Marlborough Primary School, London Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Chelsea

On a quiet Chelsea street moments from the King's Road, a state primary school delivers results that eclipse many independent schools charging tens of thousands. 91% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2024, placing Marlborough among the highest-performing primaries in England. The school ranks 596th in England and 10th in Kensington and Chelsea, placing it well above England average (top 10%). The building houses 489 pupils across nursery and primary years, with notably strong provision for children with special educational needs integrated throughout.

The red-brick Victorian building on Draycott Avenue has served Chelsea families since 1888. Inside, high ceilings and large windows create bright classrooms, though space is at a premium in central London. The school makes ingenious use of every corner: a library occupies a former storeroom, a sensory space sits beneath a stairwell, and the rooftop playground provides essential outdoor space where ground is scarce.

Mrs Jo Harrington leads the school with clarity and warmth. Staff tenure is notable for London, with several teachers exceeding a decade. This stability matters. Children know routines; teachers understand families. The atmosphere is purposeful without pressure. Pupils move between lessons calmly. Behaviour is excellent across all year groups.

The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, awarded in the latest inspection, reflects quality across every aspect: teaching, behaviour, personal development, and leadership. Inspectors highlighted the ambitious curriculum and the skill with which staff meet diverse needs within mainstream classrooms.

Academic outcomes are exceptional. In 2024, 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 36% achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This is not a school teaching to the test; this is genuine mastery.

Reading scaled score of 109 and mathematics score of 108 both outperform England averages of 100. The grammar, punctuation, and spelling score of 112 is particularly strong. Every pupil met the expected standard in science.

The school's England ranking of 596th places it in the top 4% of all primaries nationally. Within Kensington and Chelsea, Marlborough ranks 10th, a strong position in a borough with selective pressure.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum with notable enrichment. French begins in Reception, taught by a specialist who brings the language alive through songs and stories. Science is hands-on: Year 5 dissect owl pellets; Year 6 construct electrical circuits. Mathematics teaching balances fluency, reasoning, and problem solving, with daily arithmetic sessions building computational confidence.

Teachers set high expectations and provide support to meet them. Class sizes average 30, the standard for London state primaries. Each class benefits from teaching assistant support for at least part of the day, increasing for classes with higher SEN numbers.

The phonics programme is systematic. In 2024, 90% of Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the phonics screening check, well above the England average. Children who need additional support receive targeted intervention without being removed from core lessons.

Pastoral care is strong and embedded. Each class has a class teacher who knows their pupils thoroughly. The SEN provision is notable: approximately 20% of pupils have identified special educational needs, a higher proportion than many schools manage within mainstream settings. The school holds Inclusive School Award recognition.

A full-time learning mentor supports children experiencing social or emotional difficulties. Referrals to external services happen swiftly when needed. The school works closely with families, particularly during difficult periods. Parents describe staff as approachable and responsive.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. A restorative approach to conflict helps children understand impact and rebuild relationships. Bullying is rare and tackled promptly when it occurs. Pupils report feeling safe and happy.

Despite limited space, the extracurricular programme is extensive. Clubs run four days weekly and include football, netball, chess, coding, choir, art, and drama. These are genuinely popular: the coding club has a waiting list. Older pupils access additional opportunities including debating and a school newspaper.

Music provision exceeds expectations for a state primary. Whole-class instrumental teaching begins in Year 3 (ukulele), progressing to strings in Year 4. Approximately 60 pupils receive individual instrumental tuition in piano, guitar, woodwind, or strings. The school orchestra rehearses weekly. Annual concerts showcase impressive ensemble work.

Sport operates within the constraints of an urban site. The rooftop playground accommodates small-sided games. Swimming takes place at a nearby leisure centre. The school competes in local football, netball, and athletics competitions, with creditable results.

Year 6 pupils attend a residential trip to the Isle of Wight, providing outdoor education opportunities many Chelsea children might not otherwise experience. Curriculum enrichment includes museum visits, theatre trips, and workshops with visiting artists and authors.

Admissions are coordinated by Kensington and Chelsea Council. The school received 150 applications for 60 Reception places in 2024, a subscription rate of 2.5. Competition is significant.

After looked-after children, those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, and siblings, places are allocated by straight-line distance from the school gate. Kensington and Chelsea does not publish the last distance offered, but strong local demand means families should live very close to secure a place. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee admission, and distances vary annually based on applicant distribution.

For nursery entry (30 part-time places), apply directly to the school. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, though nursery children living close enough usually secure offers.

The majority of Year 6 leavers progress to local non-selective secondaries, including Chelsea Academy and The London Oratory School (for Catholic families). A significant minority pursue selective entry to schools including Holland Park School (partial selection by aptitude), Godolphin and Latymer, and occasional grammar school places further afield.

Transition support is thorough. Year 6 teachers liaise closely with receiving schools to ensure SEN information and pastoral notes transfer seamlessly. Secondary staff visit to meet pupils. Children describe feeling prepared for the move.

The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am; after-school club runs until 6pm, providing wraparound care for working families. Both require booking and payment. Holiday clubs operate during main school holidays.

The school occupies a compact urban site. There is no on-site parking. Most families walk; some cycle. Sloane Square and South Kensington underground stations are both within 15 minutes' walk.

School uniform is royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan, grey trousers or skirt, white polo shirt. PE kit is simple: navy shorts and white t-shirt. The school operates a second-hand uniform service.

Tight catchment and high demand. With 2.5 applications per place, securing admission requires living very close to the school gates. Families should verify whether they fall within likely distance before assuming a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Limited outdoor space. The rooftop playground serves its purpose, but families seeking extensive playing fields or rural environments will not find them here. This is urban education, with the benefits and constraints that entails.

Selective secondary pressure. Strong results and an achieving peer group create a culture where many families pursue selective secondary entry. This brings pressure around 10-plus and 11-plus tests, which some children and families may find stressful. The school provides familiarisation but not intensive test preparation.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception. Nursery places are separate from Reception admissions. Families hoping nursery secures a school place may be disappointed if they live beyond the distance that typically succeeds for Reception.

Exceptional academic outcomes, strong inclusive ethos, and stable leadership make Marlborough a stand-out state primary in one of London's most expensive boroughs. The school delivers education rivalling many independent schools, at no cost beyond the house prices required to live close enough to secure a place. Teaching is skilled, expectations are high, and children with additional needs receive genuine support within mainstream classrooms.

Best suited to families within the tight catchment who value academic rigour, inclusive community, and the stability of a school that has served Chelsea for over a century. The central London location brings constraints on space and outdoor provision, but the educational quality more than compensates. The primary challenge is securing admission; for those who succeed, the education is first-class.