Alexandra Primary School, Kingston upon Thames Review 2026: Where Excellence and Exploration Drive Achievement

The school bells ring at 8:50am sharp, and within minutes, Kingston Vale's community gathers around Alexandra Primary — a place where curiosity is expected and knowledge is celebrated. This mixed state primary serves 460 pupils across nursery through Year 6, blending a tradition of educational aspiration with modern, thoughtfully designed facilities. In July 2023, Ofsted inspectors awarded the school Outstanding across every category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school ranks 123rd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier at the top 2% nationally. Locally, it stands first among Kingston upon Thames primaries — a position earned through consistent, measurable achievement and a culture where every child is known by name.

Walking through these classrooms reveals a school where academic rigour is genuinely embedded in everyday practice. Mr Robert Waiting, who arrived as headteacher in September 2019 from a deputy headship in another Kingston primary, has maintained and strengthened the culture inherited from his predecessor, Rachel Carr. Under Mr Waiting's leadership, the school transformed from a Requires Improvement rating in 2019 to Outstanding in 2023 — a trajectory that reflects consistent investment in both systems and relationships.

The four school values, displayed prominently throughout: Excellence, Nurture, Exploration, and Community. These are not hollow mission statements. They appear explicitly in curriculum planning, in how staff address behaviour, and in how the school allocates resources. Exploration, in particular, shapes the learning experience — pupils are encouraged to ask questions, test hypotheses, and pursue deep understanding rather than superficial completion.

The physical environment supports this ambition. The 2016 expansion from infant to primary school brought significant improvements: new Key Stage 2 classrooms, a multi-use games area outdoors, and a dedicated computing suite. The forest school, accessed by pupils regularly for outdoor learning, embodies the belief that knowledge extends beyond four walls. Two separate libraries, one each for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, signal that reading is prioritized — a strategic emphasis reflected in how staff teach phonics with consistent fidelity and develop pupils' vocabulary deliberately across all subjects.

Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Pupils move through corridors with purpose, know routines thoroughly, and respond quickly to redirection. High expectations are communicated clearly and applied consistently across 24 adults in teaching and teaching assistant roles.

KS2 Performance

In 2024, 87% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%—a 25-percentage-point gap that reflects both strong teaching and the school's emphasis on addressing gaps early. At the higher standard, 47% achieved greater depth across all three areas, well above the England average of 8%. These are not inflated figures from a selective intake. The school serves a diverse community: 58% of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds, and 15% are eligible for free school meals, reflecting broader Kingston demographics.

Scaled scores provide finer granularity. Reading scaled score of 110 (England average: 100) indicates pupils are reading with accuracy and fluency above national benchmark. Mathematics at 111 (England average: 101) shows strong calculation and reasoning. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling at 114 (England average: 107) demonstrates meticulous attention to precise, clear writing — a skill teachers explicitly develop through structured lessons and regular practice.

Reading achievement has been identified as a key strength by school leaders. Staff deliver phonics instruction consistently from early years onwards, following structured programmes that build automaticity. Beyond phonics, there is a genuine culture of love for reading — teachers model enthusiasm, carefully curate book selections, and create time for extended reading within the school day.

The school's location in north Kingston, within the London borough, provides access to cultural enrichment. Trips to Hampton Court Palace, the Dragon Boat Race, and local museums connect historical learning to lived experience. These aren't optional extras; they are woven into curriculum design to help pupils see patterns across time and understand how knowledge applies beyond the classroom.

The curriculum is ambitious and structured. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, reinforced through high-quality professional development that the leadership team has prioritized. Staff use various strategies to develop pupils' vocabulary — particularly in mathematics, where learning language is as critical as procedural fluency. During lessons, pupils articulate their thinking using learned terminology. Teachers check understanding skilfully, ensuring pupils grasp concepts deeply rather than moving quickly through surface-level engagement.

Reading is foundational but not siloed. Connections between prior learning — such as the history of the River Thames informing understanding of settlement patterns or crime across time — reinforce comprehension. Teachers deliberately draw links between subjects, so pupils see patterns and understand that knowledge is interconnected, not fragmented into silos.

The phonics programme, implemented consistently across Key Stage 1, gives all pupils a foundation. For those who need additional support, the school provides regular, targeted intervention. For advanced readers, extension is available — access to richer texts and discussion of meaning, author intent, and style. This tiered approach reflects the reality that pupils arrive with different starting points and move at different paces.

Nursery Provision

The Alexandra Nursery, integrated into the school, serves children from age three. Early years educators work intentionally within the EYFS framework, building on children's existing knowledge through structured, play-based activities. The nursery benefits from access to the forest school, the MUGA, and the wider school community, creating smooth transitions to Reception.

The school recognizes that learning is enriched through experiences beyond lessons. A broad range of after-school activity clubs runs throughout the school year, catering to diverse interests and ensuring inclusive access. Named clubs include Skateboarding, Chess, Drama, and Football — but the breadth extends further. For pupils with SEND or those receiving Pupil Premium funding, the school ensures access: all children eligible for Pupil Premium receive one free activity club place per term, and pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans receive priority booking with funded adult support if needed.

Residential trips feature prominently in upper Key Stage 2, enhancing pupils' confidence and resilience. These are not frivolous outings — they are designed to challenge pupils, help them confront anxieties, and develop teamwork. Visits to local farms expose pupils to primary industries; trips to historical sites like Hampton Court Palace connect learning to heritage; attendance at community events like the Dragon Boat Race embeds pupils in the local fabric.

The forest school programme, delivered regularly to all year groups, offers a unique outdoor learning experience. Rather than forest school being an occasional excursion, it is curriculum time, structured but flexible, where pupils engage with nature, solve problems, and develop their personal, social, and emotional skills through hands-on, achievable tasks. The forest environment is ever-changing, providing natural stimulus for curiosity.

Music features prominently in school life. The school does not have extensive detail published about specialist ensembles, but music is taught across the curriculum and is integrated into celebrations and community events. Spanish language instruction begins early, introducing pupils to another language system.

Physical education is structured. The MUGA enables delivery of games, athletics, and movement with appropriate facilities. Sports Day is a highlighted calendar event, and the school has achieved the School Games Mark Award, reflecting engagement in competitive sport and physical activity for all.

Computing is a dedicated curriculum area with dedicated facilities. In an age where digital literacy is foundational, the school provides purposeful teaching and learning with technology, alongside teaching about technology.

The school publishes a student newspaper, The Sunflower, enabling pupils to develop communication skills and take ownership of how the school shares its story. Pupil leadership opportunities exist through several routes: the Pupil Leadership Team, the Rights Respecting School initiative (aligned with UNICEF frameworks), and ambassador roles where pupils apply to be elected by peers as 'Rights Knights'—representatives with genuine voice in school decisions.

Parent engagement is significant. The Alexandra Primary School Parents and Staff Association (PSA) runs fundraising and community events throughout the year: sponsored bounce activities, movie nights, school fairs, quiz nights, and comedy events. These create both funds and community, helping parents connect with each other and the school.

Entry to Alexandra is highly competitive. In 2024, 324 applications were received for 60 places in Reception (standard entry), representing a 5.4x oversubscription ratio. The school is not selective — it is a community school with non-selective admissions. However, demand far outstrips supply. Admission is by distance from the school gate, with looked-after children and siblings taking priority according to standard state school protocols. The exact last distance offered in 2024 is not published in our data, but the oversubscription ratio indicates tight competition based on proximity to the school site.

For those seeking admission to older year groups, in-year applications may be available depending on space in specific year cohorts. Prospective parents should verify current availability and apply through the Kingston upon Thames Local Authority's coordinated admissions process.

The school's accessibility issues, noted by Ofsted as a weakness relative to its strengths, likely relates to the tight catchment created by oversubscription. Families living at distance from Alexandra Road find it difficult to secure places, even if they value the school's education.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm, Monday through Friday, totaling 32.5 hours per week. Breakfast club begins at 7:45am, accommodating families with earlier work starts. After-school clubs run until approximately 4:30-5:00pm depending on the specific activity. The school also offers an extended school provision with care arrangements; families should contact the school directly for detailed information about wraparound care availability and costs.

Uniform is required. Pupils wear a standard uniform, and the school has policies regarding mobile phones and smartwatches — details are available on the school website.

School lunches are provided by the school's catering team. A varied menu is offered, and the school accommodates dietary requirements and allergies. Free school meal entitlement applies to eligible families; in 2024, approximately 15% of pupils were eligible.

Transport is not directly provided by the school, but the location in north Kingston, accessible by bus (routes 85, K3, 57, 213, 371 and others), provides public transport links. Parking on or near Alexandra Road is limited; many families walk or cycle, and the school encourages this where safe.

The school takes safeguarding and wellbeing seriously. Staff receive regular training on child protection and local safeguarding concerns. Attendance policies are monitored, with support offered to families where patterns of absence emerge. The school has a named SENCO, Lorraine Figueiredo, who coordinates support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing are prioritized. The school has structured pastoral systems, and staff are trained in understanding childhood trauma and attachment. An on-site counsellor visits weekly, providing additional support for pupils navigating emotional difficulty. Peer support systems also exist, reflecting the pupil-led governance and community values.

The school holds UNICEF Rights Respecting School status, demonstrating commitment to children's rights frameworks. This is evident in curriculum (Relationships and Health Education explicitly covers rights and respect) and in school processes (pupil voice is sought and acted upon).

Oversubscription and Distance: With 5.4 times as many applications as places, admission depends primarily on living within walking/close proximity to the school. Families considering the area should verify current distances before expecting a place. Even proximity cannot guarantee admission if cohort sizes have reached capacity. Parents moving to the Kingston upon Thames area specifically for Alexandra should confirm with the Local Authority that they fall within realistic distance before committing to a house purchase.

Transition to Secondary: Alexandra is a primary school only. Pupils leave at the end of Year 6 and progress to secondary settings, typically either the non-selective Highdown School (the nearest neighbourhood secondary), or to selective grammars — Reading School and Kendrick School — if they pass the 11-plus examination. The school prepares pupils for secondary transition but does not offer formal intensive grammar school preparation. Families with strong academic aspirations who wish to pursue grammar entry typically arrange external tutoring.

Nursery Funding: Government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours, depending on child age and eligibility) are available. Parents should inquire about the exact fees for additional sessions beyond government funding.

Alexandra Primary is a genuinely outstanding school that merits its 2023 Ofsted rating. Strong teaching, high expectations, ambitious curriculum, and consistent leadership have produced measurable results: 87% at expected standard in RWM, top 2% nationally in KS2 outcomes, and first place locally among Kingston primaries. The school combines academic rigour with a genuine investment in pupils' personal and social development. Pupils thrive here — they describe feeling safe, listened to, and proud of their school.

Best suited to families within walking distance who value academic achievement, love of learning, and a warm, inclusive community. The main barrier is securing a place in the first instance; once in, the educational experience is exceptional.