Latchmere School Review 2026, High-performing Kingston primary with strong inclusion

Latchmere is a large, community-rooted primary in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, serving pupils from age 3 to 11 and operating at a scale that allows breadth in sport, music, and enrichment. Academic outcomes are a clear strength. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%.

The school also stands out for inclusion. Alongside mainstream classes, it runs Topaz, a Specialist Resource Provision for pupils with social communication needs (including autism), and this sits within a wider SEND offer that is visible across daily routines. On the most recent inspection cycle, the school retained its Good judgement, with evidence indicating it could be judged Outstanding at a graded inspection.

The tone is warm, orderly, and high-expectation. Pupils are taught to treat others with respect, and behaviour is described as consistently very strong, with classroom disruption uncommon. That matters in a large primary, because the difference between “big” and “busy” often comes down to routines, adult consistency, and how confidently pupils move through the day.

A sense of community is not left as a vague aspiration. Pupils are involved in local-facing activity such as supporting a food bank and contributing to a community garden, and there is a long-standing culture of public performance through music at local venues. Those outward-looking habits often correlate with confident speaking, purposeful responsibility roles, and older pupils who see themselves as ambassadors rather than just attendees.

Leadership is clearly identified and stable. Carolyn Coles is the Headteacher (Head of School), and the school sits within Latchmere Academy Trust.

Key Stage 2 outcomes are exceptionally strong on the measures available. In 2024:

• 90% reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, versus the England average of 62%

• 37.67% achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics, versus the England average of 8%

• Average scaled scores were 109 in reading, 110 in mathematics, and 111 in grammar, punctuation and spelling

These figures indicate both high attainment and a sizeable cohort working beyond age-related expectations, which usually reflects early reading security, consistent curriculum sequencing, and strong classroom practice across year groups.

Rankings provide further context. Ranked 495th in England and 2nd in Kingston upon Thames for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking, based on official data), Latchmere performs well above England average overall (top 10%).

Parents comparing nearby schools should use the FindMySchool Local Hub page to view these results side by side using the Comparison Tool, especially if you are balancing performance against commute, wraparound care, and sibling logistics.

The curriculum is structured and ambitious, with careful progression between year groups and a clear focus on what pupils should remember long term. Teaching places emphasis on rich discussion, precise vocabulary, and anticipating misconceptions so that pupils do not carry gaps forward.

Early reading is treated as a core discipline. Staff training, consistent delivery of the phonics programme, and prompt support for pupils who fall behind all contribute to secure decoding and fluency. Pupils are also supported to read books that match the sounds they already know, which is a practical indicator of good phonics implementation rather than a headline claim.

Beyond English and maths, there are tangible curriculum features that add texture. Design and technology includes a dedicated pupil kitchen, with cookery also appearing as an after-school option, which is the sort of practical learning that can strengthen independence and confidence for a wide range of learners.

As a state primary, the main transition point is into secondary education at Year 7. Families typically consider a mix of local comprehensive options and selective or independent routes depending on the child and the household’s wider plan. What matters most operationally is that Latchmere’s outcomes and culture suggest pupils leave with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, which tends to broaden secondary options rather than narrow them.

For pupils educated within Topaz or supported through SEND pathways in mainstream classes, transition planning is often the decisive factor. The presence of a dedicated Specialist Resource Provision and a clearly articulated SEND structure supports earlier identification and more tailored planning, which can make secondary transfer less stressful for families managing additional needs.

There are two distinct entry stories for most families, nursery entry at age 3 and Reception entry at age 4. It is important to treat them separately, because joining the nursery does not automatically secure a Reception place.

Reception (September 2026 entry)

Reception admissions are handled through the local authority route. For September 2026 entry, the published closing date is Thursday 15 January 2026, and national offer day is Thursday 16 April 2026.

Demand indicators are strong. In the latest available application cycle provided, there were 264 applications for 88 offers, around 3 applications per place, and the entry route is recorded as oversubscribed. This aligns with the school’s wider reputation and the level of interest indicated by open events.

Nursery (September 2026 entry)

For nursery, the school publishes a specific application timeline for the September 2026 intake, with a closing date of Friday 27 February 2026 and outcome notifications by Friday 1 May 2026. The nursery includes funded places (15 hours universal and 30 hours for eligible families). For nursery fee details and any paid extensions, use the school’s published nursery admissions information directly.

Topaz Specialist Resource Provision

Topaz is the school’s Specialist Resource Provision for pupils with social communication needs (including autism). Capacity is published as up to 6 pupils in an early years and Key Stage 1 class and up to 8 pupils in a Key Stage 2 class, and places are not allocated by the school; they are decided via a local authority panel process.

Families considering admission should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance and travel practicality. Even where distance is not the only criterion, it often becomes the tie-break factor in oversubscribed primaries.

Pastoral care is clearly integrated into daily expectations. Pupils are described as feeling safe and able to approach adults for help, and the school culture supports strong behaviour and respectful relationships. Safeguarding arrangements are confirmed as effective in the most recent inspection cycle.

Inclusion is a material feature of the experience, not a marginal add-on. Pupils with SEND are supported to build independence and to understand how to seek help, and the school’s Specialist Resource Provision adds specialist capacity alongside mainstream routines.

Latchmere’s enrichment offer is unusually concrete for a state primary, with published club line-ups that go well beyond the standard rotation. For Spring 2026, examples include Lego Robotics (Technokids), Coding (Technokids), Chess (including a girls’ chess option), Inventors, Hockey, Judo, Dodgeball, and Musical Theatre, alongside creative options such as CraftRoom and Annie’s Crafting Hive.

Music is a particular strength and is organised in ways that signal breadth and performance expectation. Choir is open to pupils in Years 3 to 6 and performs at venues including John Lewis, the Rose Theatre, and the O2 arena. The school also runs an orchestra referred to as LSO (Latchmere School Orchestra). For pupils, these opportunities build confidence, listening discipline, and the experience of working towards a shared public standard.

Sport is supported by specialist teaching and a clear competition culture, with a menu of clubs spanning tag rugby, netball, basketball, futsal, judo, and cross country. That combination, specialist teaching plus extra-curricular access, often suits children who need physical outlets as part of a balanced week.

Wraparound care is clearly published. Breakfast Club runs 7:30am to 8:45am and After School Club runs 3:20pm to 6pm during term time.

The published expectation for the main school day includes a Reception pattern of 08:40 to 15:20.

For travel and pick-up logistics, families should be aware of the borough’s School Streets arrangements covering the Latchmere and St Agatha’s area, operating 8:15am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm. This is relevant if you rely on car access at the gate, as restrictions can affect timing and routing.

• Admission is competitive. The Reception entry route is oversubscribed, and open events have been heavily booked in recent cycles. Families should plan early and keep contingency options active.

• Nursery does not secure Reception. Nursery and Reception have separate application processes, so families should treat nursery as an early years option rather than an automatic pathway into the main school.

• Specialist placements are panel-led. Topaz offers defined capacity, but allocation is via local authority decision-making rather than school choice, which can lengthen timelines and requires coordinated professional evidence.

• Pick-up driving can be constrained. School Streets operating windows can affect drop-off and collection routines for households that need to drive.

Latchmere School combines two traits that are not always found together in a large state primary: very high attainment and an inclusion model that is visible in daily practice, including a structured Specialist Resource Provision. Best suited to families who want academically stretching primary education with a strong enrichment menu, and who are prepared to engage early with admissions planning in an oversubscribed area.