Laycock Primary School Review 2026: Inclusive Barnsbury Primary with Specialist Deaf Provision

Laycock Primary School in Barnsbury, Islington, operates one of the largest auditory-oral deaf provisions at primary level in England, a 68-place specialist resource base fully integrated into its mainstream classrooms. This state-funded, mixed community primary educates children aged 3 to 11, welcoming deaf pupils from across London alongside its local intake. Rated Good by Ofsted in its June 2024 inspection, the school has built a bespoke curriculum designed to inspire engagement and provide cultural capital, underpinned by six core values: Aspiration, Creative, Curious, Resilient, Respectful, and Friendly. Located on Laycock Street near Highbury & Islington station, the school serves a diverse community with a strong emphasis on representation and belonging. With a capacity of 444 pupils and nursery provision for 3- and 4-year-olds, Laycock combines an inclusive pastoral approach with a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners, including those with hearing impairments.

Laycock describes itself as a friendly and welcoming school with a strong community spirit, where every child can thrive and achieve their goals in life. The school's ethos is rooted in celebrating diversity, with a particular pride in its deaf provision and the presence of both deaf children and staff who serve as role models within the community. Leadership emphasises that representation and belonging lie at the heart of the school's approach, ensuring that all children can see themselves reflected in the school's community.

Mr Fredrick Hall serves as Interim Head of School, supported by Jenny Lewis as Interim Executive Headteacher and Sue Brownson as Deputy Headteacher and Lead of the Deaf Provision. Leadership has focused on refining the school's curriculum and keeping the school's ethos and values central to all decisions. The school's six core values—Aspiration, Creative, Curious, Resilient, Respectful, and Friendly—form the moral compass for both academic and pastoral decisions, encouraging pupils to make thoughtful choices and prepare for active participation in school, community, and the wider world.

The Barnsbury location, just off Upper Street and around the corner from Highbury & Islington station, places the school at the centre of a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood. Parents and staff describe a warm atmosphere where pupils are well-behaved, respectful, motivated, and kind, with strong routines that help children feel secure and supported. The integration of deaf and hearing pupils in mainstream classrooms, supported by soundproofed environments and specialist speech and language therapy, creates a unique culture of inclusion and mutual respect.

Laycock Primary School's most recent performance data shows that 64.7% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, slightly above the national average of 62%. In science, 86% reached the expected standard, ahead of the England average of 82%. However, the proportion achieving higher standards across reading, writing, and mathematics was 6.7%, below the national average of 8%. The school ranks 13,459th nationally out of approximately 15,160 primary schools, placing it in the 89th percentile.

Subject-level results reveal some variation in attainment. In reading, 66% of pupils met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 102, while 14% achieved the higher standard. In mathematics, 54% reached the expected standard (average scaled score of 100), with 6% achieving high scores. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling saw 63% at the expected level (average scaled score 102) and 11% at the higher standard. Writing showed 0% of pupils reaching greater depth, an area that the school and Ofsted recognise as requiring further development. The total combined scaled score across reading, grammar, and maths stood at 304.

Ofsted's June 2024 inspection confirmed the school's Good rating across all categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Inspectors highlighted the school's effective phonics programme and high priority placed on reading, with a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that is progressively sequenced. The curriculum has been recently updated to focus on belonging and representation, ensuring that all children can thrive knowing they can achieve greatness.

SEND provision is a particular strength. The school offers excellent support for all children with special educational needs and disabilities, with the SENCO working closely with families to ensure pupils make strong progress. The auditory-oral deaf provision uses spoken English as the primary communication method, with soundproofed classrooms, radio aids, and dedicated speech and language therapists providing one-to-one and group sessions. Ofsted noted expert support and full participation for SEND pupils, especially those who are deaf. The school's inclusive approach means that deaf pupils learn alongside their hearing peers in mainstream classes, benefiting from specialist adaptations while remaining fully integrated into the school community.

Some foundation subjects and aspects of early years provision require further embedding as the school continues to refine its curriculum changes. Leadership has identified these areas as development priorities for the coming year. The school's PE and sports provision is funded through the Department for Education's PE and Sports Premium, ensuring that physical education remains a focus alongside academic subjects.

Laycock Primary School provides both part-time and full-time nursery places for children aged 3 and 4 in stimulating, well-resourced Early Years Foundation Stage settings. Breakfast Club and After School Club run Monday to Friday, with the after-school provision operating from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm under the supervision of the Pastoral Manager, Mr Dexter Thompson (Monday to Thursday), and Ms Gemma Halpin (Friday). These wraparound services support working families and extend the school day with additional enrichment and care.

The school's specialist deaf provision includes soundproofed classrooms fitted with assistive listening technology, including radio aids that transmit teachers' voices directly to pupils' hearing devices. Speech and language therapists are embedded in the school, offering targeted one-to-one and group sessions that support communication development alongside classroom learning. This specialist infrastructure is among the most extensive of its kind in a mainstream primary setting in England.

Extracurricular life is supported by the Friends of Laycock PTA, which organises fundraising events and parent coffee mornings to strengthen community ties. Pupils benefit from a curriculum enriched with real-world experiences, moral decision-making opportunities, and preparation for active citizenship. The school's location near Highbury & Islington provides access to the wider cultural and sporting opportunities of North London, although specific details of clubs, sports teams, or arts programmes are not prominently advertised.

The school's grounds and buildings accommodate a capacity of 444 pupils, though current enrolment stands at approximately 235 to 268 pupils depending on the count. This smaller-than-capacity roll may reflect the school's specialist nature and the specific needs of its dual intake: local Barnsbury families and deaf pupils from across London.

Laycock Primary School offers excellent provision and support for all children with special educational needs and disabilities, with a particular specialism in deaf education. The school's SENCO works closely with families of SEND children to ensure they make excellent progress and are supported in the best way to reach their potential.

The school's auditory-oral deaf provision is its flagship SEN programme, serving up to 68 deaf pupils from across London. This approach focuses on teaching primarily through speaking and listening, using spoken English as the primary communication method. Classrooms are soundproofed and equipped with radio aids that amplify teachers' voices directly to pupils' hearing devices. Speech and language therapists provide dedicated one-to-one and group sessions, working alongside classroom teachers to support communication development.

Conditions supported

• Hearing impairments: Deaf and hearing-impaired pupils receive specialist support through the auditory-oral provision, with access to assistive technology, soundproofed classrooms, and embedded speech and language therapy.

• Learning differences: The school supports pupils with a range of learning needs, with the SENCO ensuring individualised support plans and close collaboration with families.

• Communication and interaction needs: Speech and language therapy is available for pupils with communication difficulties, both as part of the deaf provision and for other pupils requiring support.

Ofsted inspectors in June 2024 noted the school's expert support and full participation of SEND pupils, highlighting the successful integration of deaf pupils into mainstream classrooms. The school's inclusive ethos ensures that all children, regardless of need, are valued members of the community.

Laycock Primary School is oversubscribed for Reception places, receiving 61 applications for 30 available spots in the most recent admissions round, a subscription ratio of approximately 2:1. All families who listed the school as their first preference and were offered a place received their first choice, indicating that the school's admission criteria effectively match demand to local families and those requiring the specialist deaf provision.

Admissions to Reception are managed by Islington Council. Parents whose children live in Islington must apply online through the local authority by mid-January for a September start. In-year admissions for Years 1 to 6 are also processed through Islington Council via an In Year School Admission e-form, with decisions typically made within 10 to 15 school days. Families living outside Islington may apply if their child requires the specialist deaf provision.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, followed by siblings of current pupils, and then distance from the school. Islington Council publishes three-year cut-off distance data for all schools in the borough, though specific recent figures for Laycock were not disclosed in available sources. The school's location in Barnsbury, near the boundary with Holloway and within walking distance of Highbury, places it within reach of families across central and northern Islington, as well as those travelling from further afield for the deaf provision.

Parents have the right to appeal the refusal of a place at any school listed on their application form. Appeals are handled through Islington Council's School Admissions Team, contactable on 020 7527 5515. The school office can be reached directly on 020 7226 2927 or via email at office@laycock.islington.sch.uk for admissions enquiries and visits. Open days for Reception places are available, and families are encouraged to contact the school to arrange a tour.

Competition for places reflects the school's Good Ofsted rating, its inclusive ethos, and the unique draw of the deaf provision. Families seeking a mainstream primary with specialist support for hearing impairment, or those living in the immediate Barnsbury catchment, should apply early and list the school among their top preferences to maximise their chances of securing a place.

Laycock Primary School offers a distinctive blend of mainstream community primary education and specialist provision for deaf pupils, creating an inclusive environment where all children are valued and supported. The school's Good Ofsted rating, recent curriculum refresh, and strong emphasis on representation and belonging make it a sound choice for local families in Barnsbury and an essential resource for deaf children across London.

Academic results are broadly in line with or slightly above national averages in core measures, with particular strength in science and reading. The school's focus on phonics and literacy is clear, though higher attainment rates remain an area for development, especially in writing. Parents seeking exceptional academic results may wish to consider schools with stronger performance data, but those prioritising pastoral care, SEND expertise, and inclusive values will find Laycock well suited to their needs.

The specialist deaf provision sets Laycock apart from most mainstream primaries. The auditory-oral approach, soundproofed classrooms, assistive technology, and embedded speech and language therapy provide an unparalleled level of support for hearing-impaired pupils within an integrated mainstream setting. Ofsted's recognition of expert support and full participation for SEND pupils underscores the quality and effectiveness of this provision.

Leadership is in transition, with interim arrangements for both Head of School and Executive Headteacher. While this may concern some families, the school's clear focus on its ethos, values, and curriculum development suggests continuity and direction. The strong senior team, including the Deputy Head and Lead of the Deaf Provision, provides stability and expertise in the school's specialist area.

For families in Islington seeking a primary school with a warm, inclusive community, robust SEND support, and a curriculum designed to represent and inspire all learners, Laycock Primary School is a strong option. For families with deaf children, it offers a rare combination of specialist expertise and full mainstream integration, making it one of the most significant provisions of its kind in England.

Is Laycock Primary School a good school?

Yes, Laycock Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted as of its June 2024 inspection, with Good ratings across all categories including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school achieves results broadly in line with or above national averages, with 64.7% of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the national average of 62%. It is particularly strong in its SEND provision, especially for deaf pupils, and offers a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum.

How do I apply to Laycock Primary School?

For Reception admissions, parents whose children live in Islington must apply online through Islington Council by mid-January for a September start. Visit the Islington Council website to complete the online application form. In-year admissions for Years 1 to 6 are processed via an In Year School Admission e-form through Islington Council, with decisions typically made within 10 to 15 school days. Families living outside Islington may apply if their child requires the specialist deaf provision. Contact the school on 020 7226 2927 or email office@laycock.islington.sch.uk for further information and to arrange a visit.

What makes Laycock Primary School unique?

Laycock Primary School operates one of the largest auditory-oral deaf provisions at primary level in England, a 68-place specialist resource base fully integrated into its mainstream classrooms. Deaf pupils from across London learn alongside hearing peers in soundproofed classrooms equipped with assistive listening technology and benefit from dedicated speech and language therapy. The school's inclusive ethos, emphasis on representation and belonging, and bespoke curriculum designed to provide cultural capital distinguish it as both a community school for Barnsbury families and a specialist hub for deaf education.

What are the admissions criteria for Laycock Primary School?

Laycock Primary School follows Islington Council's standard admissions criteria for community schools. Oversubscription is decided by prioritising looked-after children first, followed by siblings of current pupils, and then distance from the school. All families who listed the school as their first preference and were offered a place in the most recent round received their first choice, though the school is oversubscribed with approximately 2 applications for every 1 place. Families seeking the specialist deaf provision may apply from outside the borough.

Does Laycock Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Laycock Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged 3 and 4. The Early Years Foundation Stage settings are described as stimulating and well-resourced, with both part-time and full-time places available. Parents should contact the school directly on 020 7226 2927 or visit the school's admissions page for further details on nursery applications and availability.

What SEND support does Laycock Primary School provide?

Laycock Primary School offers excellent provision and support for all children with special educational needs and disabilities. Its flagship specialism is the auditory-oral deaf provision, serving up to 68 deaf pupils with soundproofed classrooms, assistive listening technology (radio aids), and embedded speech and language therapists providing one-to-one and group sessions. The school's SENCO works closely with families to ensure all SEND pupils make strong progress and are supported appropriately. Ofsted's June 2024 inspection highlighted expert support and full participation for SEND pupils, especially those who are deaf.