Moreland Primary School Review 2026: Community Learning in the Heart of Clerkenwell

Moreland Primary School stands out as one of the few schools nationally to hold both the Rights Respecting School Silver Award and the NACE Award, recognising its commitment to children's rights and challenge for all learners. This mixed community primary school in Clerkenwell serves children aged 0 to 11, including a children's centre for 0-3 year-olds and nursery provision from six months. Rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection, Moreland operates from a modern, purpose-built facility with spacious grounds at Moreland Street, London EC1V 8BB. The school is part of a formal federation with St Luke's CE Primary, sharing strategic leadership and governance. With a capacity of 442 pupils, the school currently educates 472 children and offers wraparound care through a free breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school playcentre until 6:00pm.

Recent results show 66% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. The school ranks in the 75th percentile nationally and 38th locally in Islington for primary performance. Moreland describes itself as "a community school in every sense of the word," reflecting its location at the heart of London and its commitment to serving a diverse, multicultural population where 81% of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 49% are eligible for free school meals.

Moreland Primary School positions itself as an inclusive community hub where diversity is celebrated and children's rights are foundational. The school has achieved Rights Respecting School Silver Award status, embedding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child throughout its culture. This commitment shapes daily life, with pupils encouraged to understand their rights and responsibilities within a caring, respectful environment.

The school's ethos centres on "learning for life" and building strong partnerships. According to Ofsted, "pupils look forward to coming to school every day because they enjoy learning," a reflection of the positive atmosphere cultivated by staff. Executive Headteacher Mrs Catherine Lawrence, who has led the school since September 2021, continues the ambitious leadership tradition established under previous heads, maintaining high expectations while ensuring support for every child.

As a federated school with St Luke's CE Primary, Moreland benefits from shared governance and strategic direction while retaining its distinctive secular, community character. The school's location in Clerkenwell positions it to draw on the rich cultural and educational resources of central London, with strong links to local organisations and businesses. Parents and staff describe a welcoming environment where families feel genuinely part of the school community, supported by the onsite children's centre that provides care from the very earliest months through to Year 6.

The modern building, completed as part of a significant rebuild, houses 14 spacious classrooms, a large sports hall, dance studio, library, IT suite, and distinctive features including a family kitchen and "sky garden." These facilities support an enriching curriculum designed to be accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.

Moreland's academic performance places the school slightly above the national average in reading, writing and maths combined, with 66% of pupils reaching the expected standard compared to 62% nationally. At the higher standard, 13% of Moreland pupils achieve greater depth across all three subjects, exceeding the national average of 8%. The school ranks 11,380th nationally out of approximately 15,000 primary schools and 38th out of 47 schools in Islington.

Subject-by-subject, reading is a particular strength: 71% of pupils reach the expected standard with an average scaled score of 104, while 19% achieve the higher standard. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, performance is notably strong, with 71% at expected and 29% at the higher standard, again with an average scaled score of 104. Mathematics shows 60% at expected standard and 10% at higher, with an average scaled score of 101. Writing sees 10% of pupils working at greater depth. In science, 81% reach the expected standard, in line with the national figure of 82%.

The school's overall combined score across reading, grammar and maths is 309, reflecting solid attainment. Performance in achieving high scores across reading, maths and grammar stands at 19.3%, more than double the national average for top attainment in these areas.

Teachers deliver a broad and balanced curriculum enriched by well-organised visits, extra-curricular clubs and activities. The physical education and sport premium funding is deployed effectively, resulting in a strong range of sporting opportunities including martial arts, dance, football, netball, rugby and basketball. Children in Key Stage 2 complete the National Cycling Proficiency scheme, and pupils in Years 5 and 6 participate in residential trips offering adventurous activities. Partnerships with local resources, including access to City of London facilities and Islington's adventure playgrounds through the 11 by 11 programme, extend learning beyond the classroom.

Special educational needs provision is robust, with 17% of pupils receiving SEN support. Tailored educational plans ensure these students access the curriculum effectively, and Ofsted noted that "helpful provision for pupils who have special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged means they make good progress and catch up with their peers." The school is committed to the Islington SEND Parents Charter, and a detailed SEND Information Report is available on the school website.

For pupils facing disadvantage—nearly half the school community qualifies for free school meals—targeted support ensures they make good progress. Leadership is ambitious for all pupils to succeed, with teachers helping each child achieve their very best. Morale among staff is high, and the enthusiasm of the workforce contributes to a strong learning culture.

Moreland's state-of-the-art building provides a stimulating and well-resourced environment for learning. Fourteen spacious classrooms are complemented by specialist spaces including a large sports hall, dance studio, library and IT suite. The family kitchen supports practical learning in food and nutrition, while the distinctive "sky garden" offers an outdoor learning area that brings nature into the urban setting.

Outside, the main recreation space has been significantly improved and now provides a good range of activities for children. The 56-place nursery and children's centre facilities are integrated within the school, creating a seamless educational journey from infancy through to Year 6. The school now accommodates 420 mainstream pupils alongside the nursery, with recreation, training and support facilities designed to meet the needs of local residents.

Extracurricular life is varied and accessible. Clubs include football, netball, rugby, basketball, dance and kung fu, allowing children to explore physical activity and teamwork. Sporting achievement is celebrated in whole-school assemblies, and the school encourages all children to take an active role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pupils' talents are showcased through art displays and music performances, enhancing engagement and building confidence.

Wraparound care is a significant strength. The free breakfast club starting at 8:00am ensures children can arrive ready to learn, with a nutritious start to the day. The after-school playcentre runs from 3:30pm to 6:00pm, costing £7.50 per day (or £2.50 for families receiving benefits), supporting working parents and providing a safe, enriching environment beyond school hours.

The school leverages its central London location to offer enriching visits and partnerships. Cultural institutions, parks and educational organisations within the City of London are regular destinations, broadening children's horizons and connecting classroom learning to real-world contexts.

Moreland Primary School provides robust support for pupils with special educational needs, with 17% of the school population receiving SEN support. The school is committed to the Islington SEND Parents Charter and publishes a detailed SEND Information Report outlining its approach, staffing and provision.

Tailored educational plans are developed for each child with SEN, ensuring they can access the curriculum effectively and make good progress. Ofsted inspectors highlighted that "helpful provision for pupils who have special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged means they make good progress and catch up with their peers." The school's inclusive ethos, reinforced by its Rights Respecting School status, ensures that children with additional needs are supported within a culture of respect and high expectations.

Conditions supported

The school supports a range of learning differences and additional needs, including specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and other conditions that affect literacy and numeracy development. Social and emotional support is available for children experiencing anxiety or requiring help with communication and interaction. The school works closely with external specialists and the local authority to ensure appropriate provision for pupils with more complex needs.

Parents seeking detailed information about SEN support are encouraged to consult the school's SEND Information Report, available on the school website, or contact the SENCo directly.

Moreland Primary School is a community school maintained by Islington Council, which sets the admissions criteria. Applications for Reception places are managed through the local authority's coordinated admissions process. Parents apply via the Islington Council admissions portal, typically in the autumn term for the following September entry. Contact details: School Admissions, Upper Street, London, N1 1XR; phone 020 7527 5515; website www.islington.gov.uk/admissions.

The school is oversubscribed, with 106 applications for 57 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle, representing a subscription rate of 1.86. All first preference applicants who were offered a place received their first choice, indicating that the school successfully accommodated families who prioritised it. However, the oversubscription ratio shows that competition for places is significant, and not all applicants secured an offer.

For the September 2025 intake, the last pupil admitted under the distance criterion was listed as "does not apply," suggesting that distance was not the limiting factor for admissions that year. This may reflect the application of faith, sibling or other priority criteria, or it may indicate that all applicants within the relevant categories were offered places regardless of distance. Parents are advised to consult Islington Council's annual cut-off distance information for the most accurate picture of how places are allocated year-on-year.

Moreland's catchment is effectively the surrounding Clerkenwell area, but as a community school serving a diverse urban population, children travel from a variety of neighbourhoods across Islington and beyond. The school's central location and excellent transport links make it accessible to families across the borough. However, proximity and sibling connections typically remain the most significant factors in securing a place.

Parents considering Moreland should apply as early as possible, ensure they understand Islington's admissions criteria, and consider naming the school as their first preference to maximise their chances. Given the oversubscription, it is wise to include backup choices on the application form. The school's wraparound care, from early breakfast club through to after-school provision, is particularly valuable for working families navigating the logistics of the London school run.

Moreland Primary School is a solid, Good-rated community primary that delivers above-average results while serving a highly diverse and socially disadvantaged population. Its central Clerkenwell location, modern facilities and strong wraparound care make it a practical and nurturing choice for local families, particularly those seeking a secular, inclusive environment with a clear commitment to children's rights and community partnership.

Academically, the school performs credibly, with reading and grammar strengths particularly evident and combined results exceeding the national average. While maths outcomes are slightly more modest, the overall picture is one of steady attainment and good progress, especially for pupils with additional needs or facing disadvantage. The school's enrichment offer—residential trips, sporting clubs, arts activities and partnerships with central London cultural institutions—adds depth to the curriculum and broadens children's experiences.

Leadership under Executive Headteacher Mrs Catherine Lawrence is ambitious and forward-looking, maintaining the positive culture and high staff morale noted by Ofsted. The federation with St Luke's CE Primary provides strategic strength and shared governance, while Moreland retains its distinctive community character. The Rights Respecting School Silver Award and NACE Award are meaningful markers of the school's values and commitment to challenge for all learners.

The school's wraparound care is a standout feature: the free breakfast club and affordable after-school provision until 6:00pm address the real needs of working families, while the onsite children's centre creates a seamless pathway from infancy through to Year 6. For families with very young children, this continuity is a significant advantage.

Competition for places is real, with nearly two applicants for every Reception place, but the admissions process is transparent and managed by Islington Council. Families living nearby or with siblings already at the school are best positioned, but all applicants are encouraged to name Moreland as a first preference to maximise their chances.

Moreland is not a high-flying academic powerhouse, nor does it claim to be. It is, however, a warm, inclusive and well-resourced school that takes seriously its mission to serve a diverse community and ensure every child—regardless of background or need—can learn, thrive and enjoy their education. For families seeking a caring, rights-respecting primary with solid results, strong pastoral support and excellent wraparound care in the heart of London, Moreland is well worth serious consideration.

Is Moreland Primary School a good school?

Yes, Moreland Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted, most recently inspected in July 2025. The school delivers above-average results in reading, writing and maths combined (66% at expected standard vs 62% nationally), with particular strengths in reading and grammar. Ofsted noted that "pupils look forward to coming to school every day because they enjoy learning," and the school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It holds the Rights Respecting School Silver Award and NACE Award, reflecting its commitment to children's rights and challenge for all learners.

How do I apply to Moreland Primary School?

Applications for Reception places at Moreland Primary School are made through Islington Council's coordinated admissions process. You should apply online via the Islington Council admissions portal, typically in the autumn term for the following September entry. Contact School Admissions at Upper Street, London, N1 1XR; phone 020 7527 5515; or visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions. The school is oversubscribed (1.86 applicants per place in recent years), so it is important to apply on time and consider naming Moreland as your first preference. Ensure you understand Islington's admissions criteria, including priority for siblings and distance.

What are the school hours and wraparound care options?

Moreland Primary School offers a free breakfast club starting at 8:00am, ensuring children have a nutritious start to the day. The main school day follows standard primary hours. After-school provision is available through the playcentre, which runs from 3:30pm to 6:00pm. The cost is £7.50 per day, or £2.50 per day for parents receiving benefits. This wraparound care is a significant strength of the school, supporting working families and providing a safe, enriching environment beyond school hours.

What extracurricular activities and clubs does Moreland offer?

Moreland provides a varied extracurricular programme including football, netball, rugby, basketball, dance and kung fu. Sporting achievement is celebrated in whole-school assemblies, and the school encourages all children to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pupils in Key Stage 2 complete the National Cycling Proficiency scheme, and children in Years 5 and 6 participate in residential trips featuring adventurous activities. The school benefits from Islington's 11 by 11 programme, offering access to local adventure playgrounds. Arts provision includes music performances and art displays, showcasing pupils' talents and enhancing engagement.

Does Moreland Primary School support children with special educational needs?

Yes, Moreland provides robust SEN support for 17% of its pupils. Tailored educational plans ensure children with additional needs can access the curriculum effectively. Ofsted noted that "helpful provision for pupils who have special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged means they make good progress and catch up with their peers." The school is committed to the Islington SEND Parents Charter and publishes a detailed SEND Information Report on its website. Conditions supported include specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, as well as social, emotional and communication needs. Parents are encouraged to contact the SENCo for more information.

What is the catchment area and how competitive is admissions?

Moreland Primary School is oversubscribed, with 106 applications for 57 Reception places (a ratio of 1.86) in the most recent cycle. The school serves the surrounding Clerkenwell area, but as a community school in central London, children travel from across Islington and beyond. For September 2025, the last pupil admitted under the distance criterion was listed as "does not apply," suggesting other criteria (such as siblings or special circumstances) were more significant than distance that year. Islington Council publishes annual cut-off distance information, and parents should consult this for the most accurate picture. Proximity and sibling connections typically remain the most important factors in securing a place.