Deptford Park Primary School Review 2026: Three-Form Community Primary with Arts Specialism in Deptford

Deptford Park Primary School is a three-form entry community primary in Deptford, Lewisham, serving 630 pupils aged 3 to 11. The school operates under the motto "The World in Our School," positioning itself as a large building with a small, nurturing family atmosphere. Rated Good by Ofsted in its December 2022 inspection, Deptford Park has earned recognition as a Music Mark Proud School (2024-25) and holds Bronze awards for its Race Charter Mark and sustainability efforts. The school occupies a substantial site on Evelyn Street with a dedicated Arts Block for specialist teaching in dance, art, and music. Headteacher Cat Washbrook leads a curriculum focused on phonics, reading improvement, and fostering respect for diverse cultures and beliefs within a diverse community where 46% of pupils have English as an additional language.

Deptford Park articulates its mission through a commitment to the broadest meaning of education while maintaining excellent academic standards. The school philosophy emphasises that learning should be enjoyable and is for all ages—extending to students, teachers, support staff, and the school as an institution. The ethos centres on forging close ties with the neighbourhood and actively encouraging parental involvement in children's education.

The school presents a deliberately dual identity: its external appearance as a large primary is balanced by an internal culture that prioritises nurturing relationships and a family atmosphere. This approach reflects the school's position as a community hub in Deptford, serving families from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Approximately 43% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, placing the school above the national average and underscoring its role supporting families across different socioeconomic circumstances.

Under Cat Washbrook's leadership, Deptford Park has secured multiple awards recognising its commitment to the arts, equality, and sustainability. The Healthy School status, Green Trees Silver Award, and Operation Encompass partnership signal a broad pastoral and wellbeing framework. The school's Race Charter Mark (Bronze) and Arts Award reflect priorities around diversity and creative education within a multicultural setting.

Deptford Park's most recent Key Stage 2 results show 62% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, matching the national average of 62%. However, the school ranks 14,210th in England for primary performance, placing it in the lower tier nationally and 60th within Lewisham. These figures suggest attainment remains a work in progress despite recent improvements.

Breaking down the metrics, reading performance shows an average scaled score of 100, with 61% reaching the expected standard and 10% achieving the higher score. Writing demonstrates a stronger picture, with 25% reaching greater depth. Mathematics presents a challenge, with only 49% reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 99, both below the national benchmarks. Grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) achieves an average scaled score of 102, with 59% at the expected standard and 16% at the higher score. Science outcomes are notably strong, with 80% reaching the expected standard.

Ofsted's December 2022 inspection highlighted significant improvement in reading standards, attributing progress to a very good start in phonics. Inspectors noted steady progress in maths and reading, with targeted support delivered through small group work and individual tuition for pupils falling behind. The school's approach to SEND provision was commended, with SEND pupils achieving well due to good support.

The inspection identified that more time is needed for independent work as an area for development. Ofsted observed that pupils behave well and are respectful of different cultures and beliefs, reflecting the school's inclusive ethos. Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective, and pupils reported feeling safe and aware of dangers such as cyberbullying. The caring atmosphere was noted as promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

With 630 places and a current roll reported at varying figures (231 pupils per Ofsted, 273 per some sources, and 330 per others), the school appears to operate below full capacity, which may reflect demographic shifts or competition from neighbouring primaries. The school includes nursery provision for three-year-olds.

Deptford Park's substantial campus features a purpose-built Arts Block that enhances specialist teaching in dance, art, and music. Children have opportunities to learn musical instruments, and the school's Music Mark Proud School status for 2024-25 signals a strong performing arts programme. After-school clubs include chess and multi-sports, alongside gifted and talented groups and booster classes designed to accelerate progress for targeted pupils.

The school organises trips and visits to museums, theatres, and sports competitions, broadening pupils' cultural and educational experiences. A School Council provides pupils with a voice in school decision-making. Holiday and out-of-school activities extend provision beyond the standard term-time offer. The school maintains Healthy School status and has achieved the Green Trees Silver Award, indicating commitment to environmental education and outdoor learning.

Parent communication is facilitated through the Compass Parent Portal, regular newsletters, and letters home. The school website provides year-group-specific resources from Reception through Year 6. Operation Encompass, a police and schools partnership focused on supporting children affected by domestic abuse, is in place to safeguard vulnerable pupils.

Deptford Park is heavily oversubscribed at the Reception stage. For primary-phase entry, the school made just 20 offers against 70 applications, representing a subscription proportion of 3.5 to 1. All first preference applicants who were offered places received them, indicating the school fills all its Reception places with first-choice families but turns away a large number of applicants.

Lewisham Council administers admissions for Deptford Park via the coordinated scheme. Applications for Reception entry in September must be submitted by mid-January, with offers made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Parents apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk or via a Common Application Form, listing up to six preferences in order.

When oversubscribed, Deptford Park applies standard Lewisham criteria: looked-after and previously looked-after children receive top priority, followed by children with exceptional medical or social needs supported by professional documentation, then siblings, and finally those living closest to the school measured in a straight line. Distance from the school is the tiebreaker for most applicants in practice. No supplementary information form is required.

The school does not publish the furthest distance offered in recent years, and precise catchment boundaries are not defined. Families should contact Lewisham Council on 020 8314 8282 or at schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk to discuss realistic chances based on home address. The oversubscription ratio and sibling priority mean that catchment distances likely vary year on year. Prospective parents are advised to use all six preferences to secure a place at a suitable school.

Deptford's urban setting in southeast London means families have access to multiple primary options within the borough, contributing to competitive dynamics. The school's Good Ofsted rating and arts specialism attract families seeking a values-driven, creative curriculum in a diverse environment.

Deptford Park Primary School serves as a community anchor in Deptford, delivering a Good Ofsted-rated education within a large, diverse setting. Its defining strength lies in its commitment to the arts—evidenced by the Music Mark designation and purpose-built Arts Block—and its inclusive ethos under the "World in Our School" motto. The school's racial and linguistic diversity, combined with its awards for equality and sustainability, create a learning environment that reflects and celebrates the multicultural neighbourhood it serves.

Academically, Deptford Park presents a mixed picture. Reading standards have improved significantly, and science outcomes are strong. However, mathematics remains an area requiring further development, and the school's lower national ranking reflects attainment levels that, while meeting the national average overall, lag behind higher-performing primaries in the borough and nationally. The school's targeted interventions and small-group support for pupils who fall behind demonstrate a responsive approach to closing gaps.

Families attracted to Deptford Park will likely value its emphasis on creativity, diversity, and community cohesion over league table performance. The school's pastoral care, safeguarding, and inclusive ethos make it a nurturing choice for families seeking a values-led education. The high level of oversubscription indicates strong local demand, and prospective parents should be realistic about catchment distances given the 3.5 to 1 application ratio.

For parents prioritising academic attainment and national rankings, other Lewisham primaries may offer stronger outcomes. For those drawn to a creative curriculum, multicultural environment, and community-centred ethos, Deptford Park provides a stable, caring setting where children are encouraged to explore their talents and respect difference. The school's trajectory shows improvement in reading and a commitment to continual development, making it a solid local choice for families within realistic walking distance of Evelyn Street.

Is Deptford Park Primary School a good school?

Deptford Park Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted following its December 2022 inspection. The school achieves at the national average overall in Key Stage 2 tests (62% reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics), with particular strengths in science (80% at expected standard) and improving reading standards. Mathematics attainment is below national benchmarks, with 49% reaching the expected standard. Inspectors praised the school's behaviour, safeguarding, SEND support, and inclusive ethos. The school ranks 14,210th in England for primary performance and 60th in Lewisham, placing it in the lower tier nationally. Families value Deptford Park for its strong arts provision, Music Mark Proud School status, diverse community, and nurturing atmosphere.

How do I apply to Deptford Park Primary School?

Apply for Reception places through Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions scheme. Applications for September entry open in early September and close in mid-January, with offers made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk or request a Common Application Form from Lewisham Admissions and Appeals Team. List up to six schools in order of preference. Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, those with exceptional medical/social needs, siblings, and then proximity to the school measured in a straight line. No supplementary form is required. Contact Lewisham admissions on 020 8314 8282 or schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk for guidance.

What are the admissions criteria for Deptford Park Primary School?

Lewisham Council applies standard criteria when Deptford Park is oversubscribed: (1) looked-after and previously looked-after children; (2) children with exceptional medical or social needs for the school, supported by professional documentation; (3) siblings already attending the school; (4) children living closest to the school, measured in a straight line. Distance is the decisive factor for most applicants after sibling and looked-after children are accommodated. The school made 20 offers from 70 applications for Reception entry, a subscription ratio of 3.5 to 1, indicating significant oversubscription. Families should use all six preferences and contact Lewisham Council to discuss realistic chances based on home address.

What are Deptford Park Primary School's strengths?

Deptford Park's key strengths include its commitment to the arts, with a dedicated Arts Block for specialist teaching in dance, art, and music, and Music Mark Proud School status for 2024-25. The school offers a diverse, inclusive environment under the motto "The World in Our School," with 46% of pupils having English as an additional language and strong racial and cultural diversity. Ofsted noted significant improvements in reading standards and very good phonics teaching. Science attainment is strong, with 80% reaching the expected standard. The school provides effective SEND support, good behaviour, a caring atmosphere, and robust safeguarding. Awards include Race Charter Mark (Bronze), Green Trees Silver Award, Arts Award, and Healthy School status.

What are the pupil outcomes at Deptford Park Primary School?

At Key Stage 2, 62% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, matching the national average of 62%. Reading: 61% at expected standard, 10% at higher standard, average scaled score 100. Writing: 25% at greater depth. Mathematics: 49% at expected standard (below national average), 12% at higher standard, average scaled score 99. Grammar, punctuation and spelling: 59% at expected standard, 16% at higher standard, average scaled score 102. Science: 80% at expected standard. The school ranks 14,210th in England for primary performance and 60th in Lewisham. Ofsted highlighted steady progress, particularly in reading, with targeted support for pupils falling behind.

What is the catchment area for Deptford Park Primary School?

Deptford Park does not operate a fixed catchment area. Lewisham Council allocates places based on proximity measured in a straight line after prioritising looked-after children, those with exceptional needs, and siblings. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 70 applications for 20 Reception places (subscription ratio 3.5 to 1), meaning catchment distances vary year to year depending on sibling numbers and applicant distribution. The furthest distance offered is not published. Families should contact Lewisham Council on 020 8314 8282 or schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk to discuss realistic chances based on home postcode. Living very close to the school on Evelyn Street, SE8 5RJ, improves chances significantly.