Hargrave Park Primary School Review 2026: Community-Focused Learning in the Heart of Archway

Hargrave Park Primary School sits at the heart of Archway, serving children from six months to eleven years with a mission to nurture confident learners who are inspired by the world, flexible in their thinking, and understand how to care for themselves and others. This one-and-a-half form entry community primary has earned particular recognition for its pastoral care—Ofsted rated Personal Development as Outstanding in its May 2023 inspection, whilst the school's Good overall rating reflects strong academic outcomes above national averages. With 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined (compared to 62% nationally), and 26% achieving the higher standard (against 8% nationally), Hargrave Park demonstrates that high expectations and an enriched curriculum can drive pupil success in a diverse urban setting. The school's Creative Arts Space, Science Lab, and dedicated pastoral area called The HUB underpin a learning environment designed for both academic achievement and personal growth.

Hargrave Park's core values centre on enabling all students and staff to "aim high"—a simple but powerful principle that permeates daily school life. The school emphasises pride in achievement, stewardship of shared resources, and a trauma-informed approach to wellbeing. Leaders have tailored the curriculum around four Key Drivers: Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSE); Equalities; Celebrating London; and Eco-action. These drivers reflect the school's commitment to its particular community, weaving local heritage and environmental responsibility into the broader primary curriculum.

The school's pastoral infrastructure is robust. The HUB, a dedicated wellbeing space, offers board games, crafts, reading, drawing, and music, providing a safe haven for pupils who need additional emotional or social support. A full-time pastoral care team works alongside class teachers, and staff are trained in Zones of Regulation—a framework that helps children recognise and manage their emotions. Safeguarding is embedded in the school culture, with all staff receiving regular training and clear protocols in place.

Inspectors in May 2023 highlighted that pupils enjoy strong working relationships with both peers and staff, and understand the high expectations for behaviour and respect. The atmosphere is one where children from diverse backgrounds—47.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 77.5% are from ethnic minority communities—are welcomed and supported to thrive.

Hargrave Park delivers strong academic outcomes that place it well above national averages in most measures. In the most recent Key Stage 2 results, 85% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, significantly ahead of the national figure of 62%. The proportion reaching the higher standard in all three subjects stood at 26%, more than three times the England average of 8%. In maths, 92% of pupils met the expected standard, whilst in science 89% did so, both comfortably above national benchmarks.

The school is ranked 4,972nd in England among primary schools, placing it in the top third nationally, and 22nd out of Islington's primaries. Average scaled scores in reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling all sat at 106, indicating consistent performance across the core subjects. The school's Ofsted progress banding for both reading and maths is "above average," with scores greater than zero and confidence intervals entirely above the zero threshold.

Reading is prioritised from the earliest years. Staff are trained in a structured phonics programme, and pupils who need extra help receive swift targeted interventions. Inspectors noted that the curriculum is well-designed and coherent from Nursery upwards, ensuring that knowledge builds systematically over time and that subject-specific vocabulary is introduced and reinforced. Pupils produce high-quality work across different subjects and are typically well prepared for secondary school.

The school supports children with special educational needs through HP House, a specialist provision that benefits many SEND pupils. Whilst inspectors praised the resource, they also noted that there is scope to improve the consistency with which teachers adapt work for SEND pupils in mainstream classes. In early years, staff are working to better develop and extend children's language use, an area identified for further development.

Class sizes average 21 pupils per teacher, with a total of 16 teachers and 17.72 full-time equivalent teaching assistants serving a roll of approximately 350 children. The SENCo, Rosemarie D'Orsi, leads the school's SEND provision, working alongside Headteacher Mrs Lisa Horton and Designated Safeguarding Lead Jacob Jervis-Bond to ensure that vulnerable pupils receive the support they need.

Hargrave Park's enrichment offer is broad and ambitious. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 complete a sailing course, providing a unique outdoor education experience rarely found in inner-city primaries. The curriculum is brought to life through visits to Kenwood House, the Wonder Lab, and an annual seaside trip, ensuring that children engage with London's cultural and natural resources as well as the world beyond the capital.

The school's facilities include a dedicated Science Lab, a Creative Arts Space, and well-maintained outdoor learning areas. The children's centre provision, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, serves children under three, Nursery, and Reception pupils, offering a continuum of care and education from six months onwards. Wraparound care is available through a Breakfast Club and After School Club, supporting working families in the community.

Extracurricular activities cater to a wide range of interests, reflecting the school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The Eco-action driver encourages pupils to take responsibility for the local and wider environment, fostering a sense of active citizenship from a young age. The school holds a bronze Healthy Schools London award, renewed in 2016, recognising its work on pupil health and wellbeing.

Hargrave Park is significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 87 applications for just 34 Reception places—a subscription ratio of 2.56. Every first-preference applicant who was offered a place received it, but the high demand means that many families do not secure a spot. The school does not publish the furthest distance offered, so parents should assume proximity to the school is a critical factor.

Admissions are managed by Islington Council. For Reception entry in September 2026, the application window runs from 1 September 2025 to 15 January 2026, with National Offer Day on 16 April 2026. Applications received after the deadline are processed only after all on-time applications have been considered, significantly reducing the chances of securing a place. Parents must apply even if an older sibling already attends Hargrave Park, as there is no automatic right of entry.

The school is a community school, meaning Islington Council sets the oversubscription criteria. Families should review the local authority's admissions booklet carefully and consider listing Hargrave Park alongside other realistic options. The school welcomes prospective parents to arrange a tour by contacting the school office on 020 7272 3989 or emailing parents@hargravepark.islington.sch.uk.

In-year admissions for other year groups are also possible, and the school's Under 3s provision and Nursery offer additional entry points for families with younger children.

Hargrave Park Primary School offers a compelling combination of strong academic results, outstanding pastoral care, and an ambitious, values-driven curriculum tailored to the needs of its diverse Archway community. The school's performance data speaks clearly: outcomes are well above national averages, and the curriculum is coherent, knowledge-rich, and supported by effective teaching. The May 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that leaders have built a school where children not only achieve academically but also develop the personal skills, resilience, and social awareness needed to succeed in later life.

The Outstanding rating for Personal Development is particularly noteworthy. In an area where many families face economic and social challenges, Hargrave Park has created a safe, supportive environment where every child is valued. The trauma-informed approach, The HUB, the full-time pastoral team, and the carefully chosen curriculum drivers all contribute to a culture of care that sets the school apart.

For parents seeking a local primary that combines strong academic standards with genuine attention to the whole child, Hargrave Park is an excellent choice. The oversubscription reflects both the school's quality and the limited supply of primary places in this part of Islington. Families who live close enough to secure a place will find a school that not only prepares children well for secondary school but also instils confidence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.

Is Hargrave Park Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rates Hargrave Park as Good overall, with Personal Development graded Outstanding. Academic outcomes are well above national averages, with 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school is ranked in the top third of primary schools in England and 22nd in Islington.

How do I apply to Hargrave Park Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made through Islington Council. For September 2026 entry, apply online at www.islington.gov.uk/admissions between 1 September 2025 and 15 January 2026. National Offer Day is 16 April 2026. Late applications are processed after all on-time applications, reducing your chances significantly. Contact the School Admissions team on 020 7527 5515 for guidance.

What are the school's admission arrangements?

Hargrave Park is a community school, so Islington Council sets the admissions criteria and manages the process. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 87 applications for 34 Reception places in the most recent round (a ratio of 2.56). Proximity to the school is a key factor. Parents must apply even if they have an older child at the school.

Does Hargrave Park Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Hargrave Park offers Nursery provision for children who have turned three, and also runs an Under 3s provision for children from six months. The children's centre facilities are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Families can contact the school directly to arrange a visit and discuss places.

What are the school's strengths according to Ofsted?

The May 2023 Ofsted inspection highlighted reading as a priority, a well-structured curriculum from Nursery onwards, strong behaviour expectations, and outstanding personal development. Progress in both reading and maths is above average, and pupils enjoy strong relationships with peers and staff. The school's pastoral care, trauma-informed approach, and safeguarding culture were commended.

What extracurricular activities does Hargrave Park offer?

Hargrave Park offers a range of enrichment activities, including a sailing course for pupils in Years 5 and 6, educational visits to Kenwood House and the Wonder Lab, and an annual seaside trip. The school has a Creative Arts Space and Science Lab, and its Eco-action curriculum driver encourages environmental awareness and active citizenship.

What is the school's approach to special educational needs?

Hargrave Park has a specialist provision called HP House that supports many SEND pupils. The SENCo, Rosemarie D'Orsi, leads SEND provision across the school. Ofsted noted that whilst HP House is effective, there is scope to improve the consistency of classroom adaptations for SEND pupils in mainstream classes. The school follows a trauma-informed approach and has a full-time pastoral care team.

What is the school day and wraparound care like?

Hargrave Park offers Breakfast Club and After School Club, providing wraparound care for working families. Specific timings should be confirmed with the school office. Contact the school on 020 7272 3989 or email parents@hargravepark.islington.sch.uk for details.