Paxton Primary School Review 2026: Inclusive Federation School in Upper Norwood

Paxton Primary School is a large, inclusive state primary serving Upper Norwood's diverse community on Woodland Road, Lambeth. Part of the Gipsy Hill Federation alongside four other primaries, the school has earned recognition as an Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence since 2015. With 462 pupils aged 3 to 11 and rated Good by Ofsted in June 2024, Paxton has undergone significant improvement since its previous Requires Improvement grade, reflecting the dedication of school leaders and staff. The school operates under a values framework of ARC—Achievement, Respectfulness, and Caring—and offers nursery provision from age 3. Set in a vibrant urban setting close to Crystal Palace, Paxton provides a calm, confident environment where independence and resilience are fostered from the early years.

Paxton Primary is a community school that places inclusion at the heart of its mission. Headteacher Mr Jeff Muhammad leads the school with a futures-focused vision, affirming the boundless potential of every individual to achieve excellence. The school's ethos centres on ARC—Achievement, Respectfulness, and Caring—values shared among children, parents, and staff. This framework underpins a broad, balanced curriculum designed to inspire progress, celebrate effort, and challenge underachievement.

As part of the Gipsy Hill Federation, which includes Elm Wood Primary, Fenstanton Primary, Glenbrook Primary, and Kingswood Primary, Paxton benefits from shared expertise and resources. The federation model strengthens pastoral support and professional development, enabling staff to meet the needs of all children so that every individual makes accelerated progress and reaches their full potential. The atmosphere is calm and purposeful, with pupils demonstrating good behaviour and confidence in their learning.

Children in the early years are happy, resilient learners who show independence from the start. The school values the voices of all members of its partnership, encouraging rich learning opportunities that support children as lifelong learners. Paxton's transformation from Requires Improvement to Good reflects a culture of continuous improvement and high expectations, supported by dedicated staff and a strong community connection.

Paxton Primary delivers a broad and ambitious curriculum that fosters student interest and develops independence from the early years. The school's performance in Key Stage 2 assessments demonstrates solid progress, with 71% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined in the most recent results, notably above the national average of 62%. In reading specifically, 76% of pupils met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 106, and 30% achieved a high score. In maths, 67% reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 103, while 19% attained a high score. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance was strong, with 73% meeting the expected standard and an average scaled score of 105.

The school ranks 8,246th in England for primary attainment, placing it in line with national averages, and 41st within Lambeth. While the proportion of pupils achieving greater depth in writing stood at 6%, and the percentage reaching a high standard across all three subjects was 18%, these figures are above the national average for the high standard measure. Science performance was robust, with 79% of pupils reaching the expected standard.

Paxton offers specialist teaching in art and music, with design technology, drama, and dance integrated into other subjects. The school has a choir and occasional extracurricular clubs for creative and performing arts. Support for pupils with special educational needs is comprehensive, underpinned by the school's Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence status. The school ensures that every child is fully included both academically and socially, with tailored interventions to accelerate progress for those who need additional support.

Paxton Primary's facilities include classrooms, a dining hall, and a sports hall, providing practical spaces for learning and physical activity. The school offers a range of extracurricular clubs that enrich children's experiences beyond the academic day. After-school enrichment clubs include gymnastics on Tuesdays, multi-sports on Thursdays, and football or cooking on Fridays. These activities allow pupils to try new skills, build confidence, and develop lasting friendships.

Out-of-school hours care is available from 7:30am to 6:00pm, provided by an external contractor, offering Stay and Play afternoon programmes for children from Nursery through to Year 6. These sessions provide a welcoming environment where pupils can engage in fun activities and create memories outside regular classroom hours.

The school benefits from its location in Upper Norwood, close to green spaces and the cultural attractions of Crystal Palace. While the site is urban, the calm atmosphere within the school and the emphasis on respectfulness and caring contribute to a positive environment where pupils feel safe and valued.

Paxton Primary School is a community school admitting 52 pupils into Reception each year. Admissions are coordinated by Lambeth Council, and for September 2025 entry, the school received 153 applications for these places, resulting in a subscription rate of 2.94 times the available places. This makes Paxton a highly competitive choice, and all first-preference applicants who were offered places received them, indicating that first preferences are prioritised effectively within the oversubscribed cohort.

Lambeth community schools do not have fixed catchment areas; instead, the geographical area from which pupils are admitted changes each year. Most children secure a place based on sibling priority or proximity to the school. Lambeth offers six school choices on the application form, allowing parents flexibility in expressing preferences. For Reception 2025 entry, the application window typically opens in the autumn and closes in mid-January, with National Offer Day on 16 April. Prospective parents should consult the school's admissions page and Lambeth Council's guidance for the most current information and specific criteria.

Given the school's oversubscription and lack of fixed catchment, proximity to Woodland Road in Upper Norwood is likely to be a significant factor for those without sibling links. Families considering Paxton are encouraged to visit the school, review the admissions policy carefully, and ensure all preferences are used strategically.

Paxton Primary School is a solid, inclusive choice for families in Upper Norwood and the surrounding Lambeth area seeking a community-focused primary with a clear ethos and improving trajectory. The school's transformation from Requires Improvement to Good reflects genuine progress under Mr Muhammad's leadership, and its membership in the Gipsy Hill Federation brings additional strength in terms of shared resources and professional collaboration. Attainment at Key Stage 2 is above national averages in the core subjects, with reading and grammar performance notably strong.

The school's commitment to inclusion is more than rhetoric; its IQM Centre of Excellence status and tailored support for children with SEND demonstrate a genuine priority. The ARC values framework—Achievement, Respectfulness, and Caring—permeates the school's culture, creating a calm and purposeful environment where pupils are confident and resilient learners. Extracurricular provision, while modest, offers practical options for enrichment in sports and creative activities, and extended childcare hours provide convenience for working families.

However, Paxton is highly oversubscribed, with nearly three applications for every place, and the absence of a fixed catchment means securing a place can be uncertain for families without sibling links or close proximity to the school. Writing outcomes at greater depth remain an area for development, and while the school has made significant strides, sustaining this improvement trajectory will be important.

For parents who value an inclusive, community-centred ethos, solid academic progress, and a school embedded in a collaborative federation, Paxton Primary is worth serious consideration. Families should visit, explore the school's approach to learning and pastoral care, and plan their admissions strategy carefully given the competitive landscape.

Is Paxton Primary School a good school?

Yes, Paxton Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted as of June 2024. The school has improved significantly from its previous Requires Improvement rating, and pupils achieve above national averages in Key Stage 2 reading, writing, and maths. The school is recognised as an Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence.

How do I apply to Paxton Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are made through Lambeth Council. For September 2025 entry, the application window typically opens in autumn and closes in mid-January, with offers made on National Offer Day (16 April). You can list up to six school preferences. Visit Lambeth Council's admissions page for details.

Is Paxton Primary School a faith school?

No, Paxton Primary School does not have a religious character. It is a non-denominational community school welcoming families of all backgrounds.

Does Paxton Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Paxton Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged 3 to 4, allowing families to begin their educational journey at the school before Reception.

What are the admission criteria for Paxton Primary School?

As a Lambeth community school, admissions are handled by the local authority. Priority is typically given to children in care, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and then proximity to the school. Lambeth schools do not have fixed catchment areas.

What extracurricular activities does Paxton Primary School offer?

The school offers after-school enrichment clubs including gymnastics, multi-sports, football, and cooking. There is also a choir, and art and music are taught as discrete subjects. Out-of-school hours care is available from 7:30am to 6:00pm.

What are the school hours at Paxton Primary School?

Specific school hours are best confirmed directly with the school or via their website. Out-of-school hours care runs from 7:30am to 6:00pm for families requiring extended childcare.

Is Paxton Primary School oversubscribed?

Yes, Paxton Primary School is highly oversubscribed. For September 2025 entry, the school received 153 applications for 52 Reception places, a subscription rate of 2.94. Families should plan their admissions strategy carefully.