Granton Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Streatham School with Gold Standard Enrichment

Granton Primary School is an Outstanding state community primary in Streatham, serving 652 pupils aged 3 to 11. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in February 2024, the school combines strong academic results with a rich portfolio of external validations including Artsmark Gold, School Games Gold, and the International Schools Award. It ranks 18th out of primary schools in Lambeth and performs above the national average in Key Stage 2 assessments, with 83% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths compared to the national average of 62%. Led by Executive Headteacher Mr Edison David, the school embraces a family-centred ethos underpinned by the promise: "We believe in you, trust you, listen to you." With nursery provision from age three, strong community links including international partnerships with Tanzania, and consistently high demand for places, Granton offers a nurturing yet academically ambitious environment in the heart of South London.

Granton Primary School's ethos centres on creating a strong family atmosphere where every pupil feels valued, trusted, and heard. The school's vision articulates its commitment clearly: "Through inspirational, inclusive and academically-challenging learning opportunities, Granton Primary School pupils develop as curious, confident, competent and aspirational young citizens." This is not mere rhetoric. Ofsted inspectors in 2024 observed that leaders have successfully created an environment where pupils and staff share a genuine love of learning, and where high aspirations sit comfortably alongside a caring, inclusive culture.

The school's approach is distinctly pastoral yet academically rigorous. Teachers are trained to know individual pupils in detail, allowing for personalised learning experiences that respond to each child's needs and potential. Well-trained teaching assistants provide specialist support, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring no child is left behind. The school has earned the Inclusion Quality Mark in recognition of this work, alongside the NACE Challenge Award for its provision for high-achieving pupils.

Granton's commitment to the wider community and global citizenship is evident through its International Schools Award and active links with schools in Tanzania, offering pupils genuine opportunities to engage with different cultures and perspectives. The school also holds the Princess Diana Anti-Bullying Award, reflecting its zero-tolerance approach to unkindness, supported by peer mediation programmes and a School Council that gives pupils a voice in school decisions. Parents and visitors regularly describe the school as "very lively and welcoming," with an enthusiasm among pupils that is immediately palpable.

Granton Primary School delivers results that place it comfortably above national benchmarks. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 83% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, significantly higher than the national average of 62%. The school also excels in developing high achievers: 24% of pupils reached the higher standard in reading, writing, and maths, triple the national average of 8%. Subject-specific performance is equally strong, with 88% meeting the expected standard in maths, 84% in reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 83% in science.

The school ranks 2,864th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England, placing it above the national average and 18th in Lambeth, a competitive local authority. Average scaled scores in reading (107), maths (106), and particularly grammar, punctuation and spelling (109) all exceed the national standard of 100, demonstrating consistent strength across the curriculum. High-score attainment in grammar stands out at 51%, with over half of pupils achieving the higher standard in this area.

Granton's curriculum is broad and ambitious. Phonics, reading, handwriting, and mathematics are taught through structured programmes, while art, music, and design technology are not afterthoughts but integral parts of the learning experience, often connected to real-world projects. The school's Artsmark Gold award recognises this commitment to creativity and cultural education. Extracurricular provision includes sports clubs, arts activities, and participation in events such as the Lambeth Music Festival. The school has also earned STARS Gold and School Games Gold awards, underscoring its dedication to physical education and competitive sport.

Support for pupils with additional needs is a clear strength. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, and staff receive training to deliver specialist interventions. Pupils with SEND are supported by experienced teaching assistants who work closely with class teachers to ensure progress. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects effective provision for all learners, not just the most able.

Granton Primary School is heavily oversubscribed. For primary entry, the school received 284 applications for 90 available places, a subscription rate of 3.16 to 1. This means competition for places is intense, with more than three families applying for every spot. The proportion of first-preference applicants to first-preference offers stands at 1.28, indicating that even families who list Granton as their top choice face significant uncertainty.

Admissions are managed by the London Borough of Lambeth. The school does not use a Supplementary Information Form, and all applications are processed through Lambeth's coordinated admissions system. For entry in September 2025, applications opened on 1 September 2024 and closed at midnight on 15 January 2025, with National Offer Day scheduled for 16 April 2025. Families typically apply online via the Lambeth eAdmissions portal. If you move address during the application period, it is essential to notify the School Admissions Team immediately and provide updated proof of address documentation.

As a non-selective community school with no religious character, Granton does not prioritise applicants based on faith, academic ability, or aptitude. Lambeth's standard oversubscription criteria apply: looked-after children and previously looked-after children first, followed by children with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and finally proximity to the school. Distance from home to school is typically the deciding factor for most applicants. Families living very close to the school stand the best chance of securing a place, but catchment boundaries can vary year to year depending on demand. Last-distance-offered data was not available, but given the high subscription rate, the catchment area is likely to be relatively tight.

Prospective parents are strongly advised to visit the school and to consider the Lambeth admissions booklet carefully. It is also prudent to use all preferences on the application form, ranking schools in genuine order of preference, as expressing interest in only one school does not increase your chances of admission there.

Granton Primary School is a high-performing, inclusive, and well-regarded school that offers far more than solid exam results. Its Outstanding Ofsted rating, achieved in consecutive inspections in 2017 and 2024, reflects a school that has sustained excellence over time. Academic outcomes are strong across the board, with particular strength in high attainment, placing Granton well above both local and national averages.

What distinguishes Granton is the breadth of its offer. The school does not focus narrowly on SATs results; instead, it invests in the arts, sport, anti-bullying initiatives, international links, and environmental education, earning a portfolio of prestigious awards that few schools can match. Pupils leave Granton not only academically prepared for secondary school but also confident, curious, and socially aware—exactly as the school's vision promises.

The family ethos is genuine and pervasive. Staff know pupils well, parents feel welcomed, and the school community is cohesive and supportive. For families who value a nurturing environment that does not compromise on academic ambition, Granton ticks all the boxes. The trade-off is accessibility: this is a highly sought-after school in a densely populated part of London, and securing a place requires proximity and, often, a degree of luck.

If you live within realistic reach of Granton Primary School, it deserves serious consideration. The school delivers on its promises, treats every child as an individual, and prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next stage of their education. For families lucky enough to secure a place, Granton represents an excellent choice.

Is Granton Primary School a good school?

Yes. Granton Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted as of February 2024, and delivers academic results well above national averages. 83% of pupils meet the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2, compared to the national average of 62%, and 24% achieve the higher standard, triple the national figure. The school holds numerous prestigious awards including Artsmark Gold, School Games Gold, and the International Schools Award, reflecting its commitment to excellence across academics, arts, sport, and pastoral care. It ranks 18th out of primary schools in Lambeth and is consistently oversubscribed, a clear indicator of local demand and reputation.

How do I apply to Granton Primary School?

All applications to Granton Primary School are made through the London Borough of Lambeth's coordinated admissions process. You must apply online via the Lambeth eAdmissions portal. For Reception entry in September 2025, the application window opened on 1 September 2024 and closed at midnight on 15 January 2025, with offers released on 16 April 2025. The school does not require a Supplementary Information Form. If you move house during the application period, you must notify the Lambeth School Admissions Team immediately and provide updated proof of address. You can list up to six schools on your application, and you should rank them in genuine order of preference. Visit the school's website at www.grantonprimary.org.uk or contact the school directly on 0208 764 6414 for further information.

What is the catchment area for Granton Primary School?

Granton Primary School does not have a defined catchment area in the traditional sense. As a Lambeth community school, places are allocated using the local authority's oversubscription criteria, which prioritise looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and then proximity to the school measured in a straight line. With 284 applications for 90 places in the most recent admissions round, the school is heavily oversubscribed. While last-distance-offered data is not publicly available, families living very close to the school on Granton Road in Streatham are most likely to secure places. Catchment boundaries fluctuate year to year depending on demand, so prospective parents should consult the Lambeth admissions team and consider multiple schools on their application form.

What are the school's strengths?

Granton Primary School's key strengths include consistently strong academic results, particularly in developing high achievers; an inclusive, family-centred ethos that supports all learners; and a rich extracurricular offer spanning the arts, sport, and international partnerships. The school holds Artsmark Gold, School Games Gold, the International Schools Award, and the Inclusion Quality Mark, among others. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2024, praising its strong family atmosphere, love of learning, and effective leadership. Teachers know pupils well and tailor learning to individual needs, while teaching assistants provide specialist support for pupils with SEND. The school's commitment to anti-bullying, pupil voice through the School Council, and global citizenship through its Tanzania links further distinguish it from many local primaries.

Does the school have a nursery?

Yes. Granton Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age three as part of its Early Years Foundation Stage. This allows families to access early education on-site and can support continuity and familiarity for children progressing into Reception. Families interested in nursery places should contact the school directly for information about availability, hours, and the application process, as nursery admissions are typically managed separately from Reception entry. Details can be found on the school's website at www.grantonprimary.org.uk or by calling the school office on 0208 764 6414.