Julian's School Review 2026: A Growing Two-Site Primary in Lambeth

Julian's School in West Norwood serves 947 pupils across two sites in South London under the motto "Opening Doors to Make a Difference." This large, non-denominational foundation primary school admits two forms of entry to its West Norwood site and three forms of entry to its Streatham site, catering to children aged 3 to 11. The school holds Good ratings from Ofsted and operates as a Centre of Excellence in Inclusion, emphasizing equity and accessibility. With 130 Reception places offered annually against 277 applications, Julian's attracts more than double the number of applicants to places. The school's core values—Respect, Integrity, Creativity, Excellence, and Resilience—underpin its curriculum and ethos, while its Rights Respecting School status and School of Sanctuary designation reflect a commitment to community, diversity, and social responsibility. Most recent results show 75% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, placing the school in line with national averages. The West Norwood site is located at 16 Wolfington Road, SE27 0JF, while the Streatham site is at 226 Leigham Court Road, SW16 2RB.

Julian's School is rooted in a vision of inclusion and opportunity. Executive Headteacher Alison Moller, in post since 2003, has overseen the school's growth into a two-site, five-form-entry primary that aims to be "outstanding in every aspect." The school's ethos centres on creating a caring, secure environment where every child feels respected and valued, supported by a dedicated staff committed to making a difference. Julian's emphasizes working in partnership with parents and the wider community, recognizing the contribution of families as central to pupils' success. The school's commitment to removing barriers to learning and promoting high standards for all pupils is central to its identity as a Centre of Excellence in Inclusion. Julian's has pursued UNICEF's Rights Respecting Schools Award, which embeds the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into the school's culture, focusing on equality, dignity, and participation. The school has also earned Anti-Racist School Award recognition and School of Sanctuary status, reflecting its values-driven approach. Across both sites, the atmosphere is described as warm, welcoming, and supportive, with pupils encouraged to take risks, embrace mistakes, and develop resilience. The school's motto speaks to its mission of opening doors not only for academic success but for personal growth, well-being, and future opportunity.

Julian's School achieved a mixed performance in most recent primary assessments. In reading, writing and maths combined, 75% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard, well above the national average of 62%. For higher attainment, 28% achieved the high standard in all three subjects, significantly exceeding the national figure of 8%. In reading, 77% met the expected standard with 35% achieving high scores, while the average scaled score stood at 105. In maths, 80% reached the expected standard and 31% scored highly, with an average scaled score of 105. Writing outcomes showed 19% of pupils achieving greater depth. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 73% met the expected standard with 30% scoring highly and an average scaled score of 104. Science outcomes were solid, with 77% reaching the expected standard compared to the national average of 82%. The school ranks 7,963rd in England, placing it around the midpoint nationally, and 40th within Lambeth. The school's curriculum is designed to be rich, engaging, and broad, preparing pupils for future life through a wide curriculum that includes PE, dance, music, and a commitment to the arts. Julian's provides extensive support for pupils through occupational therapy, dramatherapy, child-centred counselling, the Zones of Regulation programme, mindfulness, a sensory room, and learning mentor support. This comprehensive approach reflects the school's inclusive philosophy and its ambition to support every child's academic, emotional, and social development.

Julian's School offers a well-rounded student experience across its two sites, supported by facilities that include dedicated classrooms for each year group, a sensory room, and spaces for PE, dance, and music. Pupils benefit from breakfast and after-school clubs, providing wraparound care for working families. The school's emphasis on wellbeing is evident in its range of support programmes, while its Rights Respecting approach encourages pupils to engage actively in school life through the school council and student voice initiatives. The school promotes creativity, resilience, and excellence through its curriculum and extracurricular provision, though specific details of clubs, sports teams, and arts programmes are not widely publicized. Parents are encouraged to participate through the PTFA and Parent/Carer Forum, fostering a collaborative community. The school's commitment to diversity and inclusion is visible in its School of Sanctuary and Anti-Racist School Award designations, while its Challenge Partners membership connects it to a network of schools committed to peer-led improvement. Julian's operates as a foundation school under Lambeth local authority governance, with Chris Davies serving as Chair of Governors. The school's two-site structure allows for a large, vibrant community while maintaining distinct identities at West Norwood and Streatham.

Julian's School is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 277 applications for 130 Reception places in the most recent admissions round, a subscription ratio of 2.13:1. All first-preference applicants who received offers secured places, indicating that the school prioritizes local families who express it as their top choice. Lambeth community schools do not have defined catchment areas, but the school serves families predominantly from West Norwood, Streatham, and surrounding South London neighbourhoods. Admissions are coordinated through Lambeth Council for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 for 2025 entry. The school's admissions policy, available on its website, explains the oversubscription criteria applied when demand exceeds places. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open mornings in November and December, with tours available by appointment at both sites. For families considering Julian's, proximity and first-preference status are crucial, as competition for places is strong. The school's popularity reflects its Good Ofsted rating, inclusive ethos, and solid academic outcomes. Parents should apply through the local authority on time, ensure their application clearly expresses Julian's as a preference, and engage with the school early to understand the admissions landscape. Given the level of demand, families further from the school or naming it as a lower preference may find entry more challenging.

Julian's School offers a solid, inclusive primary education in a large, values-driven environment. Its two-site structure provides space for a diverse, growing community, while its commitment to equity, wellbeing, and partnership with families creates a supportive atmosphere for pupils from a wide range of backgrounds. Results are broadly in line with national averages, with particular strengths in the percentage of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths. The school's extensive support provision, including therapeutic services, mindfulness, and a sensory room, reflects its Centre of Excellence in Inclusion status and a genuine focus on removing barriers to learning. Leadership under Alison Moller has been stable and longstanding, contributing to the school's established identity and consistent performance. The Rights Respecting, School of Sanctuary, and Anti-Racist designations speak to a school actively working to model values of dignity, respect, and social justice. For families prioritizing an inclusive ethos, wraparound care, and a well-supported environment, Julian's is a strong local option. However, heavy oversubscription means competition is intense, and proximity to both sites remains a practical consideration. The school's broad curriculum and commitment to pupil wellbeing position it as a nurturing, community-focused primary, well-suited to families seeking a values-led, inclusive setting in South London.

Is Julian's School a good school?

Julian's School is rated Good by Ofsted as of June 2023. The school's results in reading, writing and maths are above national averages, with 75% of Year 6 pupils reaching the expected standard compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks around the midpoint nationally and 40th in Lambeth. Its commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and values-driven education makes it a strong choice for families seeking a supportive, community-focused primary with wraparound care.

How do I apply to Julian's School?

Applications are made through Lambeth Council's primary admissions system for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 for 2025 entry. The school is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 277 applications for 130 places, so first-preference status and proximity are important. Prospective families should attend open mornings (available by appointment in November and December) and apply on time through the local authority.

What are the school's core values?

Julian's School's core values are Respect, Integrity, Creativity, Excellence, and Resilience. The school operates under the motto "Opening Doors to Make a Difference" and holds Rights Respecting School status, embedding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its culture.

Does Julian's School have wraparound care?

Yes, the school offers breakfast club and after-school clubs, providing wraparound care for working families at both the West Norwood and Streatham sites.

What support is available for children with additional needs?

Julian's School is a Centre of Excellence in Inclusion and offers extensive support, including occupational therapy, dramatherapy, child-centred counselling, the Zones of Regulation programme, mindfulness, a sensory room, and learning mentor support. The school's inclusive ethos prioritizes removing barriers to learning and supporting every child's individual needs.