Duncombe Primary School Review 2026: Community-Focused Achievement in Islington

Duncombe Primary School stands on the site of the original Duncombe Road Board School, opened in 1878 in Holloway, and continues to serve as a vibrant two-form entry community school for the diverse neighbourhoods of Islington. Following a strategic merger with Montem Primary School in August 2024, Duncombe now educates around 440 pupils aged 2 to 11 with a capacity of 480 places. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2023 rated it Good overall, with Personal Development receiving an Outstanding rating. Duncombe ranks 1,906th nationally and 15th locally in Islington, placing it well above the national average for primary performance. With six core values—Ambition, Self-Esteem, Perseverance, Independence, Respect, and Enthusiasm—at its heart, the school has earned multiple awards including Artsmark Gold, Primary Science Quality Mark Silver, and Eco-Schools Silver, reflecting a broad and enriching educational experience for its pupils.

Duncombe Primary School is named after Thomas Slingsby Duncombe (1796–1861), a radical MP for Finsbury who championed social reform during the mid-19th century. Duncombe Road was constructed in 1866, and the original Board School building opened in 1878, with an additional floor added in 1905. This historical foundation anchors the school's identity within the local community.

In September 2020, Duncombe launched a refreshed ethos centred on six values: Ambition, Self-Esteem, Perseverance, Independence, Respect, and Enthusiasm. Staff have since embedded these principles into daily school life, working with pupils to develop behaviours that support academic progress and personal growth. The school describes itself as "vibrant, happy and inclusive," committed to ensuring every child aspires to and achieves their full potential in a stimulating and creative environment. Inclusion is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy, with the belief that every child has the right to be successful, confident, and well-prepared for the world.

Leadership is provided by Ms Martha Braithwaite, who became headteacher in November 2024, succeeding Helen Ryan. The school's governing body works in partnership with the headteacher, staff, parents, and the wider community to provide strategic direction and accountability. Following the merger with Montem Primary School in August 2024, Duncombe now serves a larger and more diverse catchment, bringing together pupils and families from both schools to form a single, cohesive community.

Duncombe Primary School performs well above the national average across key Stage 2 assessments. In the most recent results, 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the national average of 62%. The school's attainment is particularly strong in reading and mathematics: 87% met the expected standard in reading (with 57% achieving a high score), and 93% met the expected standard in maths (with 28% achieving a high score). The combined average scaled score across reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS), and maths was 324, reflecting solid all-round attainment.

Higher attainment is also notable, with 32% of pupils achieving the high standard across reading, writing, and maths, well above the national figure of 8%. Writing at greater depth stood at 11%, and 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in science. These outcomes rank Duncombe 1,906th nationally (top 13% of primary schools) and 15th within Islington, underlining its status as a strong performer in the local area.

The school's curriculum is broad and balanced, emphasising personal development alongside academic progress. Duncombe offers teaching and learning programmes across all year groups, from Nursery through to Year 6, with dedicated focus on reading, online safety, and participation in the school council. The early years provision was rated Good by Ofsted, providing a nurturing foundation for the youngest pupils.

Duncombe's commitment to inclusion extends to its support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. While the school does not operate as a specialist setting, it has a strong pastoral framework, and the Outstanding rating for Personal Development highlights the effectiveness of its support systems. The school fosters pupils' confidence, self-esteem, and independence through targeted interventions and a culture of respect and ambition.

Duncombe Primary School offers a rich extracurricular environment, with a Breakfast Club providing early care and extended school activities available for pupils outside regular hours. The school has earned a suite of awards that reflect the breadth of its provision: Artsmark Gold from Arts Council England, Primary Science Quality Mark Silver, Eco-Schools Silver Award, Leading Parent Partnership Award, Investors in People accreditation, Healthy Schools London Bronze Award, and a School Safety Award.

The school's campus includes the original Victorian building with its 1905 top-floor extension, providing characterful and well-established learning spaces in the heart of Holloway. Facilities support a wide range of activities, and the school places strong emphasis on the arts, science, and environmental education, as evidenced by its awards. Parents are welcomed into school life through regular coffee mornings and engagement events, fostering a collaborative partnership between home and school.

Duncombe's active Twitter presence (@DuncombePrimary) and digital newsletter system keep families informed and involved in school developments. The school's core values are visible throughout student life, with pupils encouraged to demonstrate Ambition, Self-Esteem, Perseverance, Independence, Respect, and Enthusiasm in their daily interactions and learning.

Duncombe Primary School is a community school, meaning admissions are managed by Islington Council. The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 40 places per year group (Reception to Year 6), with a total capacity of 480 across all year groups including Nursery.

Duncombe is a highly competitive school. In the most recent admissions round, it received 91 applications for 40 Reception places, making it oversubscribed with a subscription rate of 2.28 (more than double the number of applications to available places). Every first-preference applicant who was offered a place received an offer, indicating the school's popularity and the effectiveness of Islington's admissions criteria. No distance criterion was applied in the latest admissions round, suggesting all offered places went to applicants in higher priority categories such as siblings, looked-after children, or those with specific needs.

Applications for September 2025 entry (children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021) must be submitted by 15 January 2025. Prospective families are strongly advised to attend a school tour; Duncombe typically holds open events in the autumn term. Contact the school office on 020 7272 5620 or email success@duncombeprimary.co.uk to book a visit. Full admissions information and the 2025-26 determined admission arrangements are available via Islington Council's website at www.islington.gov.uk/admissions, or by contacting School Admissions at 020 7527 5515.

Families considering Duncombe should be aware that the school serves a diverse and densely populated area of Islington, and competition for places is consistently high. Proximity to the school and fulfilling the LA's oversubscription criteria are crucial. Parents should review the council's admissions policy carefully and ensure their application is submitted on time.

Popular secondary destinations for Duncombe pupils include Beacon High (17%), St Aloysius RC College (17%), Highgate Wood Secondary School (14%), Highbury Fields School (10%), and Arts and Media School Islington (10%).

Duncombe Primary School is a well-established, high-performing community primary in the heart of Islington, delivering results well above national averages and offering an inclusive, values-driven education. Its Outstanding rating for Personal Development, combined with strong academic outcomes and a broad extracurricular offer, makes it an attractive choice for local families. The recent merger with Montem Primary School has expanded the school's capacity and brought together two communities under one strategic vision, with new leadership under Ms Martha Braithwaite.

Duncombe's historical roots, commitment to inclusion, and impressive suite of awards—spanning the arts, science, and environmental education—set it apart as a school that nurtures the whole child. Competition for places is fierce, reflecting the school's reputation and the high demand for quality state primary education in Islington. Families seeking a supportive, community-focused school with a strong track record of achievement and personal development will find Duncombe an excellent option. Prospective parents are advised to attend a school tour, engage with the admissions process early, and ensure they understand Islington Council's oversubscription criteria to maximise their chances of securing a place.

Is Duncombe Primary School a good school?

Yes. Duncombe Primary School was rated Good overall by Ofsted in February 2023, with an Outstanding rating for Personal Development. It ranks 1,906th nationally and 15th in Islington, placing it well above the national average. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined (national average: 62%), and 32% achieved the higher standard (national average: 8%). The school's strong academic results, inclusive ethos, and breadth of awards make it a highly regarded choice for local families.

How do I apply to Duncombe Primary School?

Duncombe Primary School is a community school, so applications are managed by Islington Council. Apply online at www.islington.gov.uk/admissions or contact School Admissions at Upper Street, London, N1 1XR, or call 020 7527 5515. The deadline for Reception applications (September 2025 entry) is 15 January 2025. Duncombe offers 40 Reception places per year. Book a school tour by contacting the school office on 020 7272 5620 or emailing success@duncombeprimary.co.uk. Review Islington's 2025-26 Determined Admission Arrangements to understand the oversubscription criteria.

What are the admissions criteria for Duncombe Primary School?

Admissions criteria are set by Islington Council. Typical oversubscription criteria include: looked-after children and previously looked-after children; children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school; siblings of current pupils; children of staff in certain circumstances; and proximity to the school. In the most recent admissions round, Duncombe was oversubscribed with 91 applications for 40 places (subscription rate: 2.28). No distance criterion was applied, suggesting all offers went to applicants in higher priority categories. Check the council's website for full and current criteria.

Does Duncombe Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Duncombe Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged 2 to 4. The early years provision was rated Good by Ofsted in the February 2023 inspection. Nursery places are separate from Reception admissions and typically require a direct application to the school. Contact the school office on 020 7272 5620 or email success@duncombeprimary.co.uk for information on nursery availability, application processes, and visit opportunities.

What are the school hours and wrap-around care options at Duncombe Primary School?

Duncombe Primary School offers a Breakfast Club for early drop-off and extended school activities for after-school care. Exact timings and costs for wrap-around care should be confirmed directly with the school. Standard school day timings vary by key stage and can be found on the school website or by contacting the school office on 020 7272 5620. The school also offers school lunches and holds regular coffee mornings for parents to engage with school life.