Sir John Lillie Primary School Review 2026: Victorian Heritage Meets Modern Excellence in Fulham

Built in 1893 to serve Fulham's rapidly expanding Victorian population, Sir John Lillie Primary School on Lillie Road has evolved into a well-regarded state primary with a clear mission: "Succeeding on the Journey through Lifelong Learning". This mixed community primary for ages 3–11 serves 420 pupils in the heart of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. With latest results showing 83% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths—well above the national average of 62%—and an average scaled score of 107 across core subjects, the school ranks in the top 20% nationally for primary attainment. Ofsted rated the school Good in its most recent inspection in March 2025, with particular praise for pupils' outstanding behaviour and an outstanding early years provision. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with recent admissions data showing 47 applications for just 22 Reception places.

Sir John Lillie Primary School opened its doors in 1893 during a period of dramatic urban growth, when Fulham's population surged from 10,000 in 1801 to 250,000 by 1901. This Victorian heritage remains visible in the school's original architecture, though the ethos is decidedly modern and inclusive. Under the leadership of headteacher Sue Hayward, the school has transformed from a "requires improvement" rating in 2013 to its current Good status, with Mrs Hayward noting particular delight in the outstanding judgements for pupils' behaviour and early years provision.

The school's motto reflects a commitment to lifelong learning rather than merely exam success. Inspectors describe Sir John Lillie as a "nurturing and friendly school" where pupils appreciate the warm welcome they receive each morning. Children reportedly wear yellow shirts to symbolise their enjoyment—a telling detail about the school's culture. The school day begins at 8:45am when gates open, establishing a calm start to the day.

Healthy Schools London recognition demonstrates the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing beyond academics. Spanish is taught throughout the primary years, and pupils benefit from specialist teaching in computing and music alongside class-based instruction. A Children's Leadership Team provides opportunities for pupil voice and responsibility.

Sir John Lillie Primary School delivers strong academic outcomes relative to national standards. In the most recent Key Stage 2 results, 83% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, substantially ahead of the 62% national average. Equally impressive, 27% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, more than three times the national figure of 8%.

Breaking down the core subjects: 88% met the expected standard in maths (average scaled score 107), 81% in reading (scaled score 107) and 81% in grammar, punctuation and spelling (scaled score 108). In reading, 31% achieved the high score, while in writing 21% reached greater depth. These results place Sir John Lillie ranked 2,941st out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England—comfortably in the top fifth nationally—and 22nd within Hammersmith and Fulham.

Science attainment stands at 76%, slightly below the national expected standard of 82%, suggesting this may be an area the school continues to develop. Nonetheless, the overall picture is one of consistently strong performance, with outcomes above national averages for two consecutive years according to Ofsted.

Inspection evidence highlights that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities make strong progress from their starting points, indicating effective differentiation and support. The early years provision, rated Outstanding, gives children an excellent foundation. Pupils listen attentively in lessons and enjoy their learning, creating conditions for sustained achievement.

The school offers a subject-based curriculum enriched by cross-curricular projects, PSHE, and Spanish. Specialist teachers enhance provision in computing, music, and the arts. While art and music are taught as discrete subjects, drama, design technology and dance are integrated across the curriculum. The school maintains a choir and offers extracurricular creative and performing arts clubs.

Pupils at Sir John Lillie benefit from what inspectors describe as an "inspiring and well-maintained playground" where children "play enthusiastically with each other during playtimes and lunch breaks". The outdoor area is well-designed for climbing, playing and exploration, important in an urban setting where outdoor space is at a premium.

Extended care provision is comprehensive. The morning session from 7:30am allows working parents to drop children early, with breakfast available. The Play Centre runs from 3pm to 6:45pm daily, offering healthy snacks and activities including art, cooking, sports, gardening and hall games. A holiday playscheme operates during every school break and half-term, providing valuable childcare continuity for Fulham families.

Physical education is a strength, with up to 10 seasonal sports on offer and competitive teams available from Year 3 upwards. The school receives the PE and Sport Premium allocation, which funds specialist coaching and equipment. The breadth of sporting opportunities is notable for a one-form entry school.

Family learning sessions provide opportunities for parents to engage with their children's education. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 17:1 allows for reasonably sized classes, though precise current numbers would need verification with the school.

Sir John Lillie Primary School is a community school, meaning admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham through the pan-London admissions system. The school sets its own admission arrangements, which are published on the school website and through the local authority.

Demand significantly exceeds supply. Recent admissions data shows 47 applications for 22 Reception places, making the school more than twice oversubscribed (subscription ratio 2.14). All first-preference applicants who received offers had listed Sir John Lillie as their top choice, indicating that even families ranking it first may not secure a place.

As a non-selective, non-faith community school, Sir John Lillie typically prioritises looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and then proximity to the school. Specific distance criteria and cut-off points vary annually depending on application patterns. Prospective parents should consult the determined admission arrangements on the Hammersmith and Fulham website for the relevant admissions year and contact the school directly to understand recent patterns.

The school serves ages 3–11 with nursery provision available from age 3. The standard admissions process for Reception entry operates through the local authority, with the national application deadline typically in mid-January for September entry. Offers are made on national offer day in April, with parents usually having until late April to accept.

Given the oversubscription, families living close to Lillie Road in Fulham have the strongest prospects, though exact catchment distances fluctuate. The school's location in a densely populated area of London means competition remains intense.

Sir John Lillie Primary School represents a compelling choice for Fulham families seeking a well-established community primary with strong academic results and a nurturing environment. The transformation from "requires improvement" in 2013 to Good with outstanding elements in 2025 reflects sustained leadership and improvement under headteacher Sue Hayward.

The school's headline statistics are impressive: 83% reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths places it well ahead of national norms, and the 27% achieving higher standards across all three subjects demonstrates genuine academic stretch for more able pupils. Outstanding behaviour and early years provision provide solid foundations, while specialist teaching in music, computing and languages adds breadth. The Victorian building retains character while offering modern facilities including a well-designed outdoor space and comprehensive wraparound care.

For families prioritising strong pastoral care alongside good results, Sir John Lillie's warm, happy atmosphere—symbolised by those yellow shirts—creates an environment where children feel valued. The commitment to supporting pupils with SEND ensures inclusive practice. Extracurricular breadth in sports and the arts rounds out the offer.

The primary caveat is access. With more than two applicants per place and no published distance data, securing a Reception place requires living very close to the school. Families further afield may struggle even with a first preference application. Those fortunate enough to gain entry, however, will find a school that combines Victorian roots with contemporary educational standards, delivering consistent results in a nurturing, well-led setting where children genuinely enjoy learning. For Fulham parents seeking a strong state primary with a track record of improvement and solid outcomes, Sir John Lillie merits serious consideration—if geography permits.

Is Sir John Lillie Primary School a good school?

Yes, Sir John Lillie Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (March 2025) with outstanding behaviour and early years provision. The school achieves results well above national averages, with 83% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths compared to the national 62%. It ranks in the top 20% of primary schools nationally for attainment and 22nd in Hammersmith and Fulham.

How do I apply to Sir John Lillie Primary School?

Applications are made through the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham as part of the pan-London coordinated admissions scheme. For Reception entry, apply online via the local authority between September and the mid-January deadline for the following September start. The school sets its own admission arrangements, prioritising looked-after children, exceptional need, siblings and proximity. National offer day is in mid-April. Visit the school website or contact the admissions team at admin@sirjohnlillie.lbhf.sch.uk for current arrangements.

What are the school hours at Sir John Lillie Primary School?

School gates open at 8:45am and close at 8:55am for morning arrival. Standard school day timings follow the usual primary pattern, with registration shortly after gates close. Extended care is available from 7:30am (breakfast club) and after school until 6:45pm through the Play Centre, providing wraparound provision for working families.

Does Sir John Lillie Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Sir John Lillie Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3. The early years provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, giving young children an excellent start. Families interested in nursery places should contact the school directly for availability and application procedures, which may differ from Reception admissions.

What is the catchment area for Sir John Lillie Primary School?

Sir John Lillie Primary School does not publish specific catchment distances, and as a community school it does not operate fixed boundaries. Proximity to the school on Lillie Road, Fulham, SW6 7LN is a key factor after priority categories. Recent data shows 47 applications for 22 places (more than 2:1 oversubscription), meaning only families living very close typically gain entry. Check with Hammersmith and Fulham admissions for recent distance cut-offs.

What extracurricular activities does Sir John Lillie Primary School offer?

The school offers up to 10 seasonal sports with competitive teams from Year 3, specialist teaching in music and computing, a school choir, and extracurricular creative and performing arts clubs. The after-school Play Centre (until 6:45pm) provides art, cooking, sports, gardening and hall games. Spanish is taught throughout the primary years as part of the curriculum, and family learning sessions engage parents in their children's education.