St Andrew's Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Small School, Big Results in Stockwell

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School has been educating children in Stockwell since 1818, making it one of Lambeth's oldest schools with more than two centuries of service to the local community. This one-form entry voluntary aided primary serves 156 pupils aged 4 to 11 in Kay Road, nestled between Brixton, Clapham and Stockwell. With just 30 places per year group, St Andrew's maintains an intimate scale and family atmosphere whilst delivering academic results well above the national average. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, substantially ahead of the 62% national average, and 32% achieved the higher standard compared to just 8% nationally. Rated Good by Ofsted in June 2024, the school holds multiple quality marks including the Arts Mark, Healthy Schools recognition, and Stonewall certification. As a Church of England school in the Diocese of Southwark, it welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds, guided by the motto "Reach for the Stars."

St Andrew's opened on 25 October 1818 as the Stockwell and Brixton Auxiliary Parochial School, originally accommodating 150 boys and 100 girls. Today, it retains a strong Christian ethos whilst positioning itself as inclusive and welcoming to families regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or background. The school describes itself as "a happy, safe and Christian family" where everyone is encouraged to do their very best. The vision is to inspire children to be confident individuals excited about learning and curious about the world they live in.

Executive Headteacher Ms Jayne Mitchell leads a staff committed to maintaining the school's reputation as a "hidden gem" known locally for its enthusiastic welcome. The 2024 Ofsted report praised behaviour as outstanding in and around the school, noting pupils' positive attitudes and engagement. The small size means every child is known well by staff, and the single-form structure creates strong peer relationships across year groups. The Christian values underpin daily life, with collective worship and religious education integral to the curriculum, yet the school's inclusivity ensures children of all faiths and none feel valued.

St Andrew's is part of the SW9 Partnership and Oval Learning Cluster, collaborative networks that extend the school's resources and professional development opportunities beyond its own gates. These partnerships provide access to shared expertise, joint events and a wider community of educators.

St Andrew's delivers consistently strong academic outcomes that place it well above national standards. In the most recent Key Stage 2 results, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The proportion achieving the higher standard was 32%, four times the national average of 8%.

Subject-by-subject performance is notably balanced. In reading, 82% reached the expected standard and 55% achieved a high score, with an average scaled score of 109. In maths, 82% reached the expected standard and 41% scored highly, with an average scaled score of 107. Grammar, punctuation and spelling saw 82% at the expected level and 55% at the high score, with an average scaled score of 108. Science had 73% reaching the expected standard, slightly below the national figure of 82%, suggesting this is an area where results could strengthen further.

The school ranks 2,041st out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England and 15th out of around 90 primaries in Lambeth, placing it in the top 14% nationally. These figures reflect a school punching well above its weight given its small size and urban location.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection highlighted several strengths. Phonics teaching is rigorous and consistently good, with precise assessment ensuring pupils who struggle with early reading receive targeted support. The curriculum is broad, balanced and rich in creativity, following a logical sequence that supports deep understanding particularly in mathematics. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and use questioning skilfully to check understanding. Teaching assistants provide appropriate additional support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.

However, Ofsted also identified areas for improvement. Teachers' expectations in writing are not as high as those in reading and mathematics, and this is reflected in the fact that 0% of pupils achieved greater depth in writing in the most recent results. Additionally, delivery of some foundation subjects needs to be more consistent to prevent learning gaps, especially for pupils with SEND.

St Andrew's runs programmes for More Able and Talented pupils, ensuring those capable of higher attainment are appropriately challenged. The school has achieved NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) recognition for its provision in this area. Student leadership roles include a School Council, Language Experts and Digital Leaders, giving pupils responsibility and voice within the school community. The St Andrew's All Stars initiative celebrates achievement and effort across all areas of school life.

The curriculum reflects the cultural diversity of the school and the wider Lambeth community. Pupils study a modern foreign language, and there is a strong emphasis on creative subjects. The school holds an Arts Mark, testament to its commitment to music, drama and visual arts. Physical education is well provided for, with outdoor resources described by Ofsted as well-organised and high-quality, supporting children's physical development.

Despite its small physical footprint, St Andrew's offers a comprehensive range of opportunities. The school's location in the heart of Lambeth means the whole of London serves as an extended classroom. Children frequently visit art galleries, museums and theatres, taking advantage of the capital's rich cultural resources. These regular trips broaden horizons and enrich the curriculum in ways that a rural or suburban school might struggle to match.

Before and after-school care is available through a breakfast club and extended childcare provision, supporting working families. A variety of after-school clubs supplement the core curriculum, though specific details of sports teams, music ensembles and other extracurricular offerings were not readily available. The school's 3D virtual tour allows prospective families to explore the site online.

The campus itself comprises historic buildings adapted over two centuries of use. Whilst the school does not boast extensive grounds or modern specialist facilities, Ofsted's positive comments about outdoor resources suggest the available space is used effectively. For a small urban primary, the priority is maximising what exists rather than competing with larger, better-resourced schools on the basis of infrastructure.

St Andrew's is substantially oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 29 applications for just 12 Reception places, a subscription rate of 2.42:1. All 12 first-preference applicants who were offered places accepted them, indicating the school is a deliberate choice for local families rather than a fallback option.

Admissions are managed through Lambeth Council's coordinated system. The deadline for Reception applications for September 2026 entry was midnight on 15 January 2026. Parents must complete both the Lambeth Common Application Form and a supplementary St Andrew's Admissions Form directly to the school to be considered.

As a Church of England voluntary aided school, St Andrew's has its own admissions authority and sets its own oversubscription criteria. The school states that when places are oversubscribed, the majority of available places are made available to regular worshippers at St Andrew's Church. This faith-based priority means families actively involved in the linked parish have a significant advantage. However, the school emphasises it welcomes applications from all faiths and backgrounds and maintains an inclusive approach.

Specific details of the full oversubscription criteria, such as distance tiebreakers, sibling priority and definitions of regular worship, should be confirmed directly with the school or via the admissions policy published on the school website. No catchment area or distance data was available, though the urban setting and small intake suggest successful applicants are likely to live within a relatively tight radius, particularly those not qualifying under the faith criterion.

For in-year admissions to Years 1 to 6, St Andrew's does not participate in Lambeth's coordinated system. Parents seeking a place outside the normal Reception intake must contact the school directly to inquire about availability. Given the one-form structure, vacancies mid-year are rare.

The high level of competition reflects the school's strong reputation and limited capacity. Families hoping for a place should ensure they meet the published criteria, particularly the faith requirements if applicable, and submit all necessary documentation by the deadline. Late applications significantly reduce the chances of success.

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School is a high-performing urban primary that combines historical roots with contemporary ambition. Its standout feature is delivering academic outcomes well above national averages despite serving a diverse inner-city community and operating at a scale where resources and facilities are inevitably constrained. The school ranks in the top 14% nationally for Key Stage 2 performance, an impressive achievement for a single-form entry school.

The intimacy of a small school brings tangible benefits: every child is known, behaviour is outstanding, and a genuine family atmosphere prevails. Staff have strong subject knowledge and the curriculum is broad and creative, enriched by regular access to London's museums, galleries and theatres. Early reading is a particular strength, with rigorous phonics teaching ensuring most pupils become confident readers. Maths and grammar are also consistently strong.

However, there are areas where improvement is needed. Writing outcomes lag behind reading and maths, with teachers' expectations not yet matching those in other core subjects. Consistency in foundation subjects could be stronger, particularly for pupils with SEND. Science results, whilst respectable, are slightly below national averages.

St Andrew's is an excellent choice for families who value a small, nurturing environment with a Christian ethos, strong academic standards, and a central London location that brings the capital's resources within easy reach. The school's faith character means it is particularly well-suited to families actively involved in the Church of England or comfortable with daily collective worship and religious education within a Christian framework. The oversubscription and faith-based admissions criteria mean securing a place requires meeting specific conditions or living very locally.

This is not a school for families seeking extensive sports facilities, sprawling grounds or a large, anonymous setting. It is also unlikely to suit those uncomfortable with a faith-based ethos, even if the school welcomes all backgrounds. For the right family, however, St Andrew's offers something increasingly rare in London: a small, inclusive, high-achieving primary with a sense of community and history stretching back more than 200 years.

Is St Andrew's Church of England Primary School a good school?

Yes. St Andrew's is rated Good by Ofsted as of June 2024 and delivers academic results well above national averages. 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2, compared to 62% nationally, and 32% achieved the higher standard compared to just 8% nationally. The school ranks in the top 14% of primaries in England and 15th out of around 90 primaries in Lambeth. Behaviour is outstanding, the curriculum is broad and creative, and early reading is particularly strong. Areas for improvement include raising expectations in writing and ensuring consistency in foundation subjects.

How do I apply to St Andrew's Church of England Primary School?

For Reception entry, apply through Lambeth Council's coordinated admissions system using the Common Application Form. You must also complete a supplementary St Andrew's Admissions Form and submit it directly to the school. The deadline for September 2026 entry was midnight on 15 January 2026. As a Church of England voluntary aided school, St Andrew's gives priority to regular worshippers at St Andrew's Church when oversubscribed. For in-year admissions to Years 1–6, contact the school directly, as they do not participate in Lambeth's in-year system. Visit the school website or contact the school office for detailed admissions criteria and upcoming open events.

What is the catchment area for St Andrew's Primary School in Stockwell?

St Andrew's does not operate a defined geographical catchment area. As a Church of England voluntary aided school, it sets its own admissions criteria, giving priority to regular worshippers at the linked St Andrew's Church when oversubscribed. The school received 29 applications for 12 Reception places in the most recent round, with all first-preference offers accepted, indicating strong local demand. Specific distance data and full oversubscription criteria should be confirmed via the school's published admissions policy or by contacting the school office directly.

What are the school's strengths according to Ofsted?

The June 2024 Ofsted report highlighted several strengths: pupils' behaviour in and around the school is outstanding; phonics teaching is consistently good and rigorous, ensuring strong early reading; the curriculum is broad, balanced and rich in creativity; teaching follows a logical sequence supporting deep understanding, particularly in maths; teachers have strong subject knowledge and use questioning skilfully; teaching assistants provide appropriate additional support; and a comprehensive programme of enrichment activities, including regular visits to London's museums, galleries and theatres, broadens pupils' experiences.

Does St Andrew's have a sixth form or nursery provision?

No. St Andrew's is a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11, covering Reception through to Year 6. It does not have sixth form provision or a nursery. Children typically join in Reception at age 4. The school offers before and after-school care through a breakfast club and extended childcare provision to support working families.