Colville Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Performance in Notting Hill

Colville Primary School has delivered Outstanding performance in all areas according to its April 2024 Ofsted inspection, maintaining its position as one of Kensington and Chelsea's highest-achieving state primaries. Located in the heart of Notting Hill's Portobello Road area, this two-form entry school serves 467 pupils aged 0–11 in a stimulating, diverse community where the core values of Perseverance, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness shape everyday life. The school ranks in the top 8% nationally for primary performance, with 88% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, significantly ahead of the 62% national average. Reception admissions are highly competitive, with 244 applications for just 59 places—a subscription rate of more than 4:1. Nursery provision is available, and families benefit from wraparound care from 7:45am to 5:45pm. The school operates as part of the Colville and Marlborough Federation under the leadership of Executive Head Jagdeep Birdi and Head of School Laurie Grandy.

Colville Primary School is built around four core values that guide the school community: Perseverance, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness. These principles shape a culture where high expectations meet genuine care, and where pupils are encouraged to succeed academically while developing as well-rounded individuals. The school describes itself as a stimulating, diverse, and friendly place dedicated to the success of its children, and recent Ofsted inspectors confirmed that inclusion sits at the heart of the school's work in the local community.

Pupils enjoy coming to school and are keen to make the most of the wide range of opportunities provided. Staff have very high expectations of what all pupils can achieve, and the school's curriculum is ambitious and broad in scope. The overwhelming majority of parents are highly positive in their views about the school, with 94% agreeing their child is happy, 97% feeling their child is safe, and 96% reporting good behaviour across the school.

The school operates within the Colville and Marlborough Federation, providing leadership continuity and shared expertise across two Notting Hill primaries. This arrangement allows for economies of scale while maintaining each school's distinctive identity. The environment is structured to foster intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and moral development, with an organized, safe setting designed to support the whole child.

Colville Primary School delivers excellent academic outcomes that place it among the highest-performing state primaries in England. In the most recent Key Stage 2 results, 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, well above the 62% national average. Performance in individual subjects is particularly strong: 91% met the expected standard in reading (average scaled score 109), 85% in maths (average scaled score 108), and 89% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (average scaled score 109). The school's focus on science is reflected in an exceptional 98% of pupils reaching the expected standard.

High attainment is a defining feature at Colville. Some 43% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and maths combined—more than five times the 8% national average. In reading alone, 44% reached the high score, mirrored by 42% in maths and 51% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These results rank Colville 1,194th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England, placing it in the top 8% nationally and 13th within Kensington and Chelsea.

The curriculum is subject-based rather than topic-based, with some cross-curricular linking to deepen understanding. Art and music are taught as discrete subjects to all pupils, while design and technology, drama, and dance are integrated into other areas of learning. French is introduced as part of the modern foreign languages programme, and PSHE forms a core component of personal development. Lessons are structured to build knowledge progressively, ensuring that all children—including those with special educational needs—consolidate their understanding before moving forward.

Staff set high expectations for all pupils, and excellent support ensures that pupils with SEND make strong progress. The school has a very low pupil-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, enabling teachers to give attention to individual pupils' concerns and adapt teaching to meet varied needs. Classes are organized by colour names from Reception through Year 6, and the school operates a two-class-per-year structure with an average class size of 29 pupils.

Pupils benefit from Google Classroom integration and remote learning provision, ensuring continuity of education in any circumstance. Before and after-school care supports working families, and the school offers a comprehensive school meals service.

Colville Primary School offers an exceptional range of clubs and extracurricular activities, with each pupil able to access over five different academic activities or hobby clubs throughout the year. The extracurricular programme includes sports, music, choir, and a variety of creative and performing arts clubs. Pupils in older year groups enjoy residential visits, while younger children benefit from trips to farms and nature reserves that enrich the curriculum and bring learning to life.

Physical education, music, art, and design and technology are core components of student life at Colville. The school's commitment to a broad, balanced curriculum means that these subjects receive dedicated time and specialist attention, ensuring that all pupils develop skills and interests beyond the core academic areas.

The school's site on Lonsdale Road provides an organized, safe environment for learning. Wraparound care is available from 7:45am to 5:45pm, supporting families who require extended provision. The nursery, known as Red Class, offers early years places, and day care provision is also available. Parents can access school information and updates through a free iPhone and Android app, reflecting the school's commitment to effective communication.

Awards and recognitions displayed at the school include PSQM certification and the school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, signalling excellence in both science teaching and overall provision.

Colville Primary School is one of the most competitive primaries in Kensington and Chelsea. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 244 applications for 59 Reception places—a subscription rate of 4.14:1, meaning it was more than four times oversubscribed. This level of demand reflects the school's Outstanding reputation, strong academic results, and central Notting Hill location.

The school is a community primary, and admissions are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Families apply through the Pan-London Admission System, which allows parents to list up to six schools in order of preference on a single form. Schools assess each application against their published admission criteria without knowledge of the preference order. Colville follows the local authority's standard admissions criteria, which typically prioritize looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social need, siblings, and then children living nearest to the school measured by straight-line distance.

While a formal catchment area is not defined, proximity plays a crucial role in securing a place. The published admissions data indicate that living very close to the school is essential for a realistic chance of admission. Parents can request a visual map of priority areas from the local authority by emailing school.admissions@rbkc.gov.uk, and waiting list positions are made available from mid-May each year.

Twelve state schools in Kensington and Chelsea follow the local authority's admissions criteria, while 25 set their own arrangements. Colville is among those that adhere to the local authority framework. Offers are made on National Offer Day, typically in mid-April for Reception places. Applications open in the autumn preceding the intended start date, and the deadline is usually mid-January.

Given the high level of competition, families are advised to consider their full range of six preferences carefully, ensuring that at least one school on their list is one they are likely to be offered based on published distance data. Visiting the school, attending open events, and understanding the admissions criteria thoroughly are all important steps in the application process.

Colville Primary School stands out as an exceptional state primary in one of London's most desirable neighbourhoods. Its Outstanding Ofsted rating in all areas, achieved in April 2024, reflects a school that delivers excellent outcomes across the board—from academic attainment to behaviour, personal development, and leadership. The results speak for themselves: 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, with an extraordinary 43% achieving the higher standard—figures that place Colville firmly in the top tier of primary schools nationally.

The school's curriculum is ambitious, broad, and thoughtfully structured, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively across subjects. Staff expectations are high, support for pupils with SEND is strong, and the very low pupil-to-teacher ratio of 14:1 allows for individual attention and responsive teaching. Beyond the classroom, the extracurricular offer is rich and varied, and the school's commitment to inclusion and the development of the whole child is evident in its ethos and practice.

Admissions are highly competitive, and proximity to the school is critical. Families who live very close to Lonsdale Road and who value outstanding academic outcomes, a diverse and inclusive community, and a caring, values-driven environment will find Colville Primary School an excellent choice. For those who can secure a place, it offers one of the strongest state primary educations available in Kensington and Chelsea.

Is Colville Primary School a good school?

Yes, Colville Primary School is an Outstanding school according to its April 2024 Ofsted inspection. It ranks in the top 8% of primary schools in England, with 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, and 43% achieving the higher standard. The school is highly regarded for its inclusive ethos, excellent teaching, and strong support for pupils with special educational needs.

How do I apply to Colville Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are made through the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea using the Pan-London Admission System. The eAdmissions website is the recommended application route, and the process typically opens in the autumn before the intended start date, with a mid-January deadline. Parents can list up to six schools in order of preference, and offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Contact the Admissions Team at school.admissions@rbkc.gov.uk or visit the school website for full details.

What are the admission criteria for Colville Primary School?

Colville Primary School follows the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's standard admissions criteria. Priority is typically given to looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and then children living nearest to the school measured by straight-line distance. The school received 244 applications for 59 places in the most recent admissions round, so proximity is essential for a realistic chance of securing a place.

Does Colville Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Colville Primary School offers nursery provision known as Red Class, serving children from age 0. Day care is also available. Separate admissions pathways apply for nursery and school places, and families should contact the school directly for information about nursery availability and application procedures.

What is the catchment area for Colville Primary School?

Colville Primary School does not have a fixed catchment area, but proximity is critical due to high demand. In the most recent admissions round, the school was more than four times oversubscribed. Parents can request a visual map of priority areas from the local authority by emailing school.admissions@rbkc.gov.uk. Living very close to the school on Lonsdale Road is typically necessary to secure a Reception place.

What extracurricular activities does Colville Primary School offer?

Colville Primary School offers an exceptional range of extracurricular activities, with each pupil able to access over five different clubs throughout the year. The programme includes sports, music, choir, and various creative and performing arts clubs. Older pupils enjoy residential visits, and all children benefit from trips to farms and nature reserves that support the curriculum.