Allen Edwards Primary School Review 2026: Strong Academic Results in Diverse Stockwell Community

Allen Edwards Primary School is a two-form entry state primary in the heart of Stockwell, London, serving a richly diverse community of almost 20 different ethnicities speaking over 30 languages. With a Good Ofsted rating and academic outcomes above the national average, the school ranked 3,547th in England for primary attainment in the latest rankings, placing 23rd in Lambeth. In recent results, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%, while 33% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, far exceeding the England average of 8%. The school serves 460 children aged 3 to 11, including a nursery, and is led by headteacher Mrs Louise Robertson. Allen Edwards places a strong emphasis on values including honesty, respect, tolerance, kindness and trust, with wellbeing and safeguarding at the centre of its ethos.

Allen Edwards Primary School's ethos is rooted in the belief that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of every child is central to education. The school explicitly fosters caring and thoughtful attitudes, self-confidence and respect for others. Diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, with the school actively challenging racism and all forms of discrimination or prejudice. Inclusivity and social justice run through the fabric of the school.

Pupils develop a strong sense of community and global citizenship, engaging in collaborative projects that build understanding of environmental responsibility and multiple perspectives. Independence, resilience and curiosity are explicitly taught and embedded across the curriculum. The most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024 praised the school for exceptional behaviour, caring interactions and strong motivation to learn among pupils. Bullying is rare, and there are robust advocacy and safety measures in place.

The school is proud to participate in the London Mayor's School for Success programme, recognising the exceptional progress and achievement of its pupils. Through the Rights Respecting School's Award, children learn about their rights and understand the duty bearers responsible for ensuring emotional and physical wellbeing for all children. This rights-based approach shapes the school's culture of respect and responsibility.

Mrs Louise Robertson serves as headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead. The mental health and wellbeing of pupils, families and staff remains a strategic priority. Allen Edwards has links with many therapeutic services, offering pupils and families a variety of support, including Art Therapy with Art4Space, Play Therapy, psychotherapy and Music Therapy. A Place2Be practitioner is in school two days per week, providing one-to-one therapy, drop-in sessions and workshops for parents, staff and children.

Allen Edwards Primary School delivers strong academic outcomes. In the latest Key Stage 2 results, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to a national average of 62%. The proportion achieving the higher standard across all three subjects stood at 33%, significantly above the England average of 8%.

Reading is a particular strength. The school prioritises reading from the early years, with a structured phonics programme in place. In the most recent results, 76% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with 45% achieving the higher score. The average scaled score in reading was 107. In maths, 82% met the expected standard and 39% achieved the higher score, with an average scaled score of 108. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 71% reached the expected standard and 39% scored at the higher level, with an average scaled score of 106. In science, 73% of pupils met the expected standard.

Ofsted in June 2024 noted that the curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, producing high-quality pupil work. However, inspectors identified that inconsistent assessment checks sometimes hinder knowledge progression, an area the school is addressing. The school ensures broad access through an expert-adapted curriculum, with dedicated provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Every subject is valued and celebrated, with tools and scaffolds in place to ensure all learners achieve their potential.

Class sizes are manageable, with a pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1. The school benefits from specialist teaching in key areas, including two specialist PE coaches who lead all PE across the school and provide a minimum of two hours of curriculum PE provision each week. Specialist music teachers deliver a wide variety of music opportunities within curriculum time and through lunchtime and after-school clubs.

Allen Edwards has strong collaborative partnerships with three local primary schools and a secondary academy. The schools work together on teaching and learning projects, offering children a wider variety of opportunities across the local school community.

Student life at Allen Edwards is vibrant and inclusive, with extracurricular activities designed to ensure every child from Reception to Year 6 can access at least one club that interests them. The range of activities continues to grow and includes gymnastics, cooking, eco-club, art, drawing, sports and ICT. Physical education is a priority, with specialist coaches running a variety of lunchtime and after-school sports clubs throughout the week.

Music and the arts are equally valued, with opportunities both in curriculum time and through clubs. Pupils benefit from access to therapeutic services including art therapy, play therapy, psychotherapy and music therapy, supporting their emotional and social development.

Wrap-around care is available through Breakfast Club and After-School Club (Sunflower Club). At Sunflower Club, children take part in a range of activities including art, sports and ICT, and receive a light meal or snack. The cost is £7 per day. School lunches are prepared daily on-site in the school kitchen by a team of caterers.

The school has an outdoor area that has been described in parent reviews as lovely, with a range of facilities supporting active play and learning. Pupils engage in projects that build understanding of environmental responsibility, and the school's eco-club contributes to this commitment.

Allen Edwards places pupil behaviour and wellbeing at the heart of its priorities. All forms of bullying and prejudice are swiftly and effectively addressed, and pupils are encouraged to develop empathy, kindness and respect. The school's diverse community is a strength, and children learn to explore multiple perspectives and appreciate difference.

Allen Edwards Primary School is a Lambeth community school with a Published Admissions Number of 45 places per year in Reception. For September 2025 entry, the school received 111 on-time applications and was able to offer places to all applicants, indicating that the school was not oversubscribed in that admissions round. In the latest admissions data available, the school received 110 applications for 44 offers, with a subscription rate of 2.5 times the number of places.

Admissions are managed by Lambeth Local Authority. Parents in Lambeth are able to make six school preferences on the application form. The admissions criteria follow the standard hierarchy used by Lambeth community schools: Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, siblings, and then distance from home to school. The school does not have a fixed catchment area; geographical distance is used only after higher-priority criteria have been applied.

Because Lambeth uses distance as a tiebreaker, the effective catchment area for Allen Edwards can vary from year to year depending on the number and location of applicants. For most Lambeth community schools, the geographical area from which they admit pupils changes annually, forming circles that expand or contract in radius. Historical admissions patterns provide a guide, but parents are advised to treat them as estimates rather than guarantees.

For the 2025 entry round, all applicants received a place, so no distance cut-off was required. This suggests that families living further afield may have a realistic chance of securing a place, though demand and competition can fluctuate from year to year. Parents should consult Lambeth Council's annual admissions booklet and the school's own admissions pages for the most current information and key deadlines.

Allen Edwards also has a nursery for children aged 3 to 4, offering both full-time and part-time places. Admission to the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, and parents must apply separately through the Lambeth primary admissions process.

Allen Edwards Primary School is a well-regarded state primary in Stockwell, delivering strong academic outcomes and a rich, inclusive school experience. With 74% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths and a third achieving the higher standard, the school performs well above national averages. Reading is a particular strength, supported by structured phonics teaching and a culture that values literacy from the early years.

The school's greatest asset is its diverse, respectful and cohesive community. With almost 20 different ethnicities and over 30 languages spoken, Allen Edwards models how inclusivity, kindness and rigour can combine to create an environment where all children are valued and challenged to achieve. The school's commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and therapeutic support is comprehensive and reflects its child-centred values.

Ofsted judged the school Good in June 2024, with particular praise for behaviour, relationships and the broad, ambitious curriculum. The inspectors noted that assessment practices could be more consistent to support knowledge progression, and the school is working to address this.

For families seeking a primary school where diversity is celebrated, pastoral care is strong and academic standards are high, Allen Edwards is a compelling choice. Recent admissions rounds have been less competitive than historical data suggests, with all applicants receiving a place for September 2025 entry. However, demand can fluctuate, and families should apply as early as possible and consider their preferences carefully.

Allen Edwards offers a nurturing, values-driven education with access to specialist teaching, extracurricular breadth and strong community partnerships. It is a school where children are encouraged to be curious, independent and kind, and where progress and achievement are rightly celebrated.

Is Allen Edwards Primary School a good school?

Yes. Allen Edwards Primary School holds a Good Ofsted rating as of June 2024 and delivers academic outcomes well above national averages. In the latest Key Stage 2 results, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, and 33% achieved the higher standard. The school ranked 3,547th in England for primary attainment and 23rd in Lambeth. Inspectors praised the school's exceptional behaviour, caring relationships, ambitious curriculum and strong safeguarding culture.

How do I apply to Allen Edwards Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are made through Lambeth Local Authority. Parents can make up to six school preferences on the Common Application Form. The deadline for Reception applications is typically mid-January for entry the following September, with offers made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Parents should check the Lambeth Council website for the most current deadlines and application guidance. Nursery admissions are managed separately by the school.

What is the catchment area for Allen Edwards Primary School?

Allen Edwards Primary School does not have a fixed catchment area. Admissions are prioritised by criteria including Looked After Children, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, siblings, and then distance from home to school. For the 2025 entry round, all applicants received a place, so no distance cut-off was required. The geographical area from which the school admits pupils can change each year depending on the number and location of applicants.

What are the school's strengths?

Allen Edwards Primary School's strengths include strong academic performance, particularly in reading; a diverse and inclusive community; exceptional behaviour and caring relationships among pupils; a broad and ambitious curriculum; comprehensive pastoral care and wellbeing support, including access to therapeutic services; specialist teaching in PE and music; and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

What extracurricular activities are available?

The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities to ensure every child from Reception to Year 6 can participate. Options include gymnastics, cooking, eco-club, art, drawing, sports and ICT. Specialist PE coaches lead lunchtime and after-school sports clubs, and specialist music teachers provide opportunities in curriculum time and through clubs. Wrap-around care is available via Breakfast Club and Sunflower After-School Club.