Ashmole Primary School Review 2026: Small Stockwell Community School with Outstanding Ofsted Status

Ashmole Primary School is an Outstanding-rated community primary in the heart of Stockwell, serving children aged 3 to 11 with nursery provision. Established in 1967 and part of the Wyvern Federation since 2016, this one-form entry school has built a strong reputation in South London for its warm, inclusive ethos and commitment to excellence. Led by headteacher Shelly Griffiths since September 2024, Ashmole achieved Outstanding across all areas in its June 2023 Ofsted inspection, maintaining a rating first secured in 2016. With a capacity of 217 pupils and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school offers a family atmosphere where children from diverse backgrounds flourish. Ofsted praised the school's exemplary pupil behaviour, strong sense of belonging, and a culture where every pupil is given the opportunity to thrive. The school's motto—"Excellence, Aspiration and Care"—underpins a curriculum enriched by partnerships with Music Masters and Surrey Cricket Club at the nearby Oval Cricket Ground. Ashmole ranks 5,967th nationally in primary performance, placing it in line with national averages, but 78% of pupils achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, well above the 62% England average. Reception admissions are managed by Lambeth Council, with places highly sought after: 126 applications competed for just 30 places in the most recent cycle, making it significantly oversubscribed.

Ashmole Primary has served the local community since 1967, evolving into a small, close-knit school where ambition and inclusion sit at the heart of daily life. The school became part of the Wyvern Federation in December 2016, joining Herbert Morrison Primary, Vauxhall Primary and Wyvil Primary under shared governance. This collaboration has strengthened resources and enriched opportunities for pupils while preserving Ashmole's distinctive community character.

The school's ethos centres on its motto: "Excellence, Aspiration and Care." Pupils are encouraged to "be kind, helpful, respectful and polite," to "always try your best," and to "be proud to be yourself." These values are woven throughout the school day, from early years to Year 6, fostering a culture where children enjoy learning, persevere through challenges, and develop self-belief. Ofsted noted in 2023 that "pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school" and that "making mistakes is a valuable part of learning."

The school welcomes families from many cultural backgrounds; 70% of pupils have English as an additional language, and this diversity is celebrated as a strength. With a total roll of around 219 pupils spread across seven year groups plus nursery, everyone knows each other by name. The warm and welcoming atmosphere—described by Ofsted as a place where "pupils thrive and feel safe"—is evident in the calm transitions between lessons and the consistently positive behaviour across all age groups.

Staff seek out enriching opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom, including partnerships with Music Masters, which ensures every child learns an instrument from an early age, and Surrey Cricket Club at the Oval Cricket Ground. The school also won the London Evening Standard's Outstanding Achievement Award in 2016, recognition of its sustained excellence. Recent leadership changes, with Shelly Griffiths taking up the headship in September 2024 after Cordelia Cooper's tenure, have been managed smoothly, maintaining continuity and the school's upward trajectory.

Ashmole Primary delivers results above the national average in core subjects, with a clear focus on literacy, numeracy and high standards across the curriculum. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 78% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the England average of 62%. A further 27% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, more than three times the national rate of 8%.

Reading is a particular strength: 85% of pupils met the expected standard, with 33% achieving high scores, both well above national benchmarks. Writing at greater depth was reached by 30% of pupils. In maths, 78% met the expected standard, with 19% attaining high scores. Average scaled scores were 107 in reading, 104 in maths, and 106 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, all comfortably above the threshold of 100 and indicative of consistent teaching quality. Science outcomes were similarly strong, with 81% reaching the expected standard.

Nationally, Ashmole ranks 5,967th among primary schools, placing it around the 39th percentile—a typical performance level that reflects the school's inclusive intake and value-added approach rather than selective entry. Locally in Lambeth, it ranks 31st out of around 100 primary schools, a solid mid-table position in a competitive borough.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, with particular emphasis on music. All pupils learn instruments from early years, building confidence and resilience through regular practice and performances. The school also prioritises languages, science and numeracy alongside the core curriculum, and pupils benefit from access to specialist teaching in these areas.

Ashmole successfully supports a wide range of learners. Around 23% of pupils receive SEN support or have an Education, Health and Care Plan, reflecting the school's commitment to inclusion. The SENCo and staff tailor interventions to individual needs, ensuring pupils with learning differences, physical or sensory needs, and social or emotional challenges are fully integrated into lessons and school life. More able pupils are also challenged to exceed expectations, and the school's results show many achieve above age-related standards.

Pastoral care is embedded in the school's culture. Ofsted highlighted "exemplary" behaviour and a climate where children feel safe to take risks in their learning. Staff know pupils and families well, and the small size of the school enables early identification of any concerns, academic or personal.

Despite its modest size and urban setting, Ashmole offers an enriching extracurricular programme. Music is central to school life: pupils learn instruments through the Music Masters partnership, participate in regular concerts and performances, and many achieve high levels of competence by the time they leave in Year 6. The partnership with Surrey Cricket Club at the Oval Cricket Ground provides coaching and access to professional facilities, giving pupils opportunities to develop sporting skills and teamwork.

The school site is compact but functional, with classrooms designed to support active learning. Early years provision includes dedicated spaces for nursery and reception, where children move calmly between activities and develop independence. Older pupils benefit from specialist teaching areas, and outdoor space is used for PE, playtime and outdoor learning activities.

The school day is structured to balance academic rigour with time for play, creativity and social development. Lunchtime and break times are supervised carefully, and Ofsted noted the positive interactions between pupils of different ages. The family feel of the school means older pupils often mentor younger ones, reinforcing the inclusive ethos.

Clubs and enrichment activities extend learning beyond the timetable, with music, sports and arts featuring prominently. The school also organises trips and visits that connect classroom learning to the wider world, and parents are encouraged to engage with their children's education through regular events and open communication.

Ashmole Primary is a community school, so all Reception admissions (except nursery) are managed by Lambeth Council through the standard coordinated admissions process. The school is one-form entry, offering 30 Reception places each year. For children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 (entering Reception in September 2025), the application deadline was midnight on 15 January 2025.

Demand for places is high. In the most recent admissions round, 126 families applied for the 30 available places, an oversubscription ratio of 4.2:1. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, strong local reputation, and welcoming ethos make it a popular choice among Stockwell and Oval families. Lambeth Council allocates places according to its standard oversubscription criteria, typically prioritising looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings, and then distance from home to school.

Specific catchment distances are not published, but as a one-form entry school in a densely populated area of inner London, proximity matters. Families living within a few hundred metres of Ashmole Street are most likely to secure offers, though sibling priority can extend the catchment slightly. Parents are advised to check Lambeth's annual admissions data or contact the council for the latest offered distances.

Nursery admissions are managed directly by the school. All children attending the nursery are entitled to the universal 15 hours of free early education, offered as either a morning or afternoon session. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, but it does give families early contact with the school community. To apply for nursery or to arrange a visit, parents should contact the school office on 0207 735 2419.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit by appointment, and the school encourages families to experience the warm atmosphere firsthand. Given the level of competition, applying on time and considering multiple preferences on the Lambeth application form is essential.

Ashmole Primary School is a confident, inclusive and high-performing community school that punches above its weight in one of London's most diverse boroughs. With Outstanding status, results well above national averages, and a nurturing ethos grounded in respect and aspiration, it offers an excellent start to primary education for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

The school's small size is one of its greatest assets. With just over 200 pupils, staff know every child as an individual, and the family atmosphere creates a safe, supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to be themselves. The emphasis on music, enriched by the Music Masters partnership, and the access to high-quality sports coaching through Surrey Cricket Club, add breadth and depth to the curriculum that many larger schools struggle to match.

Ofsted's praise for "exemplary behaviour," strong pupil wellbeing, and effective teaching is well-deserved, and the school's sustained Outstanding rating since 2016 demonstrates consistency and ambition. Academic outcomes are strong, particularly in reading, and the school's inclusive approach ensures pupils with additional needs and those who are more able all make good progress.

The trade-off is competition for places. With admissions heavily oversubscribed and catchment distances likely tight, families outside the immediate Stockwell area may find it difficult to secure a place. The compact urban site and one-form entry also mean space is at a premium, and pupils do not have the extensive grounds or facilities of some suburban primaries.

For families living locally who value a small, community-focused school with a proven track record, a diverse intake, and an ethos built on kindness and excellence, Ashmole Primary is an outstanding choice. It prepares children academically and personally for the next stage of their education, while ensuring they enjoy their childhood and develop a lasting love of learning.

Is Ashmole Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ashmole Primary is rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas as of June 2023, a status it has maintained since 2016. Results are well above national averages, with 78% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared to 62% nationally. The school has a strong reputation for inclusion, pastoral care, and enrichment, particularly in music and sport. It is consistently oversubscribed and highly regarded by local families.

How do I apply to Ashmole Primary School?

For Reception (Year R), apply online through Lambeth Council by the deadline in mid-January of the year your child is due to start (typically 15 January for September entry). Lambeth coordinates all Reception admissions. For nursery places, contact the school directly on 0207 735 2419. Prospective parents are encouraged to arrange a visit by appointment to see the school in action.

What is the catchment area for Ashmole Primary School?

Ashmole Primary does not have a defined catchment area. Lambeth Council allocates places based on its oversubscription criteria, with distance from home to school being a key factor after priority categories (looked-after children, siblings, medical/social need). As a one-form entry school in central Stockwell, the furthest distance offered is typically short, likely within a few hundred metres. Check Lambeth's annual admissions statistics for the most recent distances.

Does Ashmole Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Ashmole has a nursery offering the universal 15 hours of free early education, available as morning or afternoon sessions. Nursery admissions are managed by the school, not Lambeth Council. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, but it provides early familiarity with the school community. Contact the school office to apply.

What makes Ashmole Primary School special?

Ashmole's small size, family atmosphere, and inclusive ethos set it apart. Every child learns an instrument through the Music Masters partnership, and pupils benefit from cricket coaching at the nearby Oval Cricket Ground. The school celebrates diversity—70% of pupils have English as an additional language—and achieves strong results while maintaining a warm, nurturing environment. Its sustained Outstanding Ofsted rating and community roots since 1967 reflect a commitment to excellence and care.