a position she has held since April 2021. She leads the Thames Federation, which includes Melcombe and two local nursery schools, Bayonne and James Lee. Miss Strachan has 25 years of teaching experience and previously served as head teacher of a school in Bromley for just under four years. The Head of School at Melcombe is Melinda Woodcock, who manages day-to-day operations on site. The SENCO is Amira Hegazey, responsible for coordinating support for pupils with special educational needs.

What was Melcombe Primary School's most recent Ofsted rating?

Melcombe Primary School was rated Good overall in its most recent Ofsted inspection on 22 February 2023, with the report published on 27 April 2023. The inspection awarded Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes, and Good for quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This represented a significant improvement from the school's previous inspection in December 2019, when it was rated Requires Improvement. Before that, the school had been rated Outstanding in September 2013 and Good in September 2008. The 2023 inspection recognised the progress made under the leadership of the Thames Federation and Executive Head Teacher Anne-Marie Strachan.