Ashmount Primary School Review 2026: Carbon-Neutral Campus in North London's Parkland Walk

Ashmount Primary School stands as England's first carbon-negative primary school, housed in a purpose-built, BREEAM Outstanding-rated building that opened in 2013 within Crouch Hill Community Park. This three-form entry state primary serves 407 children aged 3–11 in Crouch End, straddling the border between Islington and Haringey. The school combines environmental leadership with a growth mindset philosophy, celebrating a multicultural community where pupils speak 34 native languages. With its rooftop playground, glass-fronted library, adjacent Parkland Walk nature reserve, and specialist music studio, Ashmount offers a distinctive 21st-century learning environment. Ofsted rated the school Good across all categories in May 2023, recognising strong pastoral care and effective support for pupils with SEND. Recent results show 69% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%.

Headteacher Mr Anthony Carmel leads a school built on the principle that "We are kind. We are responsible. We always try our best." Ashmount promotes a growth mindset across the entire school community, underpinning teaching methods that encourage perseverance, resilience and active engagement in learning. The school describes itself as the heart of a vibrant, multiracial community that values both individual diversity and shared civic duty.

The school's modern history began in January 2013 when it relocated to its landmark sustainable building in the centre of Crouch Hill Park. Designed by Penoyre & Prasad and constructed with natural materials, the building won the BREEAM Outstanding Award for Highest Scoring Project in the Education Sector. The carbon-neutral design includes innovative community energy distribution systems, onsite renewable energy, and extensive use of natural light. Every classroom offers views of the Parkland Walk's flora, and birdsong can be heard throughout the school day.

Ashmount's ethos emphasises critical and creative thinking alongside collaboration. Teaching methods motivate children to be actively engaged in their own learning rather than passive recipients of information. The school's diverse population, representing communities from across the globe, is treated as a strength that enriches the curriculum and broadens perspectives. Parents consistently praise the warmth and inclusivity of the school community, and Ofsted inspectors in 2023 noted pupils' good behaviour, focus and adherence to school rules.

Ashmount delivered solid academic outcomes in the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments. In reading, writing and maths combined, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard, compared to the national average of 62%. At the higher standard, 24% achieved greater depth across all three subjects, well above the national figure of 8%. Subject-by-subject performance shows particular strength in reading, where 80% met expectations and 35% achieved high scores. In maths, 65% reached the expected level with 22% scoring highly, while in writing 16% demonstrated greater depth.

The school's average scaled scores were 107 in reading, 104 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 103 in maths. In science, 78% of pupils met the expected standard, slightly below the national average of 82%. Ashmount ranks 28th among Islington primary schools and sits in the middle tier nationally, reflecting consistent performance in line with national expectations.

The curriculum is broad and sequenced to build knowledge progressively, though Ofsted's May 2023 inspection identified that some foundation subjects would benefit from clearer content sequencing and more effective assessment systems to track pupil progress. Core subjects receive strong emphasis, and the school employs specialist teachers for music instruction in its dedicated music and drama studio.

Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a notable strength. Ofsted praised the school's skilful identification of SEND pupils and early intervention to ensure full curriculum access. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding and mental health, and the school prioritises pupil well-being and respectful relationships. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of 21:1 allows for targeted support.

The early years provision, serving children from age 3 in the Nursery through to Reception, is rated Good by Ofsted. The school's accessible building includes a lift, and outdoor learning spaces integrate natural play and woodland habitats. Ashmount holds Healthy Schools London registration, reflecting its commitment to physical and mental health education.

Ashmount's physical environment is exceptional for a state primary. The light-filled building features airy classrooms, a glass-fronted library, a rooftop playground, sports facilities, and growing spaces for gardening and outdoor learning. The school's location within Crouch Hill Community Park provides direct access to green space and the Parkland Walk, a local nature reserve running along a disused railway line. Natural materials throughout the building and views of trees and wildlife from every window create a calm, stimulating atmosphere.

Extracurricular provision includes sports clubs, concerts, and arts council roles that allow pupils to contribute to school life. Music is taught by specialist teachers in a dedicated music and drama studio. The school offers breakfast club and after-school childcare, providing wraparound care for working families. School uniform is in place.

Pupils benefit from a central green space shared with the wider community for out-of-hours activities, including a games court accessible to local residents. The school encourages environmental stewardship and appreciation of nature, values reflected in its carbon-neutral design and integration with parkland.

Ashmount Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. For Reception entry, the school received 191 applications for 60 places in the most recent cycle, a subscription ratio of 3.18:1. Every first-preference applicant who received an offer was allocated a place, indicating the school prioritises applicants who list it as their top choice.

The furthest distance offered was 1.284 miles from the school, measured as a straight line from home to the midpoint of the school grounds using Islington's computerised mapping system. Applicants are prioritised first by looked-after and previously looked-after children, then by distance, with the nearest homes gaining priority. Families living closer to the school have a significantly better chance of admission.

Applications for Reception 2026 entry open on 1 September 2025 and close on 15 January 2026. Offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Parents must apply online through the London Borough of Islington, not directly to the school. Late applications received after 15 January are considered only after all on-time applications have been processed, substantially reducing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Ashmount is located on the Islington side of the borough boundary with Haringey, meaning it will not appear in school searches on the Haringey website even for families living very close by in Haringey. Parents in neighbouring Haringey should check the school's location carefully and apply through Islington's system if interested.

The school offers tours on the first and last Thursday of every month at 9.30am. Prospective parents are encouraged to visit and can book by contacting the school office on 020 7272 7145. Given the competitive admissions landscape, visiting early and understanding distance criteria is essential. Families should measure their straight-line distance from the school and compare it to previous years' furthest distance offered to gauge realistic chances.

Ashmount Primary School offers a rare combination of environmental innovation, inclusive ethos, and solid academic performance in a vibrant, multicultural North London setting. Its carbon-negative building is a tangible expression of forward-thinking values, and the integration with Crouch Hill Park and the Parkland Walk provides a learning environment unlike most urban primaries. The school's growth mindset philosophy, specialist music provision, and strong SEND support create a nurturing atmosphere where children from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to think critically, collaborate and develop resilience.

Academic results sit comfortably above national averages, particularly in reading and at the higher standard across all subjects, though Ashmount is not a selective or intensely academic environment. Ofsted's Good rating reflects consistent quality in teaching, behaviour, early years provision and leadership. Areas for refinement, such as sequencing in foundation subjects, are acknowledged and being addressed.

Admissions are highly competitive, with a subscription ratio above 3:1 and a catchment extending only 1.28 miles. Families outside this radius face long odds unless circumstances change. For those within reach, Ashmount delivers strong pastoral care, a distinctive campus, and a genuinely inclusive community that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity. It is well-suited to families who value environmental education, creative teaching, and a warm, collaborative school culture alongside academic progress.

Parents seeking a selective or intensely results-driven primary should look elsewhere, but for those prioritising a well-rounded, values-led education in an inspiring physical setting, Ashmount represents an excellent choice within a competitive admissions landscape.

Is Ashmount Primary School a good school?

Yes, Ashmount Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted across all categories following its May 2023 inspection. The school performs above national averages in Key Stage 2 results, with 69% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. At the higher standard, 24% of pupils demonstrate greater depth, significantly above the national figure of 8%. Ofsted praised the school's skilful support for SEND pupils, strong safeguarding, good behaviour, and positive relationships. Parents consistently report satisfaction with the school's inclusive ethos and staff commitment.

How do I apply to Ashmount Primary School?

Apply online through the London Borough of Islington between 1 September 2025 and 15 January 2026 for Reception entry in September 2026. You must submit your application by the deadline to be considered on-time; late applications are processed only after all on-time applications, reducing your chances significantly. Do not apply directly to the school. Ashmount is located on the Islington side of the borough boundary, so families in neighbouring Haringey must apply through Islington's system, not Haringey's. School tours are available on the first and last Thursday of each month at 9.30am; contact the office on 020 7272 7145 to book.

What is the catchment area for Ashmount Primary School?

Ashmount does not operate a formal catchment zone. Admissions are prioritised by distance after looked-after and previously looked-after children. In the most recent cycle, the furthest distance offered was 1.284 miles, measured as a straight line from home to the midpoint of the school grounds. The school received 191 applications for 60 Reception places, making it heavily oversubscribed. Families living closer than 1.28 miles have a realistic chance if they list Ashmount as a first preference, but competition is intense and distance varies year by year depending on application patterns.

Does Ashmount Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Ashmount Primary School has nursery provision for children aged 3–4. The early years provision is rated Good by Ofsted. Nursery places are subject to availability, and prospective parents should contact the school directly for current vacancies and application procedures. Attending the school's nursery does not guarantee automatic admission to Reception; parents must still apply through the Islington online admissions process and are subject to the same distance-based criteria.

What makes Ashmount Primary School special?

Ashmount is England's first carbon-negative primary school, housed in a BREEAM Outstanding-rated building that won the top environmental award in the education sector. The school sits within Crouch Hill Community Park with direct access to the Parkland Walk nature reserve, offering an exceptional learning environment with rooftop playgrounds, natural materials, and views of parkland from every classroom. The school serves a highly diverse community with 34 native languages spoken, and promotes a growth mindset philosophy emphasising resilience, critical thinking and collaboration. Specialist music teaching, strong SEND support, and a commitment to environmental stewardship distinguish Ashmount among North London primaries.