Clapham Manor Primary School Review 2026: High-Performing Community Primary on Clapham Common

Clapham Manor Primary School stands on the edge of Clapham Common with exceptionally generous grounds that include a woodland learning area, astro turf sports pitch, dedicated food technology lab, and music room. This two-form entry community primary serves children aged 3 to 11 in Lambeth, operating as part of the Clapham Manor and Sudbourne Federation under Executive Headteacher James Broad, who joined in September 2020. With a capacity of 420 and current roll of 376, the school combines a values-driven ethos centred on Aspiration, Resilience, Inclusivity, Integrity, Kindness, and Team Spirit with strong academic outcomes that place it well above national averages. Ofsted rated all aspects of the school Good in October 2022, and recent results show 78% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The nursery offers flexible provision for children from age two, and admissions are coordinated by Lambeth Council, with Reception places heavily oversubscribed at 2.75 times the number available.

Clapham Manor Primary School's motto, "Growing Brighter Futures," reflects its commitment to developing every child's potential within a nurturing, ambitious environment. The school's six core values—Aspiration, Resilience, Inclusivity, Integrity, Kindness, and Team Spirit—underpin daily life and learning, visible in relationships between staff, pupils, and families. The October 2022 Ofsted inspection recognised this ethos, rating behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all as Good.

The school operates as a community school within the London Borough of Lambeth, and in September 2022, it entered into federation with Sudbourne Primary School in Brixton, 1.5 miles away. This partnership, overseen by Executive Headteacher James Broad, allows for shared leadership, governance, and resources while preserving each school's distinct identity. The governing body includes representation from both schools, with parent governors, a staff governor, Local Authority and co-opted governors working together.

Pupil voice plays an active role, with children participating as Digital Leaders, House Captains, Playground Leaders, and members of the Pupil Parliament. The emphasis on personal development extends to a broad enrichment offer, including lunchtime and after-school clubs, holiday clubs, and an Extended Day service provided through Junior Adventure Group. Parents report a strong sense of community and accessibility to staff.

Clapham Manor Primary School delivers outcomes well above the national average across core subjects. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 78% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, significantly ahead of the 62% national figure. High achievement is similarly strong, with 29% of children attaining greater depth in all three subjects, more than three times the national rate of 8%. The school ranks 3,455th in England for primary performance, placing it in the top 23% of primaries nationally and 21st in Lambeth.

Attainment by subject reveals consistent strength: 85% met the expected standard in maths, 76% in reading, and 83% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Scaled scores of 107 in maths, 106 in reading, and 108 in grammar, punctuation, and spelling all exceed typical thresholds. In science, 89% of pupils met the expected standard, comfortably above the 82% national average. The proportion achieving high scores is particularly notable in grammar (48%), maths (35%), and reading (30%).

The curriculum spans English, maths, science, history, geography, art, design and technology, computing, music, physical education, modern foreign languages, religious education, and PSHE. Play-based learning in the early years foundation stage transitions into a structured approach in Key Stage 1 and 2, with outdoor learning opportunities integrated throughout. The school's values are woven into the taught curriculum, and pupils are encouraged to take leadership roles and express opinions through the Pupil Parliament and subject-specific ambassador roles.

Ofsted's October 2022 inspection judged the quality of education as Good, alongside Good ratings for early years provision and all other areas. The inspection noted the school's effective support for pupils' academic progress and personal development. The full inspection report is available via the Ofsted website for parents seeking detailed findings.

Clapham Manor's site provides a rare abundance of space for a London primary. The school grounds include a woodland learning area used for Forest School activities, an astro turf sports pitch, a food technology lab, a dedicated music room, and a library. These facilities support a curriculum that goes beyond the classroom, offering hands-on learning experiences in cooking, outdoor exploration, and creative arts.

The school promotes physical education and sports through its PE and Sport Premium funding, and pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular clubs. The school's partnership with Junior Adventure Group delivers wraparound care, including breakfast club, after-school provision, and holiday clubs. Lunchtime activities add further opportunities for social and physical development.

Pupils participate in house systems, with elected House Captains fostering a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Playground Leaders take responsibility for organising games and supporting younger children. The school's commitment to digital literacy is evident in its Digital Leaders programme, preparing children for a technology-rich future.

The nursery, which occupies a separate building on site, caters for children aged two to five with flexible attendance options, delivering high-quality early education in a play-centred environment closely aligned with the main school's values and approach.

Clapham Manor Primary School is heavily oversubscribed, with 140 applications for 60 Reception places in the most recent cycle, giving a subscription ratio of 2.75:1. All families who listed the school as their first preference and received an offer did so, indicating that distance from the school is the determining factor once higher-priority criteria are exhausted.

Admissions to Reception are coordinated by the London Borough of Lambeth, with applications made through the Lambeth eAdmissions portal (or the relevant home borough portal for families living outside Lambeth). The application deadline is typically 15 January for entry the following September. Parents are advised to check the Lambeth Council website and the school's admissions pages for precise dates and to arrange a school tour through the admissions section of the school website.

As a Lambeth community school, Clapham Manor applies the standard oversubscription criteria in the following order: looked after children and previously looked after children; children with siblings already at the school who will still be on roll at the point of admission; children with a professionally supported exceptional medical or social need that the school is particularly able to meet (assessed by Lambeth's MEDSOC panel); and finally, distance from home to school, measured in a straight line.

Sibling priority is defined to include full, half, and step siblings living at the same address, as well as children living as part of the family by court order or foster placement. Staff children may also be prioritised under Lambeth's community school policy.

While no official catchment distance is published, the high level of oversubscription and two-form entry size suggest that proximity to the school is critical. Families considering an application should assess their home address relative to the school's location on Belmont Road and review previous years' admission data through Lambeth Council if available. The nursery accepts all applications regardless of distance, offering an entry route for younger children, though nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

Clapham Manor Primary School combines strong academic performance, a values-led approach to personal development, and exceptional facilities in a sought-after location beside Clapham Common. Results consistently outpace national averages, with nearly four in five children leaving Year 6 at the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, and high attainment rates more than three times the national figure. Ofsted's Good rating across all categories confirms effective teaching, positive behaviour, and sound leadership.

The school's federation with Sudbourne Primary brings collaborative benefits while retaining each school's character. Executive Headteacher James Broad, in post since 2020, leads a staff committed to the motto "Growing Brighter Futures," and the school's emphasis on pupil voice, leadership opportunities, and enrichment activities supports well-rounded development. Facilities including the woodland area, food technology lab, and astro turf pitch offer learning experiences rare for an urban primary.

Parents should be aware that competition for places is intense, with nearly three applications for every Reception place and distance from the school the critical tie-breaker. Families living close to Belmont Road will have the strongest chance of securing a place under Lambeth's distance-based criteria. The nursery provides an accessible early years option but does not confer priority for Reception entry.

For families within realistic distance, Clapham Manor offers a strong, inclusive, academically ambitious primary education in a nurturing environment with outstanding outdoor space and community links. Those considering an application should visit the school, review the admissions policy carefully, and apply via Lambeth Council by the January deadline.

Is Clapham Manor Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rated Clapham Manor Primary School Good in all categories in October 2022, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Academic results are well above national averages, with 78% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks in the top 23% of primaries in England for performance.

How do I apply to Clapham Manor Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made through the London Borough of Lambeth's eAdmissions portal (or your home borough if you live outside Lambeth). The deadline is typically 15 January for entry the following September. Nursery applications are made separately and do not guarantee a Reception place. Visit the school's website to arrange a tour and check the Lambeth Council admissions pages for detailed guidance and key dates.

What are the admissions criteria for Clapham Manor Primary School?

Clapham Manor follows Lambeth's community school oversubscription criteria: looked after and previously looked after children, then siblings of current pupils, then children with exceptional medical or social needs the school can meet, and finally distance from home to school, measured in a straight line. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 2.75 applications per place, so living close to the school is essential.

Does Clapham Manor Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Clapham Manor operates a nursery in a separate building on the school site, offering flexible, high-quality childcare and education for children aged two to five. The nursery is open to all applicants regardless of distance, though attending the nursery does not guarantee admission to Reception.

What are Clapham Manor Primary School's key values?

The school's six core values are Aspiration, Resilience, Inclusivity, Integrity, Kindness, and Team Spirit. These underpin the school's ethos and are reflected in teaching, behaviour expectations, and personal development opportunities. The school motto is "Growing Brighter Futures."

What extracurricular activities does Clapham Manor Primary School offer?

Clapham Manor provides a range of enrichment clubs, lunchtime activities, and after-school provision through the Junior Adventure Group Extended Day service. The school also offers holiday clubs. Pupils can take on leadership roles as Digital Leaders, House Captains, Playground Leaders, and members of the Pupil Parliament. The school benefits from excellent facilities including a woodland learning area, astro turf pitch, music room, and food technology lab.