Barlby Primary School Review 2026: Community Hub with Specialist Autism Resource in North Kensington

Barlby Primary School stands at the heart of North Kensington as a two-form entry state primary serving children aged 3 to 11. The school has invested significantly in modern facilities, replacing its former single-storey buildings with a contemporary three-storey structure that now also houses The Orchard, the first dedicated autism resource provision in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Judged Good across all categories by Ofsted in October 2021, Barlby combines mainstream education with specialist support, welcoming 373 pupils from the culturally diverse local community. Led by headteacher Mr Anthony Mannix, the school operates as a community school on Treverton Street, prioritising inclusive practices while maintaining above-average outcomes in core subjects. With oversubscription at 2.29 times the available places, Barlby has become a popular choice for families seeking a nurturing environment with strong SEN provision.

Barlby Primary School positions itself as a community hub where every child is supported to succeed. The school serves socially and culturally diverse neighbourhoods, and this inclusive ethos permeates daily life. Mr Anthony Mannix, the headteacher, describes Barlby as "a very special community school" where children and adults aim for success together. Leaders have deliberately strengthened the school's role as a focal point of the area, particularly since the move to the new building. The October 2021 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils feel safe and know who to speak to if they have concerns or worries, including about bullying. Governors and staff provide valuable support not only for pupils but also for their families, recognising the wider challenges facing households in the area. The school's commitment to inclusion is most visible in The Orchard, an autism resource base that integrates specialist provision within the mainstream setting. This model ensures children with autism benefit from small group learning environments while accessing the full curriculum and social opportunities of a mainstream school.

Most recent results show that 70% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, placing Barlby above the national average of 62%. In individual subjects, 71% met expectations in reading, 69% in maths, and 73% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. However, the school's performance on higher attainment is more modest: 17% achieved the high standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 8%. Average scaled scores were 104 in reading, 103 in maths, and 105 in grammar, indicating solid attainment in the expected range. Barlby ranks 9,563rd nationally among primary schools, placing it in the 63rd percentile. Locally within Kensington and Chelsea, it ranks 24th. The Ofsted inspection in 2021 praised the school's focus on teaching reading well, noting that the maths curriculum is well ordered and established. History, geography, art and religious education benefit from well-sequenced learning. Inspectors identified areas for development in science, computing and music, where curriculum planning requires further attention. Specialist teachers provide strong support for pupils with SEND, ensuring access to the curriculum through tailored intervention. Behaviour in lessons is usually good, though inspectors noted occasional low-level disruption.

Barlby operates from a purpose-built three-storey building completed as part of a significant redevelopment. The Z-shaped design creates separate entrances, playgrounds and identities for Barlby Primary and the co-located Kensington Queensmill School, while enabling shared services. The building's footprint is smaller than the original structure, allowing more efficient use of the site. Architects selected a palette of pale brick and bronze aluminium window frames to create a calm, welcoming environment, with particular attention to sensory considerations for pupils with autism. Staff facilities are located on the top floor, providing space for training and rest. The school offers nursery provision for children from age 3, and wraparound care includes breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday clubs. Extracurricular activities are available, and the school choir performs at local events. Clubs typically restart in January following school breaks. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of 17:1, class sizes remain manageable. The early years provision was judged Good by Ofsted, reflecting strong foundations in the nursery and Reception year.

Barlby Primary School operates The Orchard, an Additional Resource Provision for pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism. The Orchard is designed for children who benefit from small class sizes in a bespoke learning environment, offering specialist support while maintaining access to the mainstream curriculum. Children in The Orchard follow individualised programmes tailored to address key developmental areas, particularly communication and social-emotional skills, through evidence-based intervention. Admissions to The Orchard are managed by caseworkers from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan naming Barlby are placed via the SEN process. The provision has a capacity of 14 pupils and is supported by autism specialists who work alongside mainstream staff. Emma Harpin serves as the school's SENCo, and parents can contact her for guidance and advice. The school employs specialist staff and wider professionals in-house to support varied needs through individualised provision, encouraging children to learn collaboratively with their peers.

Conditions supported

• Autism spectrum disorder (specialist provision via The Orchard)
• Communication and social-emotional difficulties
• Other learning needs supported through individualised programmes

Barlby Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. For primary entry, 94 applications competed for 41 places, creating a subscription ratio of 2.29. All families who ranked Barlby as their first preference and received an offer did so, indicating that the school prioritises first-choice applicants effectively. Admissions are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the school follows a community school admissions policy. Families should consult the local authority's admissions arrangements for details on criteria, which typically include proximity to the school and sibling links. The school does not publish the furthest distance offered in recent rounds, but the competitive nature of admissions suggests that catchment is tight. Given the planned expansion from 45 to 60 pupils per year group to meet rising demand from new housing developments in North Kensington, capacity is expected to increase to 450 pupils, including 30 in the nursery. Prospective parents are advised to confirm application deadlines and criteria directly with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as these can vary annually.

Barlby Primary School offers a solid mainstream education enriched by strong inclusive values and specialist SEN provision. Families seeking a community-focused school in North Kensington will find a welcoming environment with above-average academic outcomes and a clear commitment to supporting children with diverse needs. The new building provides modern facilities designed with sensory considerations in mind, and the integration of The Orchard autism resource base within the mainstream setting reflects the school's inclusive ethos. Academic performance is steady, with most pupils meeting national expectations in core subjects, though the proportion achieving higher standards remains closer to the national average. Ofsted's Good rating across all categories confirms the school's effectiveness in leadership, teaching, behaviour and personal development. Competition for places is intense, with more than two applicants per place, so families should apply early and consider their proximity to the school. For parents prioritising inclusive practices, wraparound care and a strong sense of community, Barlby represents a reliable choice in an area where demand for quality school places continues to grow.

Is Barlby Primary School a good school?

Yes, Barlby Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted across all categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Most recent results show 70% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%.

How do I apply to Barlby Primary School?

Applications are managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Parents should apply through the local authority's coordinated admissions process, typically using the online application system. The school is heavily oversubscribed, so families should confirm application deadlines and ensure they understand the admissions criteria, which usually include proximity and sibling links.

Does Barlby Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Barlby Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3. The early years provision was judged Good by Ofsted in the October 2021 inspection.

What is The Orchard at Barlby Primary School?

The Orchard is an Additional Resource Provision for pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism. It is the first autism resource base in Kensington and Chelsea and has a capacity of 14 pupils. Children in The Orchard receive specialist support in small class settings while accessing the mainstream curriculum. Admissions are coordinated by the local authority's SEN team.

What is the catchment area for Barlby Primary School?

Barlby does not publish a fixed catchment boundary. Admissions are coordinated by Kensington and Chelsea, and proximity to the school is typically a key factor. The school is oversubscribed, with 2.29 applications per place, so families should check the local authority's published admissions data for the furthest distance offered in recent years.

What are the school hours and wraparound care options?

Barlby Primary School offers breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday clubs to support working families. Parents should contact the school directly for current session times and fees.