Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Faith, Excellence and Community in Streatham

Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School is a one-form entry primary in Streatham, Lambeth, serving 420 pupils aged 3 to 11 with nursery provision. The school operates under the motto "Excellence for all. Excellence from all," grounded in a Christian ethos that views each child as a valued gift. With an Outstanding rating for personal development in its most recent inspection and strong academic performance placing it above national averages, the school has earned recognition as an IQM Centre of Excellence and holds multiple quality marks including NACE membership and Rights Respecting Bronze. Heavily oversubscribed with 214 applications competing for 60 reception places, it serves a diverse, multicultural community in south London where faith and high expectations combine to create an environment where children flourish.

Immanuel and St Andrew is defined by its Church of England identity and affiliation with the Diocese of Southwark. The school's vision centres on the name Immanuel itself—"God with us"—reflecting a belief that every child is a gift from God to be valued, protected and nurtured. This theological foundation translates into an inclusive, caring culture where children feel secure and can grow spiritually alongside their academic development.

Under the leadership of headteacher Mrs Suzette Coleman, in post since September 2022, the school pursues excellence through high expectations of both achievement and behaviour. The curriculum is underpinned by "The Immanuel Way," a framework that emphasises courageous advocacy, global partnerships, and active citizenship alongside traditional academic rigour. Worship, prayer and religious education are integral to school life, providing structure and shared values in a multicultural setting.

The July 2025 Ofsted inspection awarded the school Good ratings across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision, with the standout grade of Outstanding for personal development. This reflects the school's success in nurturing well-rounded, confident pupils who are prepared not only for secondary school but for active, productive roles in wider society.

Immanuel and St Andrew delivers strong academic outcomes that place it well above national benchmarks. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 86% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, substantially outperforming the national average of 62%. The school excelled particularly in grammar, punctuation and spelling, with an average scaled score of 109 and 61% of pupils achieving the high score, compared to 8% nationally reaching the higher standard across reading, writing and maths.

The school ranks 2,309th in England, placing it in the top 15% of primary schools nationally and 16th within Lambeth. Mathematics is a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 108 and 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard. Reading performance is equally robust, with 86% meeting expectations and an average scaled score of 106. While writing outcomes are solid, with 14% of pupils achieving greater depth, this represents an area where the school continues to focus its improvement efforts.

Class sizes are manageable for a one-form entry school, with 60 reception places per year across a capacity of 420. The curriculum balances academic rigour with enrichment opportunities through house teams, a school council, sports programmes, and a range of clubs. Breakfast and after-school provision offer extended care, supporting working families in the local area.

The school's ethos of "excellence from all" sets high standards for behaviour and effort. Pupils are encouraged to engage as active learners and to support one another, reflecting the school's Christian values of compassion and mutual respect. Library facilities and outdoor learning spaces provide diverse environments for discovery and creativity.

Immanuel and St Andrew offers a vibrant school life shaped by its Church of England character and commitment to personal development. The school's Outstanding rating in this area reflects its success in fostering pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural growth through worship, extracurricular activities and community engagement.

House teams create a sense of belonging and friendly competition, while the school council gives pupils a voice in decision-making. Sports and enrichment programmes ensure that children develop physically and explore interests beyond the core curriculum. The school promotes courageous advocacy, encouraging pupils to stand up for fairness and contribute to global partnerships that broaden their horizons.

Awards and accreditations underscore the school's holistic approach: STARS Gold recognises excellence in school travel planning, NACE membership highlights provision for more able learners, and IQM Centre of Excellence status celebrates inclusive practice. The Rights Respecting Bronze award and School Safety accreditation further demonstrate the school's commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and children's rights.

Located on Northanger Road in the heart of Streatham, the school serves a diverse, multicultural community. Its central location makes it accessible to families across the area, though the oversubscribed nature of admissions means competition for places is intense.

Immanuel and St Andrew is one of Lambeth's most sought-after primaries. For reception entry, the school received 214 applications for 60 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 3.57—more than three applicants for every available spot. All 60 first-preference applicants who received offers secured places, indicating that the school is highly competitive and primarily admits those who name it as their top choice.

As a voluntary aided Church of England school, Immanuel and St Andrew is its own admissions authority. Families apply through Lambeth Council's Common Application Form, and those wishing to be considered under faith criteria must also complete the school's Supplementary Information Form. For foundation places, a regular worshipper is defined as someone who has attended church at least fortnightly over the previous 12 months, though exceptional circumstances may be considered.

Admissions criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and children whose families meet the faith criteria, followed by distance from the school. Because the school is significantly oversubscribed, proximity and sibling connections are critical for non-faith applicants. The catchment is not fixed and varies year on year depending on application patterns, but families should anticipate highly competitive entry.

Separate arrangements apply for nursery admission. In-year applications are handled directly by the school. Given demand, families are advised to visit the school website and contact Lambeth Council early to understand timelines and requirements for their child's entry year.

Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School is an exceptional choice for families seeking a values-driven education rooted in Christian faith and a culture of high expectations. Its strong academic results—86% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths, well above the national 62%—demonstrate that the school delivers on its promise of excellence for all.

The Outstanding rating for personal development and the school's collection of quality marks reflect a commitment to nurturing the whole child. Pupils leave not only well-prepared for secondary education but also confident, compassionate and active in their communities. The school's inclusive ethos serves a diverse population in multicultural Streatham, where faith provides a shared framework without excluding families of different backgrounds.

Under Mrs Suzette Coleman's leadership since 2022, the school has maintained its reputation while continuing to evolve. The July 2025 inspection's Good grades across the board, with Outstanding for personal development, affirm the school's trajectory and the effectiveness of "The Immanuel Way" in guiding teaching, behaviour and enrichment.

Admissions are fiercely competitive, with more than three applicants per place. Families with strong church connections or siblings at the school have the best prospects, but all applicants face a challenging process. For those fortunate enough to secure a place, Immanuel and St Andrew offers a nurturing, ambitious environment where children are known, valued and supported to reach their potential. It is a school where faith, academic rigour and community come together to create a distinctive and highly effective educational experience.

Is Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School a good school?

Yes. The school achieves strong academic outcomes, with 86% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths—well above the national average of 62%. It ranks in the top 15% of primary schools in England and 16th in Lambeth. The July 2025 Ofsted inspection awarded Good ratings for quality of education, behaviour and leadership, and Outstanding for personal development. The school is also an IQM Centre of Excellence, demonstrating its inclusive practice and commitment to nurturing well-rounded pupils. It is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation among local families.

How do I apply to Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School?

Applications for reception entry are made through Lambeth Council's Common Application Form, available on the Lambeth Council website. The deadline is typically mid-January for entry the following September. Because the school is its own admissions authority as a voluntary aided Church of England school, families wishing to apply under faith criteria must also complete the school's Supplementary Information Form, available on the school website. Regular worshippers must have attended church fortnightly for the previous 12 months. Given the school's heavy oversubscription (3.57 applications per place), families should ensure all forms are submitted on time and consider how they meet the school's admissions criteria, particularly regarding faith connection, siblings and proximity.

What are the admissions criteria for Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School?

As a voluntary aided Church of England school, Immanuel and St Andrew uses faith-based criteria alongside standard priorities. Admissions typically prioritise looked-after and previously looked-after children, followed by siblings of current pupils, children of families who meet the faith criteria (regular church attendance defined as fortnightly over 12 months), and then proximity to the school. The school received 214 applications for 60 reception places, so meeting one or more priority criteria is essential. Families should consult the school's admission arrangements on its website and complete both Lambeth's Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form where applicable.

What age range does Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School serve?

The school serves pupils from age 3 to 11, covering nursery through Year 6. Nursery provision is available for three-year-olds, with separate admissions arrangements from reception entry. The main school offers one form of entry per year group, with 60 reception places annually and a total capacity of 420 pupils across the primary phase.

What makes Immanuel and St Andrew Church of England Primary School distinctive?

The school's distinctive character is shaped by its Church of England ethos, encapsulated in its vision of "Jesus is Immanuel—God with us" and the motto "Excellence for all. Excellence from all." It combines strong Christian values with high academic expectations, serving a diverse, multicultural community in Streatham. The school has been recognised as an IQM Centre of Excellence and holds multiple awards including NACE membership, Rights Respecting Bronze, and STARS Gold. The July 2025 Ofsted inspection rated personal development as Outstanding, reflecting the school's success in nurturing pupils' spiritual, moral and social growth alongside academic achievement. "The Immanuel Way" curriculum framework emphasises courageous advocacy, global partnerships and active citizenship, preparing pupils to be confident, compassionate contributors to society.