Henry Cavendish Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Performance and Dual-Site Excellence in Balham

Henry Cavendish Primary School is an Outstanding state primary serving 832 pupils across two sites in Balham and Streatham. Built in 1898 and named after the British scientist who discovered hydrogen, this large mixed community school has maintained the highest Ofsted rating since 2006, regaining its Outstanding status in May 2024 after consistently excellent inspections. With results placing the school in the top 9% nationally and 12th in Lambeth, 87% of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—far exceeding the national average of 62%—while 38% achieve the higher standard, nearly five times the national figure. Henry Cavendish runs from Nursery to Year 6, operates as a Rights Respecting School under the motto "Growing Together", and welcomes children from both Lambeth and Wandsworth, though admissions are intensely competitive with applications nearly five times the number of available places.

The original Cavendish Road Schools opened in 1898, and following bomb damage during the Second World War, the site was rebuilt and reopened in 1950 as separate infant and junior schools before amalgamating into a single primary in 1989. The school expanded in September 2010 with the opening of a second site in Streatham, enabling it to serve a larger catchment while maintaining its commitment to local families.

Under the leadership of headteacher Matthew Apsley, Henry Cavendish describes itself as a happy school where the atmosphere is relaxed yet conducive to high achievement. The school takes pride in its diverse community, valuing every child as an individual and working closely with parents and families. As a Rights Respecting School, the institution acknowledges that children take an active part in their education and grow as people, with teaching that builds on individual strengths to ensure every pupil is successful.

The school's motto, "Growing Together", reflects a commitment to mutual support and development. Pupils from Lambeth and Wandsworth attend, and the school works within a cluster of local educational establishments to augment opportunities, share fresh ideas and provide support to one another. Both campuses feature recently renovated libraries with new collections, underlining the school's passion for reading and its belief that every child from Nursery to Year 6 benefits from improved surroundings and rich resources.

Henry Cavendish delivers results that place it well above the national average across all key measures. At Key Stage 2, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the English average of 62%. The proportion achieving the higher standard—38%—is nearly five times the national benchmark of 8%, demonstrating the school's success in stretching able learners.

In reading, 88% of pupils met the expected standard and 41% achieved the higher score, with an average scaled score of 108. In maths, 92% met expectations and 41% scored at the higher level, again with an average scaled score of 108. Grammar, punctuation and spelling outcomes are particularly impressive: 87% reached the expected standard, 55% achieved the higher score, and the average scaled score was 110. Writing saw 33% of pupils achieve greater depth. In science, 85% met the expected standard, above the national average of 82%.

The school ranks 1,279th in England and 12th in Lambeth, a strong position reflecting sustained high performance. Ofsted's May 2024 inspection judged all areas Outstanding—quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This represents the school's return to the top grade after a decade; previous Outstanding ratings were awarded in 2014, 2006 and 2000, with a Good rating in 2009.

Inspectors noted that the school prioritises reading with a strong focus on phonics, ensuring pupils become confident readers early. The curriculum is exemplary, with skills and knowledge building coherently over time. Pupils show excellent attitudes to learning, listening intently and contributing enthusiastically. Provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is highly effective, with timely identification and appropriate adaptations enabling these learners to access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Both sites benefit from specialist teaching. All Key Stage 2 pupils receive swimming lessons for half the year at the pool on the Balham site, taught by a dedicated instructor. The PE curriculum provides broad and varied sporting opportunities, updated regularly to reflect pupils' interests and exposing children to a range of individual and team sports. The Association for Physical Education awarded Henry Cavendish its Quality Mark in 2016, and the school retained the award in 2019.

Henry Cavendish offers one of the best arts and sports programmes among local primary schools. Extracurricular provision includes Breakfast Club, Kids City after-school club, and a varied menu of creative and sporting clubs. Activities include arts and crafts, chess, computing, drama, yoga, cooking, swimming, netball, cheerleading, multi skills, football, board games, coding, Mandarin, photography, pottery, science and urban art. Clubs typically run from 15:30 to 16:30, with offerings rotating across the year to suit different age groups.

The Balham site, dating from 1898, and the Streatham site, opened in 2010, each serve pupils from Nursery to Year 6. Both campuses feature renovated libraries with new book collections, reflecting the school's emphasis on literacy and reading for pleasure. The Balham site houses the swimming pool used for all Key Stage 2 swimming lessons. The dual-site model allows the school to serve a larger number of families while preserving a community feel at each location.

Henry Cavendish Primary School is one of the most sought-after primaries in south London. For Reception entry, the school received 560 applications for 120 places, a subscription rate of 4.67:1, placing it in the "Oversubscribed" category. Approximately 48% more first-preference applicants than places were offered, indicating that many families naming the school as their top choice were unsuccessful.

Lambeth Local Authority manages admissions. Under Lambeth policy, the school does not specify a fixed catchment area because the number of children applying each year varies. Priority is given to children in special care arrangements, siblings already attending Henry Cavendish, and then those living closest to the school by walking distance. In one recent year, the last child admitted on distance criteria lived 0.22 miles from the school, giving an indication of how tight the effective catchment can be. This distance changes annually depending on the number of sibling places and the popularity of the school.

Parents living in Wandsworth but near the school should be aware that, because Henry Cavendish is a Lambeth school, some local authorities place cross-border applicants lower in the priority order. Lambeth residents apply through the Lambeth School Admissions team, while Wandsworth residents apply via Wandsworth Admissions. In Lambeth, parents can list six schools on their application, and the order of preferences does not affect how individual schools treat the application.

The school offers parent tours of either or both sites. Prospective families are encouraged to call 020 8673 3376 or email admissions@henrycavendish.co.uk to book a visit. Application timelines follow the standard local authority calendar, with Reception applications typically submitted in January of the year before entry and offers made in April.

Given the intense competition, families should carefully research their realistic chances based on sibling numbers and published distance data from recent years. Living very close to the school significantly improves the likelihood of securing a place, but even families within half a mile may face uncertainty in high-demand years.

Henry Cavendish Primary School stands out as a top-performing state primary with a proven track record of delivering Outstanding outcomes. Results consistently place the school well above national averages, with nearly nine in ten pupils reaching the expected standard in the core subjects and a remarkable proportion achieving the higher standard. The school's return to an Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2024, following earlier Outstanding judgements in 2014, 2006 and 2000, reflects sustained excellence in leadership, curriculum design and teaching quality.

The dual-site model—historic Balham and newer Streatham—allows the school to serve a larger community while maintaining strong provision at each campus. Renovated libraries, a swimming pool, specialist teaching, and a rich menu of extracurricular clubs contribute to a well-rounded education. The Rights Respecting ethos and "Growing Together" motto underpin a culture where diversity is celebrated, every child is valued, and pupils are encouraged to take an active role in their learning.

However, entry is fiercely competitive. With applications nearly five times the number of places and a recent furthest-admitted distance of just 0.22 miles, securing a place requires families to live very close to the school or have a sibling already on roll. Cross-border families from Wandsworth face additional challenges under Lambeth's admissions priorities. For those fortunate enough to gain entry, Henry Cavendish offers an exceptional primary education rooted in academic excellence, community values and a commitment to developing confident, capable learners.

Best for

Families seeking an Outstanding-rated, high-achieving state primary with strong results, broad extracurricular opportunities and a Rights Respecting ethos, who live within a very short walking distance of the Balham or Streatham sites.

Consider alternatives if

You live beyond approximately 0.2 miles from either site, do not have a sibling at the school, or are applying from outside Lambeth without understanding the cross-border admissions implications.

Is Henry Cavendish Primary School a good school?

Yes. Henry Cavendish Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted (May 2024) and ranks in the top 9% of primary schools nationally. At Key Stage 2, 87% of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—far above the national average of 62%—and 38% achieve the higher standard, nearly five times the national benchmark. The school has maintained Outstanding or Good ratings since 2000, with particular strengths in curriculum design, pupil attitudes to learning, and provision for children with SEND. Inspectors commend the school's focus on reading, phonics and ensuring every child accesses an ambitious curriculum.

How do I apply to Henry Cavendish Primary School?

Henry Cavendish Primary School is a Lambeth community school, so applications are made through the relevant local authority. Lambeth residents apply via the Lambeth School Admissions team, while Wandsworth residents apply through Wandsworth Admissions. Reception applications are typically submitted in January of the year before entry, with offers made in April. Priority is given to children in special care arrangements, siblings of current pupils, and then children living closest to the school by walking distance. The school offers parent tours; prospective families should call 020 8673 3376 or email admissions@henrycavendish.co.uk to book a visit to the Balham or Streatham site.

What are the admissions criteria for Henry Cavendish Primary School?

Lambeth Local Authority manages admissions on behalf of the school. Under Lambeth policy, Henry Cavendish does not specify a fixed catchment area. Priority is given first to children in special care arrangements (looked after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school), then to siblings of pupils already attending, and finally to children living closest to the school by walking distance. In a recent year, the furthest-admitted child lived 0.22 miles from the school. Wandsworth residents may be placed lower in the priority order due to cross-border policies. Parents can list up to six schools on their Lambeth application, and the order of preferences does not affect how individual schools assess eligibility.

What is the catchment area for Henry Cavendish Primary School?

Henry Cavendish Primary School does not have a fixed catchment area. Lambeth Local Authority uses a distance-based allocation system after priority categories (looked after children, EHCP, and siblings). The effective catchment varies each year depending on the number of sibling applicants and overall demand. In one recent year, the last child admitted on distance criteria lived 0.22 miles from the school, indicating a very tight catchment. Families should review the most recent admissions data published by Lambeth Council to understand their realistic chances. The school serves pupils from both Lambeth and Wandsworth, though cross-border applicants may face lower priority.

Does Henry Cavendish Primary School have a sixth form?

No. Henry Cavendish Primary School is a primary school serving children from Nursery (age 3) to Year 6 (age 11). Pupils typically move on to secondary schools in Lambeth, Wandsworth or neighbouring boroughs at age 11. The school does not offer secondary or sixth form education.

What extracurricular activities does Henry Cavendish Primary School offer?

Henry Cavendish offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, widely regarded as one of the best arts and sports programmes among local primaries. Clubs include arts and crafts, chess, computing, drama, yoga, cooking, swimming, netball, cheerleading, multi skills, football, board games, coding, Mandarin, photography, pottery, science and urban art. Breakfast Club and Kids City after-school club provide wraparound care. After-school clubs typically run from 15:30 to 16:30, with a varied menu rotating across the year to suit different age groups. All Key Stage 2 pupils receive swimming lessons for half the year at the pool on the Balham site. The school holds the Association for Physical Education Quality Mark, awarded in 2016 and retained in 2019.