Fox Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in the Heart of Kensington

On a quiet Kensington street where white stucco terraces meet leafy squares, Fox Primary serves one of London's most competitive school markets. The 2024 results tell a striking story: 94% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined, placing Fox 25th among all primaries in England. That makes it the second-highest performing state primary in Kensington and Chelsea, a borough where educational aspiration runs unusually high.

The school occupies a Victorian building extended thoughtfully over decades. Two-form entry means 60 children per year group across seven year groups, large enough for social breadth but contained enough that teachers know every family. This is a genuinely community primary operating at an elite academic level.

The school gates open onto Kensington Place, a tree-lined street moments from Holland Park. At morning drop-off, the mix of families reflects the area: professionals walking from nearby mansion blocks, parents arriving by bicycle, the occasional chauffeur-driven arrival. Children greet staff by name and move inside with easy confidence.

The Victorian main building retains period features, high ceilings and large windows, extended with modern classrooms that wrap around a central playground. Space is at a premium, as it is across inner London, but the school uses what it has intelligently. The library occupies a bright corner room; corridor displays showcase pupil work to a high standard.

Ms Emma Madden has led Fox since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Westminster. Under her leadership, the school secured Outstanding from Ofsted in 2022 and has maintained exceptional academic outcomes. Staff turnover is notably low for London. Several teachers have been here over a decade, providing continuity that matters in primary education.

The school's values are Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. These are not merely aspirational. The behaviour policy references them explicitly, pupils use the language naturally, and assemblies return to these themes weekly. The culture is warm but purposeful. Expectations are high and children meet them.

Fox Primary ranks 25th in England for KS2 outcomes, placing it among the highest-performing primaries in the country. Within Kensington and Chelsea, Fox ranks 2nd among all primary schools, a remarkable achievement in a borough known for educational excellence.

In 2024, 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 66% achieved greater depth across all three subjects, against the England average of just 8%. This is not marginal outperformance. These are results more commonly associated with selective or fee-paying schools.

Reading is a particular strength. The average scaled score was 111, well above the England average of 104, with 95% meeting expected standards and 67% achieving the higher standard. Mathematics shows similar excellence: average scaled score of 112 against the England benchmark of 105, with 93% meeting expected standards and 69% reaching the higher level.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling results are exceptional. The average scaled score of 116 is among the highest in London, with 98% meeting expected standards and 95% achieving the higher score. In science, 97% of pupils met expected standards, compared to the England figure of 82%.

These outcomes reflect consistent strength across the curriculum rather than narrow teaching to the test. The school achieves breadth alongside depth.

The curriculum follows the national framework but with notable enrichment. Specialist teachers deliver French from Year 3, music throughout, and physical education across all year groups. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 5, allowing targeted support and extension.

Class sizes average 30, the legal maximum for infant classes. Teaching assistants support in every classroom, with additional intervention for pupils needing extra help. The school employs a full-time inclusion coordinator who oversees provision for the 42 pupils on the SEN register, approximately 10% of the roll.

Teaching is characterised by clear explanation, high expectations and skilled questioning. Lessons move at pace. Teachers circulate constantly, checking understanding and addressing misconceptions before they embed. Marking is detailed and pupils respond to feedback as a matter of routine.

The reading culture is strong. Guided reading happens daily in Key Stage 1, with systematic phonics teaching using Read Write Inc. By Year 6, pupils discuss texts with sophistication, making inferences and analysing language choices. The school library, though modest in size, is well-curated and heavily used.

Writing standards are high across subjects. Year 6 pupils write confidently in different genres, with secure punctuation and varied vocabulary. Extended writing in history and science shows pupils applying literacy skills across the curriculum.

Mathematics teaching emphasises deep understanding rather than procedural fluency alone. Pupils explain their reasoning, solve multi-step problems and work collaboratively. Concrete resources support learning in lower years before pupils move to abstract representation. By upper Key Stage 2, pupils tackle complex problems requiring application of multiple concepts.

The creative curriculum includes regular art, music and drama. Every year group performs annually. Visiting artists and musicians work with classes each term. This is not a school narrowed to core subjects at the expense of breadth.

Pastoral care operates through clear structures. Each class teacher knows their pupils well, supported by teaching assistants who often work with the same year group for multiple years. The school employs a part-time counsellor who works with individuals and small groups.

Behaviour management is consistent across the school. Expectations are clear, routines are established early, and boundaries are maintained calmly. The atmosphere is orderly without feeling oppressive. Pupils describe feeling safe and knowing staff will listen.

Inclusion provision is strong. The SENCO coordinates support for pupils with identified needs, working with external agencies where required. Speech and language therapy is available on site. Pupils with EHCPs receive tailored support, and the school has experience accommodating a range of additional needs within the mainstream setting.

Lunchtime and playtime are well-supervised. Older pupils take on responsibilities as playground buddies, supporting younger children. The playground itself is compact, as space dictates, but the school uses nearby Holland Park for additional outdoor learning and physical education.

The school maintains close contact with families. Parents describe communication as excellent, with teachers available at drop-off and collection, and responding promptly to emails. Parents evenings happen twice yearly, with additional meetings arranged when needed.

The extracurricular programme runs Monday to Thursday after school, with clubs changing each half term. Current offerings include football, netball, chess, coding, drama, choir, art, Spanish and science club. All clubs are free, an increasingly unusual feature in London primaries where external providers often charge.

Music thrives. Every Year 4 pupil learns recorder as part of the curriculum. Pupils showing interest can progress to other instruments through the borough music service. The school choir performs at local events and in the annual summer concert. Small instrumental ensembles rehearse at lunchtimes.

Sporting opportunities include inter-school fixtures in football, netball and athletics. The school fields teams in local tournaments, with notable success in cross-country. All pupils participate in Sports Day at nearby sports facilities, as the school site cannot accommodate track events.

Enrichment extends beyond clubs. Every year group makes several educational visits annually. Recent trips have included the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and theatre visits in the West End. Year 6 undertakes a residential trip to the Isle of Wight, providing outdoor education and building independence before secondary transfer.

Visiting speakers and workshops supplement the curriculum. Authors visit to discuss their work, scientists run hands-on sessions, and local historians lead walks exploring the area's heritage. This is a school embedded in its location, using London's resources intelligently.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Soft start from 8:40am allows pupils to settle before registration. Breakfast club operates from 8:00am, providing a hot breakfast and supervised activities before school. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, with collection flexibility for working parents. Both wraparound services are provided directly by the school rather than external operators, maintaining continuity of care and consistent behaviour expectations.

The school is located on Kensington Place, a residential street with no parking. The nearest underground stations are High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines, 7 minutes walk) and Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District lines, 10 minutes walk). Several bus routes stop nearby on Kensington High Street. Most families walk or cycle, reflecting the local catchment.

School uniform is required: grey trousers or skirt, white polo shirt, navy jumper with school logo, black shoes. PE kit comprises navy shorts, white t-shirt and trainers. Uniform can be purchased from the school office or through the online supplier. Costs are moderate by London standards.

The school operates an in-house kitchen providing hot lunches daily. Menus follow nutritional guidelines and accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, halal and allergy needs. Pupils eat in the hall in two sittings. Packed lunches from home are permitted.

Attendance expectations are high and monitored closely. The school follows the borough policy on term-time absence, with fines issued for unauthorised holiday. Medical appointments should be scheduled outside school hours where possible.

The transition to secondary education is managed carefully. The majority of Fox pupils progress to Holland Park School, the local non-selective comprehensive serving this area of Kensington. Holland Park has transformed in recent years and now attracts families who might previously have considered independent alternatives.

A significant minority pursue selective options. The London Oratory School, a Catholic boys school in Fulham with highly academic intake, takes several Fox pupils annually. Greycoat Hospital, a Church of England girls school in Westminster with partially selective intake, is another common destination.

Some families opt for independent secondary schools. Common destinations include Latymer Upper, St Paul's Girls School, Godolphin and Latymer, and Westminster. The school does not formally prepare pupils for independent school entrance exams, but the strength of the curriculum means Fox pupils are well-placed to succeed.

The Year 6 programme includes explicit transition preparation. Secondary school staff visit to meet pupils. Transition days allow children to experience their new schools. Fox staff liaise with receiving schools to ensure smooth handover of information about learning needs and pastoral concerns.

Admissions are coordinated by Kensington and Chelsea Council. Applications for Reception entry must be made by 15 January for September entry the following year. The school is consistently and heavily oversubscribed.

In 2024, the school received 336 applications for 58 Reception places, representing competition of nearly six applications per place. The subscription proportion of 5.79 indicates fierce demand. After looked-after children, previously looked-after children, and those with EHCPs naming the school, places are allocated strictly by distance from the school gates.

The admissions criterion is unforgiving. Kensington and Chelsea uses straight-line distance measured to the nearest 0.1 metre. The last distance offered fluctuates annually based on the distribution of applicants, but typically sits well under half a mile. Families living beyond this radius have minimal realistic prospect of securing a place through distance criteria alone.

The school operates a small Nursery, but attendance does not confer priority for Reception entry. Nursery places are allocated using the same distance criterion as Reception. Families hoping to use the Nursery as a pathway to Reception should understand this does not guarantee progression.

Sibling priority applies, giving substantial advantage to families already established at the school. Approximately 40% of places typically go to siblings, leaving around 35 places for other applicants in a typical year.

For families considering a move to access Fox Primary, detailed research is essential. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check precise distance from the school gates compared to previous years' last distances offered. Estate agents in the area are keenly aware of school catchments and prices reflect proximity to high-performing primaries. Property within the likely catchment commands a significant premium.

Hyper-local catchment. The reality is stark: unless you live within a few hundred metres, your chances are minimal. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current patterns before assuming their location will qualify. Moving house to access this school is a decision with substantial financial implications given Kensington property prices.

Intense competition. With nearly six applications per place, this is one of London's most sought-after primaries. The level of local demand means even families very close to the school may not secure places in years with unusual applicant clustering. Having a backup plan is not optional.

No nursery advantage. The on-site nursery does not provide priority for Reception entry. Some families assume nursery attendance guarantees progression, leading to difficult conversations when Reception offers do not materialise. The nursery uses the same distance criterion as the main school.

High expectations culture. While the school is inclusive and supportive, academic expectations are extremely high. Homework is set regularly and pupils are expected to complete it. The pace of learning is brisk. Children who find academic work challenging may feel pressure, though the school provides intervention support where needed.

Space constraints. This is an inner London primary operating within the physical constraints of a Victorian building and limited site. The playground is compact, outdoor space is restricted, and facilities cannot match those of schools with more generous sites. For families prioritising extensive grounds and sports facilities, this may feel limiting.

Secondary transition decisions. The strength of Fox's results means families face complex decisions at 11-plus. Pursue grammar schools requiring entrance tests? Consider selective church schools with faith criteria? Opt for independent schools with entrance exams? Accept the local comprehensive? Each pathway requires early preparation and strategic thinking. The school supports all routes but does not prepare specifically for any particular entrance process.

Fox Primary delivers elite academic outcomes within the state sector, ranking in the top 0% of primaries in England while serving a genuinely comprehensive intake from its local catchment. The results speak to excellent teaching, high expectations and a culture where learning is valued and celebrated. For families who secure a place, this represents exceptional value: no fees, no selection, and academic performance matching or exceeding many independent alternatives.

The school combines rigorous academics with warmth, breadth and genuine inclusion. This is not an exam factory driving results through pressure. Pupils here are confident, articulate and visibly happy. The creative curriculum, strong pastoral care and rich extracurricular programme demonstrate a commitment to educating the whole child.

Best suited to families living within the tight catchment who value academic excellence within a community primary setting. The main challenge is securing a place. For those fortunate enough to do so, Fox provides a genuinely outstanding start to education. The school serves its community exceptionally well, preparing pupils thoroughly for secondary education while maintaining the warmth and character that define excellent primary practice.