Baring Primary School Review 2026: Multilingual Community Hub in Lee

Baring Primary School is a one-form entry community primary in the Lee area of Lewisham, taking up to 30 pupils per year group from nursery (age 3) through to Year 6. The school roll currently stands at around 212 pupils against a capacity of 240. Headteacher Caroline Phillips leads a school that has earned recognition from the British Council for its international dimension, with a partnership school in India and imaginative language activities that reflect the 40-plus languages spoken by families in the community.

Ofsted's most recent inspection in January 2025 rated the school Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding. This reflects the school's strong ethos of respect, empathy and kindness, underpinned by 11 core values taught in British Sign Language throughout the year. The school holds a British Council International School Award, acknowledging its commitment to global citizenship and intercultural learning.

Academically, most recent results show 67% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%. In maths, 68% reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 102. Reading performance was also solid, with 73% reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 104. The school has focused on improving outcomes in reading through a dedicated programme in Key Stage 2 and investment in quality reading materials.

Baring is located on Linchmere Road in Lee, London SE12 0NB, a short walk from Lee station. The school serves a diverse urban neighbourhood, with families drawn primarily from the streets immediately surrounding the school. Admissions are managed by Lewisham Council, and the school is regularly oversubscribed; recent data shows 89 applications for just 22 Reception places, a subscription ratio of over 4:1.

Baring Primary School's mission is to inspire children to be the very best they can be, striving for excellence and celebrating achievement. This vision is realised through relevant and enriching teaching, strong partnerships with parents, and use of the school's environment and local area to facilitate learning. The school places particular emphasis on risk-taking, independence and celebrating the diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences of all members of the community.

Central to the school's ethos are 11 core values taught throughout the year: Communication, Honesty, Respect, Friendship, Perseverance, Empathy, Courage, Forgiveness, Responsibility, Kindness and Confidence. Each value is introduced in assemblies, reinforced in parent newsletters, and displayed around the school with corresponding British Sign Language signs. These values underpin everything the school does and provide a moral compass for pupils, staff and families alike.

The school's diversity is one of its defining features. With over 40 languages spoken by families, Baring is a genuinely multilingual environment where cultural differences are not just tolerated but actively celebrated. The school has signed a pledge alongside other Lewisham headteachers to promote and embed race equality and achievement for all, reflecting a commitment that runs through curriculum choices, assemblies and daily interactions.

Baring's international dimension has been formally recognised by the British Council through its International School Award. The school maintains a link with The Gurukul School in Panchkula, northern India, which has included exchange visits and collaborative learning projects. A "Language of the Month" programme introduces pupils to different languages and cultures throughout the year. This global outlook is woven into the curriculum and helps children understand their place in a wider world.

Leadership under headteacher Caroline Phillips has maintained consistency and a clear focus on improvement. The 2019 Ofsted inspection noted that the leadership team had a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, and the most recent inspection in 2025 confirmed Good leadership and management. Staff benefit from ongoing professional development, including training in new reading programmes and mathematics reasoning strategies.

Baring Primary School delivers a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to be relevant to its diverse pupil body. Recent years have seen a review and refresh of curriculum topics across all year groups, introducing more dynamic themes and a clearer focus for trips and external activities. Annual art and book weeks, alongside maths and science weeks, involve the whole school community and help bring learning to life beyond the classroom.

The curriculum is enriched by many trips and visitors across all year groups. All classes participate in the National Gallery's Take One Picture project, developing ideas and learning through art, dance, drama, music, reading and writing. Key Stage 2 pupils visit the Houses of Parliament for a tour covering history and how government works, while the School Council visits the Chambers of the Mayor of Lewisham to learn about local politics.

Forest School is another distinctive element, with all year groups accessing outdoor learning in a local park. This approach supports the school's commitment to using the environment as a catalyst for learning and aligns with its work on Sustainable Development Goals.

In reading, the school has made targeted improvements in recent years. A new programme was introduced in Key Stage 2 to develop reading skills, with teaching and support staff trained to implement these strategies confidently. Investment in quality reading materials has been welcomed by pupils. Most recent results show 73% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with an average scaled score of 104, and 19% achieved the higher standard.

Writing outcomes show 67% reaching the expected standard in the combined reading, writing and maths measure, though only 5% achieved greater depth in writing. This indicates that while most pupils meet age-related expectations, extending the most able writers remains an area for continued focus.

Mathematics has been a relative strength. Most recent results show 68% reaching the expected standard in maths, with an average scaled score of 102, and 16% achieving the higher standard. The mathematics leader has emphasised fluency and basic skills while developing reasoning abilities. Observations have confirmed that pupils can explain their methods confidently and demonstrate secure number skills. In 2018, pupil progress rates in maths at the end of Key Stage 2 were significantly above national averages.

In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 62% of pupils reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 103, and 24% achieved the higher standard. Science outcomes were strong, with 73% reaching the expected standard, though this is below the national average of 82%.

Overall, 67% of Year 6 pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. Additionally, 13% achieved the high standard across all three subjects, above the national figure of 8%. These results place Baring's performance above the national average, though the school's national ranking places it in the lower half of primaries nationally when considering all performance metrics.

Baring provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language. The school's multilingual environment means that support for EAL pupils is embedded across teaching, and staff are experienced in helping children develop English proficiency while respecting and valuing their home languages. Additional adults provide effective support in lessons, as noted in inspection reports.

The most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025 judged the quality of education as Good, with personal development rated Outstanding. This Outstanding grade reflects the school's exceptional work in developing pupils' character, confidence and understanding of the wider world. Behaviour and attitudes, early years provision, and leadership and management were all judged Good.

Baring Primary School occupies a single site on Linchmere Road in Lee, with classrooms, a hall, outdoor play areas and access to nearby green spaces for Forest School activities. The school's size—one form of entry with around 30 pupils per year group—means that pupils and staff know each other well, fostering a close-knit and friendly atmosphere.

Physical education and sport are taken seriously at Baring. The school has a long history of success in competitive sport, competing in the School Games in Lewisham and representing the borough in the London School Games in hockey and girls' football. The school has participated in the Lewisham Football League for around 20 years. Weekly professional sports coaches deliver lessons in a rolling programme covering hockey, tennis, football, swimming, dance, tag rugby and cricket. Specialist coaching is provided by Coleen (football), Blackheath Hockey Club, Shooters Hill Tennis Club and Platform Cricket. Children of all ages participate in a wide range of sporting activities and competitions including football, hockey, cricket, cup-stacking, tennis and basketball.

Extracurricular provision is varied, with a mixture of academic, creative and sporting clubs run by teachers, teaching assistants and external tutors. Clubs take place before school, at lunchtime and after school, usually running from the second week until the penultimate week of each term. Locations vary across the school building. Sports clubs include football, karate, hockey and general sports activities. Some clubs require payment, though there are also free clubs run by volunteers.

The 11 values programme is a central part of school life, with monthly assemblies and displays around the school reminding pupils of the importance of qualities such as perseverance, empathy and courage. Pupils learn the British Sign Language sign for each value, reinforcing inclusivity and communication across the diverse school community.

The school's partnership with The Gurukul School in India has included exchange visits, giving pupils the opportunity to share their learning and gain insight into life in another country. The Language of the Month programme introduces pupils to different languages, helping them appreciate the linguistic diversity within their own school and beyond.

Pastoral care and safeguarding are priorities, with headteacher Caroline Phillips holding overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. The Outstanding rating for personal development in the January 2025 inspection underlines the school's success in nurturing well-rounded, confident and respectful young people.

Baring Primary School admits 30 pupils to Reception each year, with applications managed by Lewisham Council through the online eadmissions system. The application window for September 2026 entry runs from 1 September 2025 until 11.59pm on 10 January 2026. Parents must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) and can express preferences for multiple schools.

The school is regularly oversubscribed. Recent admissions data shows 89 applications for 22 Reception places, a subscription ratio of over 4:1. This means competition for places is significant. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successful, indicating that families who rank Baring as their top choice and meet the oversubscription criteria have a good chance of securing a place.

Lewisham Council's oversubscription criteria apply. Priority is given first to looked-after children and previously looked-after children, followed by other criteria which typically include siblings, distance from home to school, and medical or social grounds. Specific details of the admissions policy and oversubscription criteria can be found on the Lewisham Council website and the school's own admissions page.

No published data is available for the furthest distance offered in recent years, but Baring serves a relatively small area immediately adjacent to the school. Families living within a few hundred metres of the school gates are likely to have the strongest chance of admission under distance criteria, assuming no siblings or other priority factors apply.

Lewisham has experienced falling primary rolls in recent years, with over 9% surplus places across the borough. However, this surplus is not evenly distributed, and schools in popular areas or with strong reputations—such as Baring—continue to see high demand. Parents considering Baring should apply through the coordinated admissions process and include the school among their preferences, ranking it first if it is their genuine top choice.

Because Baring is a state community primary, there are no fees or charges for admission, and no academic or aptitude testing is involved. The school welcomes children of all abilities and backgrounds, with admissions determined solely by the local authority's published criteria.

Baring Primary School is a warm, inclusive and internationally minded primary in Lee, well suited to families who value cultural diversity, strong pastoral care and a curriculum that looks beyond the classroom. The school's multilingual community—with over 40 languages spoken—creates a genuinely cosmopolitan atmosphere, and the British Council International School Award reflects a commitment to global citizenship that distinguishes Baring from many other local primaries.

Academic results are solid and above national averages in the core reading, writing and maths measure, with particular strength in mathematics where pupil progress has historically been strong. The school has invested in reading development, and this focus is evident in recent outcomes. While results are respectable, they place Baring in the lower half of the national distribution when all primaries are considered. For families prioritising elite academic performance or entrance to selective secondaries, other options may be more suitable. For those seeking a nurturing, values-driven education with good outcomes and a strong sense of community, Baring offers a compelling choice.

The Outstanding rating for personal development in the January 2025 Ofsted inspection is a headline achievement and speaks to the school's success in developing confident, respectful and empathetic children. The 11 values programme, taught in British Sign Language and reinforced throughout the year, provides a clear moral framework. The school's emphasis on equality, respect for diversity and international links prepares children well for life in modern, multicultural Britain.

Extracurricular provision is strong, particularly in sport, where Baring has a long track record of competitive success. Specialist coaching in football, hockey, tennis and cricket, combined with participation in borough and London-level competitions, gives pupils opportunities to excel beyond the academic curriculum. Forest School sessions and frequent trips and visitors add breadth and practical learning experiences.

The main challenge for prospective families is securing a place. With a subscription ratio of over 4:1, Baring is heavily oversubscribed, and living very close to the school is likely to be important for families without siblings already attending. Parents who live further away should consider Baring as part of a balanced set of preferences, understanding that proximity will be a key factor.

Baring Primary School is best suited to families who live locally, value a multicultural and multilingual environment, and want a school where their child will be known, supported and encouraged to develop as a well-rounded individual. The small size—one form of entry—means every child is visible, and the family atmosphere is one of the school's defining strengths. This is a school where difference is celebrated, where values matter, and where academic progress is achieved within a framework of care, respect and ambition.

Is Baring Primary School a good school?

Yes. Baring Primary School was judged Good overall by Ofsted in January 2025, with personal development rated Outstanding. Academic results are above national averages in reading, writing and maths combined, and the school has particular strengths in mathematics and personal development. The school's multilingual, multicultural community and British Council International School Award reflect a distinctive ethos and global outlook.

How do I apply to Baring Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made through Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions process via the eadmissions website. The application window for September 2026 entry runs from 1 September 2025 to 10 January 2026. Parents complete the Common Application Form and can express up to six preferences. Offers are made in April. Check the Lewisham Council admissions pages and the school website for detailed guidance and oversubscription criteria.

What are the admissions criteria for Baring Primary School?

Baring uses Lewisham Council's standard oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to looked-after and previously looked-after children, followed by other categories which typically include children with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings, and distance from home to school measured in a straight line. The school is regularly oversubscribed, so living very close to the school is important. Consult the Lewisham Council admissions policy and the school's admissions page for full details.

What languages are spoken at Baring Primary School?

Families at Baring speak over 40 different languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse primary schools in Lewisham. The school celebrates this diversity through its Language of the Month programme and International School Award activities. Support for pupils learning English as an additional language is embedded across teaching.

What extracurricular activities does Baring Primary School offer?

Baring offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs covering sport, creative activities and academic enrichment. Sports clubs include football, hockey, karate, cricket, tennis and general sports. Specialist coaching is provided by external coaches from Blackheath Hockey Club, Shooters Hill Tennis Club and Platform Cricket. The school also participates in competitive sports at borough and London level. Clubs run before school, at lunchtime and after school, with some requiring payment and others free.

What is the catchment area for Baring Primary School?

Baring serves a relatively small area immediately adjacent to the school on Linchmere Road in Lee. The school is regularly oversubscribed with a subscription ratio of over 4:1. No published data is available for the furthest distance offered, but families living within a few hundred metres of the school are likely to have the best chance of admission under distance criteria. Check with Lewisham Council for up-to-date information on distances offered in recent years.

Does Baring Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Baring Primary School has nursery provision for children from age 3. The school admits pupils from age 3 to 11, covering nursery, Reception and Years 1 to 6.

What are Baring Primary School's SATs results?

Most recent results show 67% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%. In maths, 68% reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 102. In reading, 73% reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 104. Overall, 13% achieved the high standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 8% nationally.