Telferscot Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding State Primary in Balham

Telferscot Primary School is a two-form entry state primary school in Balham, London, serving children aged 3 to 11. Established on its current site for over a century, the school retains what staff describe as a "village feel" despite its urban setting between Balham and Streatham. Rated Outstanding across all categories in its February 2025 Ofsted inspection, Telferscot combines strong academic outcomes with a distinctive Forest School programme that takes Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils to Tooting Common for weekly sessions. The school educates 417 pupils with a pupil–teacher ratio of approximately 21:1, offering nursery provision alongside 60 Reception places each year. In the most recent published results, 84% of Year 6 pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—well above the national average of 62%—while 37% reached the higher standard, placing the school in the top quartile nationally. Admission is consistently oversubscribed, with reception places receiving more than three applications for every place offered. Headteacher David Cooper has led the school since January 2021.

Telferscot Primary School has occupied its Telferscot Road site for more than 100 years, building a history rooted in the local Balham and Streatham communities. The school's ethos centres on maintaining what it calls a "small school feeling"—a sense of familiarity and community cohesion within a two-form entry setting. Ofsted inspectors in February 2025 observed that pupils show enthusiasm and pride in their learning, express a strong sense of belonging, and appreciate diverse opinions and beliefs within the school community. The inspection noted that positive relationships between staff and pupils foster mutual respect and a vibrant atmosphere.

Under the leadership of David Cooper, who joined as headteacher in 2021, the school emphasises safeguarding and the welfare of every child. Cooper also serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, supported by Deputy Head Bex Diplock, Assistant Head Eleanor Keegan, SENDCo Sarah Brogden, and Pastoral Lead Sammi Burrows. The senior team's structure reflects a commitment to pastoral care and inclusion alongside academic achievement.

The school has embedded environmental awareness and children's rights into its curriculum, evidenced by its Eco-Schools Green Flag status and participation in UNICEF's Rights Respecting Schools initiative. Pupils are encouraged to engage with social justice issues through the Social Justice Champions programme and School Council, fostering a sense of civic responsibility from an early age. The Parent-Staff Association actively supports enrichment activities and fundraising, reinforcing the collaborative community ethos.

Telferscot Primary School ranks 3,209th in England for primary attainment, placing it above national averages and in the top 22% of state primaries nationally. Within Lambeth, the school ranks 19th out of the local authority's primary schools. The most recent Key Stage 2 results show 84% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly ahead of the 62% England average. More notably, 37% of pupils reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths—more than four times the national figure of 8%.

In reading, 85% of pupils met the expected standard with an average scaled score of 108, and 40% achieved the higher score. Maths performance was similarly strong, with 85% meeting expectations, an average scaled score of 106, and 40% reaching the higher standard. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 83% met the expected standard, while 40% scored at the higher level. Writing outcomes showed 85% at the expected standard and 30% working at greater depth. Science performance was notably strong, with 91% of pupils meeting the expected standard—well above the 82% England average.

The curriculum is broad and enriched with specialist teaching in several areas. PE is delivered by Moving Matters, a specialist provider, with each class receiving one weekly session focusing on a different sport each half term. The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports annually and competes successfully in inter-school tournaments; recent successes include Year 6 netball and tag rugby teams winning Lambeth tournaments and representing the borough at the London Youth Games. French is taught as a modern foreign language across Key Stage 2. Music provision includes infant and junior choirs and a strings club, with regular opportunities for pupils to perform at venues such as the Southbank Centre and Lambeth Assembly Rooms as part of the Lambeth Music Festival. Year 4 pupils participate in the Story Seekers Project with The National Theatre and Unicorn Theatre, developing communication and storytelling skills. The school holds an annual Arts and Literature Festival featuring visiting authors, and Year 6 pupils can complete their Bronze Arts Award.

Educational visits are integral to the curriculum. Year 1 pupils visit Balham Library to explore Victorian life in Wandsworth, Year 4 visit Hampton Court Palace as part of their Tudor topic, and Year 5 attend the V&A to extend their learning about early Islamic civilisation through art and mathematics. Year 6 pupils undertake a residential trip, and the school organises specialist visits from Olympians and elite athletes, including former pupils, to inspire children.

Telferscot holds a Silver Shakespeare Schools Badge, is a member of Maths Hubs, and is accredited by Music Mark, reflecting commitment to specialist curriculum areas.

Telferscot Primary School operates as a two-form entry school with 15 classes: one nursery class, six Key Stage 1 classes (Reception, Year 1, Year 2), and eight Key Stage 2 classes (Years 3, 4, 5, 6). Average class size is 28 pupils. The school's site includes a dedicated Forest School area and outdoor classroom, though many Forest School sessions take place on nearby Tooting Common. Nursery and Reception pupils attend Forest School weekly, while Years 1 and 2 participate fortnightly in hour-long sessions. Activities include whittling wood, bug hunts, campfire singing, collecting natural materials for artwork, and climbing fallen trees on the common. The school views Forest School as vital for developing independence, confidence, self-esteem, and connection to the natural world in an urban context.

Extracurricular provision is extensive. The school offers a Breakfast Club from 7.30am to 8.40am (£7 per session) and the Telferscot After School Club (TASC) from 3.30pm to 6pm (£15 per session, with a reduced rate for five-day attendance). Numerous after-school sports clubs are run by school staff, specialist coaches, and external organisations, covering a range of sports throughout the year. Key Stage 2 pupils participate in an annual Sports Day at Tooting Athletic Track, while Early Years and Key Stage 1 use Tooting Bec Common. School-wide physical activity initiatives include charity events and National Fitness Day. Year 3 pupils attend fortnightly Arts and Crafts sessions, creating artworks displayed around the school or taken home. Music clubs and instrumental lessons lead to summer showcases and instrumental concerts for Key Stage 2 pupils.

The school's Eco-Schools Green Flag reflects ongoing environmental work by the Eco Team, which raises awareness and promotes sustainability. Telferscot is also a TfL Gold Stars Award accredited school for active travel initiatives, encouraging walking, cycling, and scooting to school.

Telferscot Primary School supports pupils across four broad areas of need: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social and emotional mental health difficulties, and sensory and physical needs. Currently, 2% of eligible pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan, while 13% receive SEN support—in line with national patterns. Sarah Brogden serves as SENDCo, working alongside Headteacher David Cooper who also holds the role of Inclusion Leader. The school employs a Specific Learning Difficulties Tutor, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Behaviour and Learning Consultant, a Play Therapist, and Emotional Support Teaching Assistants.

Support is delivered through three tiers. Quality First Teaching ensures all lessons are differentiated to meet individual learners' needs. Targeted group work provides specialist interventions delivered by teachers, teaching assistants, or external professionals. Individual support, typically through Education, Health and Care Plans, is available for pupils with severe, complex, and lifelong needs. Class teachers continuously monitor progress, with the SENDCo reviewing findings termly alongside the Headteacher. Assessment incorporates teacher observations, staff reports, parental input, and importantly, the pupil's voice.

Ofsted's February 2025 inspection highlighted that disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make rapid progress due to tailored support. Teachers demonstrate robust subject knowledge and adapt lessons skilfully, using carefully selected resources to ensure all learners achieve well. Parents are involved in regular meetings, Individual Learning Plan reviews three times annually, and discussions with external professionals. The school coordinates with feeder and receiving schools' SENDCos to support transitions and provides focused transition learning to ease adjustment.

Telferscot Primary School is highly competitive. The school offers 60 Reception places each year and received 191 applications for those places in the most recent admissions round, resulting in a subscription rate of 3.18:1—meaning the school received more than three applications for every place offered. The school's status is classified as Oversubscribed. First-preference applicants exceed first-preference offers by a ratio of 1.13, indicating that some first-preference applicants are not successful in securing places.

Applications are managed by Lambeth Council Admissions Team through the eAdmissions website. Families living outside Lambeth must apply through their home local authority. For children starting Reception in September 2026, the application window opens in September 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026. The school operates a single annual intake in September. Specific admissions criteria are set out in Lambeth Council's determined admission arrangements and the school's Admissions Policy, available on the school website. Families with accepted places receive an introduction meeting and an individual induction meeting with the class teacher before September entry.

In-year transfer applications for Years 1 to 6 must be made to Lambeth Council or the family's home borough. The school offers Reception tours on Friday mornings at 9am from September through December; booking is required via the school office. Given the level of demand, families are advised to research admissions criteria carefully and to list additional schools on their application forms. Living in an area where children have historically attended the school does not guarantee admission, as catchment distances and sibling numbers vary year to year.

Telferscot Primary School delivers strong academic outcomes and a well-rounded educational experience within a supportive, community-focused environment. Its Outstanding rating across all Ofsted categories in February 2025 reflects sustained quality. The school's attainment figures—84% meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, and 37% reaching the higher standard—place it comfortably in the top quartile nationally and well ahead of typical London primaries. These results are particularly impressive given the school's inclusive ethos and commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs, who make rapid progress according to inspectors.

The Forest School programme distinguishes Telferscot from many urban primaries, offering regular outdoor learning experiences that develop confidence and connection to nature. Enrichment is broad, from specialist PE and music provision to drama partnerships with the National Theatre and Unicorn Theatre. Competitive sports teams, choirs performing at the Southbank Centre, and a Bronze Arts Award pathway demonstrate a commitment to developing pupils' talents beyond the classroom. The school's environmental credentials, evidenced by its Eco-Schools Green Flag and TfL Gold Stars Award, reflect values embedded in the curriculum.

However, competition for places is intense. With over three applications per place and a catchment that fluctuates annually, families must approach admissions realistically, ensuring they list alternative schools and understand the local authority's criteria. The school's two-form entry structure and average class size of 28 mean it retains an intimate, community atmosphere but offers fewer places than larger primaries nearby.

For families seeking a state primary with strong attainment, a rich extracurricular offer, and a values-driven ethos rooted in environmental awareness and social justice, Telferscot represents an excellent choice—provided they can secure a place. The leadership team's focus on safeguarding, inclusion, and pastoral care, combined with specialist teaching and a broad curriculum, creates an environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school's century-long presence in Balham, coupled with its recent Outstanding inspection, suggests this is a stable, well-led institution that continues to meet the needs of its community effectively.

Is Telferscot Primary School a good school?

Yes. Telferscot Primary School was rated Outstanding across all categories—quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management—in its February 2025 Ofsted inspection. The school ranks in the top 22% of primary schools in England for attainment, with 84% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined in the most recent published results, well above the national average of 62%. The school combines strong academic outcomes with a distinctive Forest School programme and extensive extracurricular provision in sports, music, and the arts.

How do I apply to Telferscot Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are managed by Lambeth Council Admissions Team through the eAdmissions website at www.eadmissions.org.uk. Families living outside Lambeth must apply through their home local authority. For children starting Reception in September 2026, the application window opens in September 2025 and closes on 15 January 2026. The school offers 60 Reception places each year. In-year transfer applications for Years 1 to 6 must also be made to Lambeth Council or your home borough. Reception tours are available on Friday mornings at 9am from September to December; booking is required via the school office at office@telferscot.co.uk or 020 8673 7362.

Is Telferscot Primary School oversubscribed?

Yes. Telferscot Primary School is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 191 applications for 60 Reception places, resulting in a subscription rate of 3.18:1—more than three applications for every available place. Given this level of demand, families are advised to research Lambeth Council's admissions criteria carefully and to list alternative schools on their application forms. Living in an area where children have historically attended the school does not guarantee admission, as catchment distances and sibling numbers vary each year.

What is the catchment area for Telferscot Primary School?

Telferscot Primary School does not publish a fixed catchment area. Admissions are managed by Lambeth Council, which uses specific criteria set out in its determined admission arrangements. These criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and proximity to the school. The furthest distance offered varies from year to year depending on the number of sibling applications and the overall demand for places. Families should consult Lambeth Council's admissions team and the school's Admissions Policy on the school website for the most current information.

What age range does Telferscot Primary School cover?

Telferscot Primary School caters for children aged 3 to 11. The school offers nursery provision for 3-year-olds, with both part-time and full-time places available. Reception entry is at age 4, and the school continues through to Year 6, covering the full primary age range. The school is a two-form entry primary with 15 classes: one nursery class, six Key Stage 1 classes (Reception, Year 1, Year 2), and eight Key Stage 2 classes (Years 3, 4, 5, 6).

What extracurricular activities does Telferscot Primary School offer?

Telferscot offers extensive extracurricular provision. The school runs between 10 and 15 different sports clubs throughout the year, led by school staff, specialist coaches, and external organisations. Music provision includes infant and junior choirs and a strings club, with opportunities to perform at the Southbank Centre and Lambeth Assembly Rooms. Year 3 pupils attend fortnightly Arts and Crafts sessions, and Year 6 can complete their Bronze Arts Award. The school operates a Breakfast Club from 7.30am to 8.40am and an After School Club (TASC) from 3.30pm to 6pm. Additional activities include Forest School for Early Years and Key Stage 1, educational visits for all year groups, a Year 6 residential trip, and participation in inter-school sports competitions.