Old Oak Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results in a Close-Knit East Acton Community

Old Oak Primary School is distinguished by its warm, family-like atmosphere and exceptionally strong academic outcomes. Co-led by headteachers Joseph Brown and Katie Beardsworth, the school achieved 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2, significantly exceeding the national average of 62%. A particularly impressive 31% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, nearly four times the national rate of 8%. This performance places Old Oak well above typical for state primary schools nationally. The school operates with mixed-gender admissions and serves a diverse pupil body. It provides nursery provision starting from age 2 and offers a Magic Breakfast Club from 8am for Reception to Year 6 pupils. The school promotes eight core character traits: cooperation, ethical behaviour, respectfulness, thoughtfulness, communication, resilience, adaptability and collaboration.

Old Oak Primary School positions itself as a welcoming community where children, staff, parents and the wider neighbourhood are encouraged to contribute to school life. The ethos is captured in the school's motto: "Every child, every chance, every day". This commitment to daily opportunity and inclusion underpins the school's approach. Pupils and staff alike describe the institution as feeling like a family, with polite, kind and helpful interactions forming the norm. The 2023 Ofsted inspection praised the school's Outstanding personal development provision, noting how pupils feel happy and valued within a positive and supportive environment.

The school's community primary status means it serves local families without religious affiliation or selective criteria. East Acton's character is reflected in the school's diverse intake, with 31.7% of pupils speaking English as an additional language and 44.9% eligible for free school meals. This diversity is embraced as part of the school's inclusive ethos. The emphasis on character education through the eight core traits demonstrates a commitment to developing the whole child beyond academic attainment. Parents receive regular weekly newsletters keeping them informed of school activities and developments, reinforcing the partnership between home and school.

Old Oak Primary School's academic performance is consistently strong across all measures. At Key Stage 2, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the 62% national average. The higher standard figures are particularly notable: 31% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three subjects, compared to just 8% nationally. In reading, 38% reached the higher standard, and 42% did so in grammar, punctuation and spelling, both comfortably exceeding national norms. Average scaled scores of 109 across reading, maths and grammar indicate that pupils perform approximately one year ahead of the expected standard.

Individual subject performance is solid throughout. In reading, 81% reached the expected standard, matching the school's strong literacy focus. Mathematics saw 85% of pupils meeting expectations, though the higher standard rate of 23% suggests the school ensures broad progress while continuing to stretch the most able. Writing outcomes show 31% working at greater depth, indicating good provision for more confident writers. Science attainment at 81% mirrors national standards, reflecting a balanced curriculum. The school's reception of Outstanding in Personal Development from Ofsted aligns with these outcomes, suggesting that pupils' readiness to learn and positive attitudes underpin academic success.

Pupils with special educational needs constitute 25.9% of the roll, reflecting a significant commitment to inclusive provision. The school's Good rating for Early Years Provision indicates that children make a strong start from nursery onwards, building foundations that support later attainment. The Magic Breakfast Club ensures children arrive ready to learn each morning, addressing potential barriers to achievement. Leadership and Management received a Good judgement, indicating that the co-headteacher model works effectively to maintain standards and drive improvement. The fact that all first-preference applicants received offers in recent cycles suggests families recognise and value the school's educational quality.

Old Oak Primary School's admissions are managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. For Reception entry in September 2025, applications opened on 1 September 2024 and closed on 15 January 2025, with offers typically made in mid-April. The school operates under standard local authority criteria, typically prioritising looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and then distance from home to school.

Competition for places is considerable. Recent admissions data shows 50 applications for 27 Reception places, representing an oversubscription ratio of 1.85. Every family who listed Old Oak as their first preference received an offer, indicating that the school fills its cohort entirely from first choices without needing to allocate places to second or third preferences. This level of demand reflects both the school's strong performance and its location in an area with substantial housing development. The Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration zone nearby is bringing thousands of new homes to the area, which may increase future pressure on places.

Parents interested in Old Oak Primary School should apply via the Hammersmith and Fulham coordinated admissions system, ranking it honestly according to preference. Visiting the school is encouraged; prospective families can arrange appointments to view the setting and meet staff. Given the oversubscription, families living closest to the school have the strongest chance of securing a place after sibling and priority criteria are met. The school's website and the local authority admissions pages provide full details of criteria, timelines and appeal procedures. For in-year applications or nursery places, families should contact the school directly or via the local authority's admissions team.

Old Oak Primary School is an excellent choice for families seeking strong academic outcomes within a supportive, community-focused environment in East Acton. The school's performance places it well above average nationally and among the stronger primaries in Hammersmith and Fulham, with particularly impressive results in reading, grammar and higher-standard attainment. The Outstanding judgements for Behaviour and Personal Development reflect a school where children are happy, well-supported and encouraged to develop character alongside academic skills. The co-headteacher model appears effective, and the family atmosphere is evident in both Ofsted findings and parent feedback.

Competition for places is significant, with nearly twice as many applicants as Reception places available, so proximity to the school is important. The diverse intake and high proportion of pupils with additional needs or speaking English as an additional language demonstrate the school's inclusive ethos and its success in securing strong outcomes for all groups. The nursery provision from age 2 offers an early entry point for families. Facilities include a daily breakfast club, and the school's commitment to regular communication with parents supports home-school partnership. For families living within the likely catchment, Old Oak Primary School offers a warm, high-performing start to education.

Is Old Oak Primary School a good school?

Yes, Old Oak Primary School is rated Good overall by Ofsted (June 2023), with Outstanding judgements for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. It ranks 1,082nd nationally out of around 15,000 primary schools, placing it well above the national average. Academic results are strong, with 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national average of 62%, and 31% achieving the higher standard across all three subjects.

How do I apply to Old Oak Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham through their coordinated admissions process. The application window typically opens on 1 September and closes on 15 January the year before your child is due to start. Apply online via the Hammersmith and Fulham website, ranking up to six schools in genuine order of preference. Offers are usually made in mid-April. For in-year or nursery admissions, contact the school directly on 020 8743 7629 or via admin@oldoak.lbhf.sch.uk.

What is the catchment area for Old Oak Primary School?

Old Oak Primary School does not operate a defined catchment area. Admissions priority is given first to looked-after children and those with exceptional needs, then to siblings of current pupils, and finally by straight-line distance from home to school. The school is oversubscribed, with 50 applications for 27 places in recent cycles, so living close to the school significantly improves your chances. Specific distance data varies year to year; check the local authority's published admissions information for the most recent figures.

What are the school's strengths?

Old Oak Primary School's key strengths include exceptionally strong academic outcomes, particularly at the higher standard (31% of pupils achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths), an Outstanding rating for pupil behaviour and personal development, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. The school successfully supports a diverse intake, including significant numbers of pupils with English as an additional language and special educational needs. The co-headteacher leadership model and daily breakfast club provision are additional strengths.

Does Old Oak Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Old Oak Primary School has nursery provision for children from age 2. The school's phase of education covers ages 2 to 11. Nursery places are available and families interested should contact the school directly on 020 8743 7629 or email admin@oldoak.lbhf.sch.uk to enquire about availability and the application process. Early Years Provision is rated Good by Ofsted, providing a strong foundation for later learning.