Woodmansterne School

Woodmansterne School in Streatham, south London, has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2017, evolving from a small outstanding primary school into a thriving all-through institution serving 1,621 pupils aged 3 to 18. With its primary phase ranked 17th in Lambeth overall and 2,338th out of 14,978 nationally for primary academic outcomes, the school delivers strong outcomes for younger learners while building its secondary and sixth form provision. Rated Good overall by Ofsted in the most recent inspection (September 2024), with Outstanding judgements for behaviour and personal development, Woodmansterne's ethos centres on six core values: Cooperation, Aspiration, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Unity. Facilities include specialist science laboratories, dedicated ICT suites, and four multi-use games areas (MUGAs), supporting a diverse curriculum that spans from nursery provision through to A-levels and BTECs in the sixth form.

Woodmansterne began life as a primary school before undergoing expansion to become an all-through institution in 2017, when Lambeth London Borough Council opened a secondary department on the existing site. This growth reflects both the school's success and the demand from local families for quality provision across all age groups. The school community is united by its six core values, which underpin every aspect of behaviour, communication, learning and leadership.

The school describes itself as more than just an educational institution—it is a community with a shared commitment to achieving great things and bringing out the best in every child. The stated ethos goes beyond test results and performance tables, emphasising instead the school's responsibility to develop confident, capable young people. Set within a diverse and active community, Woodmansterne benefits from a rich variety of cultures and traditions that form the bedrock of its inclusive approach. The most recent Ofsted inspection recognised this, awarding Outstanding judgements for both behaviour and personal development.

Woodmansterne's all-through model offers continuity and a seamless transition between phases, removing many of the traditional barriers and anxieties associated with moving from primary to secondary education. This approach benefits pupils both from Woodmansterne's own primary phase and those joining from other schools. The school roll currently stands at 1,621 pupils with a capacity of 1,842, and the pupil-to-teacher ratio is approximately 17:1.

Primary Phase Performance

Woodmansterne's primary phase delivers strong results. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 70% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. Higher attainment is more modest in the current dataset, with 10% of pupils achieving the higher standard in all three subjects.

Scaled scores show consistent strength: reading averaged 109, mathematics 108, and grammar, punctuation and spelling 108. High-score rates remain strong in individual subjects, with 50% in reading, 40% in mathematics and 40% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Science outcomes were particularly robust, with 90% reaching the expected standard. These results place Woodmansterne 2,338th out of 14,978 nationally for primary academic outcomes, with its overall primary profile ranked 17th in Lambeth.

Secondary Phase and GCSE Results

The secondary phase, which admitted its first cohort in September 2017, is still maturing. GCSE outcomes in the latest data show an average Attainment 8 score of 49.3. Progress 8 stands at +0.24, indicating that pupils make positive progress from their starting points. The EBacc average point score is 4.4, while 11.2% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the full EBacc suite of subjects.

The secondary phase is ranked 7th in Lambeth overall and 1,538th out of 3,895 nationally for GCSE academic outcomes, placing it in the mid-range nationally. As the school's secondary provision continues to develop and embed, these outcomes provide a baseline from which further improvement is expected.

Sixth Form

The sixth form offers a range of A-levels, BTECs and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Recent A-level results show 10% of grades at A*, 10% at A, and 20% at B, with 30% of grades at A*–B combined. The sixth form is ranked 14th in Lambeth overall and 1,881st out of 2,549 nationally for A-level academic outcomes. Ofsted rated sixth form provision as Good in the most recent inspection.

Curriculum and Support

Woodmansterne operates subject-specific curricula across all year groups, with knowledge organisers and termly overviews to guide learning. In Years 7 and 8, pupils study a broad curriculum covering both the arts and the subjects that form the English Baccalaureate. At Key Stage 4, students undertake GCSEs, BTECs and Cambridge Nationals, with a structured options process to tailor pathways to individual interests and aspirations.

The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion and SEND support, with dedicated services ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive appropriate provision. Safeguarding, online safety and pupil wellbeing are prioritised, with the "Woody Well-being" initiative supporting mental health across the school community.

Woodmansterne's campus has been thoughtfully designed to support its all-through model. The secondary building includes specialist science laboratories, dedicated ICT suites, and four multi-use games areas (MUGAs), enabling a wide range of physical education and sporting activities. The school offers 10 to 15 different sports over the course of the year, with competitive teams in major sports from Year 3 upwards.

Extracurricular provision is extensive. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is available, with parent information evenings held for interested families. Arts opportunities include music lessons in brass, recorder, violin, cello and piano, available for pupils in Years 1 to 6 as individual or small group sessions. The school has a choir and instrumental ensemble, and creative and performing arts clubs are offered both during and after school. External providers, including The Rose Arts London, deliver after-school clubs in musical theatre, ballet, capoeira, drama, gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and martial arts.

Student voice is facilitated through the School Council, Eco Council, and Peer Mediators programmes, giving pupils a meaningful role in shaping their school community. Forest School and Healthy Schools initiatives further enrich the curriculum, and a programme of trips and educational visits broadens horizons beyond the classroom.

Woodmansterne School is a non-selective community school, and all admissions are managed through the London Borough of Lambeth. The school follows Lambeth's standard admissions criteria for community schools, which typically prioritise looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and proximity to the school.

Reception Entry

For September 2025, 90 Reception places are available. National Offer Day is Wednesday 16th April 2025. Families apply through Lambeth's coordinated admissions process, and no entrance tests or supplementary information are required. In recent years, the school has been heavily oversubscribed: in 2023, 445 applications were received for just 28 offers, equating to around 16 applications per place. The school's admissions data shows 285 applications for 89 primary offers, with the furthest distance offered at 0.48 miles. Families living very close to the school have the best chance of securing a place.

Year 7 Entry

The Year 7 admissions process is streamlined for pupils already attending Woodmansterne's primary phase. Children in Year 6 who remain on roll during the secondary transfer application process automatically transfer to the secondary provision, meaning that four Year 6 classes are already included in the Year 7 intake. The remaining Year 7 places are allocated through Lambeth's coordinated admissions process.

For external applicants, competition is intense. The school received 461 applications for 55 secondary offers, with a subscription ratio of 8.38 to 1. First-preference demand significantly exceeds the number of places available. Parents should apply by the LA deadline (typically 31st October for secondary transfer) and confirm details on the Lambeth Council website.

Sixth Form Entry

The sixth form accepts applications from both internal and external students. Entry requirements depend on the courses selected, with A-level pathways typically requiring a minimum GCSE attainment threshold. Prospective students should contact the school directly for specific entry criteria and application deadlines.

Advice for Applicants

Woodmansterne is highly competitive at all entry points, particularly for families living beyond the immediate vicinity. The furthest distance offered of 0.48 miles indicates that proximity is crucial. Families should ensure they list the school on their application form (naming up to six preferences for primary and secondary), but also include realistic alternative schools. Visiting the school on an open day is strongly recommended to understand its ethos and whether it aligns with family values. Contact the admissions team at admissions@woodmansterne.london for school-specific queries, or Lambeth Council on 0207 926 9503 for application process support.

Woodmansterne School represents an ambitious and largely successful all-through model in the heart of Streatham. Its primary phase is a particular strength, delivering outcomes well above national averages and ranked among the top performers in Lambeth. Behaviour and personal development are Outstanding, reflecting a culture built on clear values and high expectations. Families seeking continuity from nursery through to sixth form, combined with a genuinely inclusive and diverse community, will find much to value here.

The secondary phase and sixth form, while rated Good and making positive progress, are still developing their track record. GCSE and A-level outcomes are currently in line with or below national averages, though Progress 8 is positive at secondary level. For families prioritising academic results at post-16, outcomes may not yet match those of more established sixth form providers. However, the trajectory is encouraging, and the school's commitment to a broad curriculum, strong pastoral care, and enrichment opportunities provides a solid foundation for future growth.

Admissions are fiercely competitive across all entry points, particularly at Reception and Year 7. Families living within half a mile have the strongest chance of securing a place, but even proximity is no guarantee given the level of demand. For those fortunate enough to gain entry, Woodmansterne offers a well-resourced, values-driven education in an inclusive and supportive environment. It is best suited to families who value community, personal development, and a broad educational experience over a singular focus on league table rankings.

Is Woodmansterne School a good school?

Woodmansterne School is rated Good by Ofsted, with Outstanding judgements for behaviour and personal development. The primary phase delivers strong results, ranking 17th in Lambeth overall and 2,338th out of 14,978 nationally for primary academic outcomes. Secondary GCSE outcomes show positive Progress 8 and rank 1,538th out of 3,895 nationally for academic outcomes, while sixth form A-level outcomes rank 1,881st out of 2,549 nationally. The school offers a strong ethos built on six core values, an inclusive community, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.

How do I apply to Woodmansterne School?

All admissions are managed through the London Borough of Lambeth. For Reception and Year 7 entry, apply via Lambeth's coordinated admissions system by the published deadlines (typically mid-January for Reception, 31st October for Year 7). No entrance tests or supplementary forms are required. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with the furthest distance offered at 0.48 miles. Sixth form applicants should contact the school directly. Visit the Lambeth Council website for application details or email admissions@woodmansterne.london with queries.

What are the admissions criteria for Woodmansterne School?

Woodmansterne follows Lambeth's standard community school admissions criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, children with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and proximity to the school. No catchment area guarantees a place. Children in Year 6 at Woodmansterne Primary automatically transfer to the secondary phase if they remain on roll during the application process. All other applicants are considered through the LA's coordinated process.

What is the catchment area for Woodmansterne School?

Woodmansterne does not have a defined catchment area. Admissions are determined by Lambeth's oversubscription criteria, with proximity playing a significant role. In recent years, the furthest distance offered was 0.48 miles, indicating that families need to live very close to the school to have a realistic chance of securing a place. Demand far exceeds supply at all entry points.

Does Woodmansterne School have a sixth form?

Yes, Woodmansterne has a sixth form offering A-levels, BTECs and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Sixth form provision is rated Good by Ofsted. Recent A-level results show 30% of grades at A*–B, with the sixth form ranked 1,881st out of 2,549 nationally for A-level academic outcomes. Entry requirements vary by course; prospective students should contact the school for specific criteria.

What extracurricular activities does Woodmansterne School offer?

Woodmansterne offers the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, 10 to 15 different sports over the year with competitive teams from Year 3, and extensive arts provision including music lessons (brass, recorder, violin, cello, piano), choir, instrumental ensemble, drama, dance, and musical theatre. Externally-run clubs include gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, capoeira and ballet. Student leadership opportunities exist through the School Council, Eco Council and Peer Mediators programmes.

What are the school's core values?

Woodmansterne's ethos is built on six core values: Cooperation, Aspiration, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Unity. These underpin behaviour, communication, learning and leadership across the school. The school describes itself as a community with a united desire to achieve great things and develop every child to be the best version of themselves.