Drayton Park Primary School Review 2026: Excellence in Inclusive Education

Since opening its doors in 1860 as Highbury Wesleyan School for Boys and Girls, Drayton Park has spent over 160 years serving the Highbury and Islington community. Today, the school embodies what genuine inclusion looks like: pupils with widely varying needs and backgrounds work alongside one another, supported by staff who believe in their potential without compromise. The latest Ofsted inspection in June 2025 found evidence of significant improvement across all areas, describing pupils as thriving in "a highly inclusive school" where staff embody "the Drayton Park Way" through empathy and respect.

The numbers tell part of the story. In 2024 KS2 testing, 94% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to 62% nationally. This puts the school at the elite level: ranked 470th in England out of 15,158 primary schools, placing it in the top 3% nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Within Islington, Drayton Park ranks 4th among 87 primary schools. What makes these results particularly striking is that they include pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, English as an additional language (37% of pupils), and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the higher standard, 52% achieved top marks in reading, mathematics and grammar — more than six times the England average of 8%.

The school is massively oversubscribed. In 2024, 124 families applied for just 29 Reception places. The last distance offered was 0.345 miles, reflecting how tightly families must live to secure entry.

Drayton Park sits on Arvon Road in Highbury, a tree-lined street a short walk from Highbury & Islington station. The campus is compact: a mix of Victorian and more recent buildings, modest in scale but purposefully designed. What happens inside the buildings, however, is anything but modest.

The school's own language — the "Drayton Park Way"—captures something real. In lessons, there is quiet focus. Pupils listen carefully. Behaviour is exemplary, not through fear but through a genuine culture of respect. Teachers ask pupils searching questions. Children are encouraged to learn from mistakes, framed as "marvellous mistakes" rather than failures. One teacher might be heard saying, "What made you think that?" rather than simply correcting. This curiosity-centred approach runs through the school.

The inspection report notes that pupils are "rightly proud of their school" and that incidents of bullying are rare. Parents are "overwhelmingly positive" about the support their children receive. The school has thought deliberately about the cultural and social experiences pupils should have: local visits, library trips, fundraising, peer mentoring schemes where older pupils support younger readers. These are not one-off activities but woven through the curriculum.

Miss Annabelle Kapoor leads the school as headteacher. Her leadership emphasises high standards alongside genuine care. Teachers speak proudly of working here; staff turnover is low. The governing body, chaired by Stuart McWilliams, is closely attuned to the school's context and has deliberately built expertise relevant to its priorities.

KS2 Performance

In the 2024 Key Stage 2 assessments, Drayton Park's pupils achieved at a level that places the school among the strongest in the country. The data speaks clearly:

Reading: 94% of pupils met the expected standard, with a scaled score of 111 (England average: ~100). This means the average pupil here is performing about one year ahead of the typical child nationally. At the higher standard, 56% achieved greater depth — again, approximately seven times the England average of 8%.

Writing: 94% reached expected standards. The school recognises writing as a strength, with 21% achieving greater depth, compared to England's 8%.

Mathematics: 97% reached expected standards, with a scaled score of 108. At the higher standard, 44% achieved top marks. This reflects systematic teaching of calculation and reasoning from the early years through Year 6.

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling: 91% met expected standard, with a scaled score of 111. The consistency across all three English measures — reading, writing, GPS — is notable.

Science: 88% reached expected standard, slightly below the other subjects but still solid.

Combined Achievement: 94% of pupils reached the expected standard across reading, writing and mathematics together. The school's overall combined score is 330, significantly above the typical range.

The school ranks 470th nationally and 4th locally in Islington (FindMySchool ranking, based on official KS2 data). This places Drayton Park in the elite tier — the top 3% of primary schools in England. Notably, this ranking includes pupils with SEND, pupils speaking English as an additional language, and pupils eligible for free school meals. The school is not achieving these results with a selected intake; it is achieving them with the full breadth of the community it serves.

Inclusion and SEND Provision

The school's success with pupils with special educational needs is worth highlighting separately. The Ofsted report states that pupils with SEND "achieve standards that far exceed those achieved nationally." Skilled staff identify needs accurately and ensure that these pupils successfully access the same curriculum as classmates. The school builds independence and confidence explicitly. External support is accessed where needed, and targets within Education, Health and Care Plans are tracked carefully.

The Ofsted inspection found that the school "has developed a curriculum that is ambitious and ensures pupils excel across the full range of subjects." This is detailed further: "Staff are experts in the delivery of the curriculum."

What does this look like in practice? Teachers encourage discussion. Pupils talk about their learning with confidence in each subject, building fluency as they articulate what they understand. Teachers check understanding continuously and effectively through skilful questioning that identifies misconceptions before they take hold. When a pupil gives an incorrect answer, the response is to probe: "What made you think that?" rather than move on. Learning is recapped regularly, helping knowledge stick. Pupils are encouraged to embrace error as part of learning ("marvellous mistakes"), reducing anxiety and encouraging risk-taking.

Reading is a particular strength. The school has embedded a consistent approach to phonics teaching from Reception onwards. Children benefit from expert early reading instruction, and the school has invested in staff training to ensure consistency. Pupils have frequent, systematic opportunities to apply phonics knowledge using books closely matched to their level. The school promotes a love of reading actively: pupils take trips to the local library and have access to a rich variety of texts matched to their interests. Staff monitor reading progress carefully; pupils who fall behind receive targeted support to catch up quickly.

The broader curriculum extends beyond the core subjects. Pupils learn about British values, diversity, and discrimination. They participate in democracy through the school council. The curriculum teaches healthy relationships and online safety. Teachers have deliberately woven cultural and social experiences throughout learning: local visits expand horizons for every year group. This is not bolted-on enrichment; it is curriculum design.

Drayton Park's Reception to Year 6 phase means pupils move to secondary at age 11. The school's closest secondary is Beacon High. Data from third-party sources suggests that approximately 26% of pupils progress to St Mary Magdalene Academy, 17% to Beacon High, and 17% to Highbury Fields School, with the remainder distributed across other local providers.

For families interested in grammar schools, approximately 15-20% of each year group pursue 11-plus entry. The school provides familiarisation with the style of questions but does not run intensive preparation; those seeking formal 11-plus coaching typically arrange external tutoring.

Within London's selective secondary landscape, strong primary results from Drayton Park provide pupils with a solid foundation for competitive entry processes, whether to grammar or popular comprehensives.

The Ofsted report emphasises that pupils benefit from "an extensive range of carefully designed wider opportunities. These include access to extra-curricular clubs that build on pupils' talents and are well matched to their interests."

Breakfast and After-School Care

The school runs an on-site breakfast club from early morning and an after-school club until later in the afternoon. This wraparound care is invaluable for working families. The clubs are supervised by school staff and offer a mix of activities and care.

Enrichment Clubs and Activities

The school operates a range of term-time enrichment clubs covering different interests. While the school website does not list every club name individually (reflecting that offerings vary termly), the Ofsted inspection confirmed that clubs "build on pupils' talents and are well matched to their interests." Pupils access clubs in arts, music, physical activity, and thinking skills. The breadth ensures that different interests are catered for, from the athletic to the creative to the academic.

Music and Performing Arts

Music is part of the curriculum for all pupils. The school has invested in music teaching and provides opportunities for group performance. The Ofsted report notes that pupils are "eager to make a difference to the school community," which includes participating in school productions and performances. While specific details of named ensembles were not detailed in the public domain sources, the school clearly prioritises access to musical experience.

Sports and Physical Activity

Physical education is taught across all year groups. Pupils participate in traditional sports including football, netball, and athletics. The Ofsted report references "physical activity," suggesting a robust PE programme. The school competes in local fixtures and encourages participation rather than selecting only elite performers, reflecting its inclusive ethos.

Reading Mentors and Peer Support

One of the most distinctive features is the role of older pupils as reading mentors. Pupils in upper year groups support younger pupils with reading, developing confidence and responsibility. The Ofsted inspection specifically praised this: "They enjoy helping each other when acting as reading mentors or taking part in fundraising activities."

School Visits and Trips

The school plans carefully designed visits throughout the year. These are not optional extras; they are integrated into the curriculum. Local visits expand "horizons and experiences of pupils considerably" (Ofsted). Pupils visit the local library as part of the reading programme. Year 6 pupils typically undertake a residential visit (specific details not publicly listed, but common in London primaries). These experiences are designed to develop character, extend learning, and broaden understanding beyond the classroom.

Pupil Voice and Democracy

All pupils are "enabled to contribute to the school council and experience democracy in action" (Ofsted). This is not symbolic; pupils genuinely have a voice in school decisions and see their suggestions implemented. This builds understanding of how to participate in a community.

Fundraising and Community Service

Pupils take part in fundraising activities, developing awareness of community needs and the impact of collective action.

Drayton Park is a community primary school in the London Borough of Islington. Admissions to Reception and to the nursery are coordinated by Islington Council, not the school directly.

Reception Entry (Age 4-5)

Applications are made through the local authority's coordinated scheme. The application window typically opens in September and closes in January for September entry in the following year. Offers are released in April.

The school is oversubscribed by a significant margin. In 2024, there were 124 applications for 29 Reception places. This represents a ratio of approximately 4.3 applications per place.

After looked-after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, places are allocated by distance from the school gate. The last distance offered in 2024 was 0.345 miles. This means families living more than about 1/3 mile away had less chance of securing a place, though distance criteria can shift year on year based on applicant distribution. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

For families hoping to secure a place, the key is to be within the tight catchment and to submit your application on time through Islington Council's online system.

Nursery Entry (Age 3-4)

The school runs a nursery for pupils aged 3-4. Admissions follow a similar process through Islington Council. Nursery provision opens pathways to Reception, though the nursery does not guarantee Reception entry. The nursery operates alongside the main school, with pupils benefiting from access to school facilities and teachers. For nursery fee details and current availability, contact the school directly.

SEND Admissions

Pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans can request the school through the local authority's SEND assessment process. The school has significant experience supporting pupils with a wide range of needs and actively works with families and external agencies to facilitate appropriate placements.

The Ofsted inspection found safeguarding arrangements to be effective. The school takes a proactive, nurturing approach to wellbeing.

The school "takes a nurturing and caring approach, which leads to pupils feeling, and being kept, secure and safe." Staff know pupils and families well and are responsive to concerns. The school explicitly teaches pupils about bullying and discrimination, contributing to "an open culture where pupils feel safe." Pupils know whom to speak to if they have concerns.

For pupils struggling with behaviour, the school provides targeted support that "helps them to make the right choices" rather than relying solely on sanctions. The school environment is "calm and orderly," and pupils are "highly engaged and show a strong enthusiasm for learning."

The SENCO, Emma Dutton, coordinates support for pupils with SEND. The school works closely with parents and external agencies (speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, etc.) to understand and meet individual needs. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: according to the inspection, "Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the support that their children receive."

The school runs an active Parent Teacher Association (pta.draytonpark@gmail.com), providing opportunities for families to be involved in school life beyond the classroom.

School Hours

The school day runs from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm. Early drop-off is possible via the breakfast club; late collection via the after-school club.

Wraparound Care

Breakfast club and after-school club run daily during term time, providing supervision and activities before and after the school day.

Holidays and Term Dates

The school follows the standard London school holidays plus occasional additional closure days. Term dates are published on the school website.

Location and Travel

Drayton Park is located on Arvon Road, Highbury, London N5 1PJ. The nearest London Underground station is Highbury & Islington (lines: Circle, Metro, National Rail). Buses serving the area include Routes 4, 43, 271, and others. The school is within walking distance for local families; parking in the area can be limited. Families further afield may use public transport or consider the school's distance criteria for admissions.

Uniform

The school has a uniform policy. Details are available on the school website.

School Meals

The school provides hot meals at lunchtime. There is a choice daily, and the school caters for dietary requirements and allergies. Free school meals are available to eligible families.

For admissions enquiries, contact Islington Council's School Admissions Team: 020 7527 5515 or visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions. For general school enquiries: 020 7607 4142 or admin@draytonpark.islington.sch.uk.

Massive oversubscription: The school is heavily oversubscribed with a last distance of 0.345 miles (about 1/3 mile). To secure a place, you must live extremely close to the school gate and submit on time. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families relocating to be nearer should be cautious: living within the postcode is not sufficient; precise proximity matters. Use the FindMySchoolMap Search tool to check your exact distance to the school gates and compare it against the last distance offered in previous years.

Nursery progression is not guaranteed: Entry to the school's nursery does not guarantee Reception entry. While the two phases are on the same site, families should be aware that later entry to the school is still subject to the same admissions criteria and oversubscription. Those using nursery as a pathway to Reception should not assume automatic progression.

English as an additional language: While the school does extremely well with multilingual pupils (37% speak English as an additional language as their first language), this is a reflection of the neighbourhood's diversity. The school is not a specialist language centre; it provides quality teaching within the mainstream curriculum with targeted support for EAL learners.

Highly selective in practice, even though non-selective in theory: Because the school is so heavily oversubscribed and allocates places by distance, the practical effect is that only families living in a very tight radius around the school can realistically apply. This creates a de facto selection based on postcode rather than ability, which is important to understand when deciding whether to invest in the area hoping for a place.

Drayton Park delivers first-class education to a diverse, multilingual, and economically mixed community without selection or fees. The results are exceptional: top 3% of English primaries nationally, strong across reading, writing, maths, and science, with no achievement gap for pupils with SEND or English as an additional language. The school's inclusive ethos is genuine, not rhetorical. Teaching is expert; curriculum ambition is high; behaviour is excellent; staff are proud to work here.

The greatest barrier to entry is not the school's selectivity but the sheer demand for places. Securing a place requires living extraordinarily close to the school gates and catching the admissions process window at exactly the right time. For families fortunate enough to live within the tight catchment and who understand the admissions timeline, this is an outstanding choice. For those further afield, the harsh reality is that distance will likely prevent entry.

Best suited to families living very close to Highbury, who can navigate the competitive admissions process, and who value inclusive, high-achieving education without fees. The challenge is not the school's quality but securing a place in the first instance.