St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road Review 2026: A Historic Church School Balancing Community and Academic Progress

Founded in 1710 as a charity school for poor children, St Mary's CofE Primary School on Fowler Road brings over three centuries of educational heritage to the heart of Islington. This one-form-entry Church of England voluntary aided primary school serves 157 pupils aged 4 to 11 in a compact urban setting near Upper Street. Rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection in May 2023, St Mary's sits at 26th in Islington and ranks in the middle half of primary schools nationally. The school achieved 76% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in its latest KS2 results—well above the national average of 62%. With its strong Christian ethos, emphasis on outdoor learning, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school combines pastoral care with a focus on raising attainment, particularly for its diverse intake, where 48% are eligible for free school meals and 37% speak English as an additional language.

St Mary's CofE Primary School's story began in 1710, when it was established as a charity school for poor children in an era when only the wealthy could access education. The original school occupied a room above the west porch of St Mary's Church on Upper Street, teaching 24 boys and 20 girls who were given clothing, board and education. The school moved to its current Fowler Road site in 1966, with the foundation stone laid by the Lord Bishop of London on Ascension Day, May 19th. The building was officially opened by the Lord Archbishop of York on July 6th, 1967.

Today, the school's Christian values shape its mission to care for, nurture and educate every child. As a voluntary aided school within the Diocese of London, St Mary's maintains close ties with the parish church. The ethos centres on inclusion, respect and developing the whole child, with a particular emphasis on supporting pupils from diverse backgrounds. Headteacher Mr Anthony David leads the school, maintaining the tradition of serving families in one of London's most culturally varied boroughs.

The atmosphere is warm and community-focused, with strong links between home, school and church. Parents describe a welcoming environment where children feel safe and known. The small single-form entry structure—30 places per year group—ensures pupils are not lost in the crowd. The outdoor area is used well in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and the school places a big emphasis on outdoor learning throughout, alongside attention to STEM and the arts.

Academically, St Mary's CofE Primary School performs solidly above national averages, though outcomes vary by subject. In its latest KS2 results, 76% of pupils reached the expected standard in the combined reading, writing and maths measure—significantly ahead of the national average of 62%. The school ranks 7,409th nationally, placing it in the middle half of England's primary schools, and 26th in Islington.

Breaking down subject performance, reading is a notable strength. The average scaled score for reading was 106, and 76% of pupils met the expected standard while 36% achieved a high score—both well above typical levels. Maths performance was also solid, with 76% reaching the expected standard (though the high score rate of 20% was more modest), and an average scaled score of 104. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 72% reached the expected standard with 32% at a high score, and the average scaled score was 105. Writing showed 28% of pupils achieving greater depth.

The school's attainment figures are particularly commendable in light of its intake. With 48% of pupils eligible for free school meals and 37% whose first language is not English, St Mary's is adding considerable value. The proportion of pupils achieving the high standard across reading, writing and maths combined was 28%—more than three times the national average of 8%—suggesting the school is effectively stretching its most able learners while supporting those who face barriers.

Special educational needs and additional language learners receive tailored support. Class sizes are capped at 30 in reception through Year 2 by law, and the 16:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio allows for more individual attention than in many larger schools. The curriculum emphasises outdoor learning as well as science, technology, engineering, maths and the arts, aiming to engage pupils through varied experiences. A wide range of extracurricular activities and educational visits adds breadth to the school experience.

While the school's results are encouraging, science attainment was slightly below the national average, with 76% reaching the expected standard compared to the national figure of 82%. This is an area where the school may focus further attention.

St Mary's occupies a single-site building on Fowler Road, a short walk from Upper Street and close to cultural landmarks including the Almeida Theatre and Cross Street Gallery. The compact urban site is typical of inner-London primaries, but the school makes effective use of its outdoor areas for learning, particularly in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Extracurricular provision includes a range of activities that support the school's emphasis on sports, the arts, and outdoor learning. The school has a solid sporting record, ensuring that all children participate and excellence is recognised. Arts and creative subjects are woven into the curriculum, reflecting the school's belief in developing well-rounded pupils.

Facilities are modest but functional, suited to the school's small roll and urban location. The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm.

Admission to St Mary's CofE Primary School is highly competitive. The school received 54 applications for 12 reception places in the most recent cycle, representing a subscription rate of 4.5 to 1. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successfully placed, but the level of oversubscription means securing a place requires careful attention to the admissions criteria.

Applications must be made online through Islington Council. The school admits up to 30 pupils into reception each year, though recent data suggest fewer offers were made in some cycles. Families may apply for up to six schools, and the council advises applying to all six to maximise the chance of securing a place.

In the event of oversubscription, places are allocated according to the school's admissions policy, which gives priority to:

1. Looked after children and previously looked after children (adopted or subject to child arrangements or special guardianship orders).
2. Siblings of children already attending the school at the proposed admission date.

Further oversubscription criteria apply after these priority groups, and families are advised to consult the full admissions policy on the school's website or through Islington's School Admissions team at 222 Upper Street.

Distance from the school and adherence to the Church of England character may play a role in admissions decisions, though specific catchment distances vary year to year and are not published as a fixed figure. Given the school's small size, living locally and meeting priority criteria are important factors.

As a feeder school, St Mary's sends approximately 4% of its Year 6 leavers to St Mary Magdalene Academy, a local secondary school.

Families considering St Mary's should visit the school, engage with the church community if appropriate, and ensure their application clearly demonstrates alignment with the admissions criteria. Timing is crucial: applications must be submitted by the LA deadline, typically in mid-January for the following September.

St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road offers a genuine neighbourhood church school experience rooted in over 300 years of educational history. Its greatest strength is its value-added performance: taking a diverse, high-need intake and guiding 76% of pupils to expected standards in reading, writing and maths—and notably, more than tripling the national rate for the high standard—is evidence of effective teaching and strong pastoral care.

The school is a solid choice for families who value a small, inclusive Christian community and a nurturing environment where children are known individually. The 16:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio, emphasis on outdoor learning, and integration of arts and STEM create a broad, engaging curriculum. Results are encouraging, particularly in reading, and well ahead of national benchmarks.

However, this is not an outstanding school by Ofsted's historical measures, and competition for places is fierce. Families must be realistic about the 4.5:1 subscription rate and the importance of meeting priority criteria. Science outcomes lag slightly behind the national average, suggesting an area for development. The compact urban site may not appeal to those seeking extensive grounds or specialist facilities, though the school makes good use of what it has.

St Mary's suits families seeking a church school with a long heritage, strong community ties, and a track record of supporting children from varied backgrounds to achieve above-average results. It is less suited to those prioritising outstanding ratings, highly selective academic performance, or expansive facilities. For parents who value a small, caring environment where faith and learning are entwined, and where progress matters more than league tables, St Mary's CofE Primary School is a commendable local option in the heart of Islington.

Is St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road a good school?

St Mary's CofE Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted (May 2023) and performs above national averages in Key Stage 2 results. 76% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks 26th in Islington and in the middle half of England's primary schools. It adds significant value to a diverse intake, with 48% of pupils eligible for free school meals.

How do I apply to St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road?

Applications must be made online through Islington Council by the LA deadline, typically mid-January for September entry. The school admits 30 pupils into reception each year. Priority is given to looked after children, previously looked after children, and siblings. The school received 54 applications for 12 places recently, so competition is high. Visit the school website or contact Islington's School Admissions team at 222 Upper Street for the full admissions policy.

What are the school hours at St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road?

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm.

What is the catchment area for St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road?

The school does not publish a fixed catchment radius. As a Church of England voluntary aided school, admissions are managed by the governing body in partnership with Islington Council. Oversubscription criteria include priority for looked after children and siblings; distance from the school and links to the parish may influence decisions in subsequent criteria. Given the high subscription rate (4.5 to 1), proximity and meeting priority criteria are important.

What extracurricular activities are available at St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road?

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with a solid sporting record and strong emphasis on the arts. Outdoor learning is integrated into the curriculum, and educational visits add breadth to the school experience. Specific clubs vary by term; contact the school for current offerings.

How many pupils attend St Mary's CofE Primary School, Fowler Road?

The school has 157 pupils aged 4 to 11, with a one-form entry structure (30 places per year group). The pupil-to-teacher ratio is 16:1.