Edmund Waller Primary School Review 2026: Community-Rooted Excellence in New Cross

Edmund Waller Primary School serves its Telegraph Hill community with three core principles that shape daily life: humanity, creativity, and ambition. This two-form-entry community primary in New Cross, Lewisham, welcomes 451 pupils aged 3 to 11 and includes a specialist Resource Base for children with additional needs. Led by headteacher Anne Rennie since 2020, the school earned a Good rating from Ofsted in June 2023. The school occupies a larger-than-average site in south-east London, ranked 20th out of 41 Lewisham primaries and 3,817th nationally. With 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared to 62% nationally, Edmund Waller delivers strong academic outcomes while maintaining an ethos of visible kindness and inclusion.

Edmund Waller Primary School describes itself as "Everyone Welcome," reflecting a deliberate commitment to inclusivity across its diverse Telegraph Hill neighbourhood. The school's three core values underpin all aspects of school life: humanity fosters a culture of visible kindness where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully; creativity provides an environment where children develop skills to think imaginatively, explore the world and communicate their findings; and ambition maintains high expectations for all, ensuring equitable access to the curriculum and opportunities.

The school has a long history of engagement with its local community, though its exact founding date remains part of its heritage. Under Anne Rennie's leadership since 2020, the school continues to position itself as a vibrant, creative and nurturing environment where children can explore their learning and be themselves. Parent feedback describes it as "a true community school" with "thoughtful, intelligent leadership," praising the quality of teaching staff and extracurricular support.

The school's extensive site gives pupils room to explore and take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities that many London primaries cannot offer. The curriculum reflects the multicultural community it serves, helping children develop a sense of where they fit in the world as they learn about London and beyond. This focus on place and identity runs throughout the school's approach, fostering curiosity as pupils journey from nursery through Year 6.

Edmund Waller Primary School delivers outcomes well above the national average across the board. In the most recent results, 84% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly outperforming the national average of 62%. More impressive still, 30% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, compared to just 8% nationally. In reading alone, 89% met the expected standard and 51% achieved the high score, with an average scaled score of 109.

The school's performance places it in the top half of Lewisham primaries and within the national typical range nationally, ranking 3,817th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England. In maths, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 105, while 81% met the expected standard in grammar, punctuation and spelling with an average score of 106. Science results were equally strong, with 83% reaching the expected standard, marginally above the national average of 82%.

Ofsted inspectors in June 2023 found that teachers explain mathematical concepts clearly and demonstrate accurate subject knowledge, noting that pupils have made good progress in both mathematics and writing. However, the report identified the need to provide greater challenge for high-attaining pupils to ensure they reach their full potential. The school's leadership team, including deputy head Dan Absolom and assistant head Sue Greenbank, has focused on addressing these development points.

The school includes a dedicated Resource Base with Rockpool and Waterfall classes for pupils with additional educational needs, led by inclusion lead and SENCo Sue Greenbank. This specialist provision ensures that children requiring extra support benefit from tailored interventions within an inclusive mainstream setting. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into school life while receiving the targeted support they need to thrive.

Edmund Waller Primary School benefits from a larger-than-average site in the heart of Telegraph Hill, providing generous outdoor space for play, learning and exploration. The creative arts are central to school life, with specialist teachers ensuring that art and music are taught to a high standard. All children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, supported by an extensive range of before- and after-school music clubs.

The school offers a broad enrichment programme for pupils in Years 1 to 6, including sports, music, art, dance, languages, chess, gardening, Taekwondo, science and Lego clubs. Sporting achievement is a particular strength—all three football teams reached the local league finals, demonstrating the school's commitment to physical education and competitive sport. Older pupils particularly enjoy residential trips, and participation in after-school clubs is notably high.

Educational visits enrich the curriculum throughout the year, with pupils visiting museums, galleries and other places of interest across London. Memorable experiences include circus workshops, geography field trips, and arts-focused excursions that bring classroom learning to life. The school fosters pupil voice and democratic participation by allowing children to elect school council representatives and climate champions, ensuring their views shape school decisions.

Edmund Waller offers wraparound care through EWRAP (Edmund Waller Resource and Activity Provision), providing extended hours for working families. On-site school meals are available, and an active Parent Teacher Association supports the school community through fundraising and events. The school's nursery provision includes stay-and-play sessions to help new families settle into school life.

Edmund Waller Primary School is heavily oversubscribed, with 200 applications competing for 59 Reception places in the most recent admissions round—a subscription rate of 3.39. First preference applicants outnumbered available places by a factor of 1.43, meaning that even families who listed Edmund Waller as their top choice faced significant competition. Admissions are managed through Lewisham's coordinated scheme, with applications opening on 1 September and closing on 15 January for the following September intake.

Lewisham does not operate defined catchment areas, and admission to Edmund Waller is determined by Lewisham's standard criteria: looked-after and previously looked-after children, children with medical or social need, siblings, and finally distance from home to school. Historical references from 2015 mention a published admissions area of approximately 774 metres, though this figure predates recent changes and should be treated as indicative only. Distance varies year-on-year depending on the number of applications and the distribution of sibling and priority category offers.

Prospective parents should consult Lewisham Council's primary school admission distance map for the most recent data on distances offered. The school's location on Waller Road in New Cross places it at the heart of Telegraph Hill, and families living within walking distance of the school form the core of the intake. Tours for Reception 2026 entry are available by contacting the school directly.

Given the level of oversubscription, families should consider naming several Lewisham schools on their Common Application Form. Living very close to the school significantly improves admission chances, but there are no guarantees outside the priority categories. For detailed advice, contact Lewisham's Admissions Team on 020 8314 8282 or visit www.eadmissions.org.uk.

Edmund Waller Primary School is a strong community primary that delivers well-above-average results within an inclusive, creative environment. Its performance data speaks clearly: 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths places it significantly ahead of national norms, and the school's focus on the arts, outdoor learning and pupil voice creates a rounded educational experience.

The school's three core values—humanity, creativity and ambition—are more than aspirational statements; they appear embedded in the day-to-day life of the school, from the specialist music provision to the Resource Base's inclusive approach. Anne Rennie's leadership since 2020 has maintained the school's Good Ofsted rating while continuing to build on community strengths. The school's extensive site is a genuine asset, offering space and opportunity that many London primaries lack.

For families living within very close range of Edmund Waller, this is a school worth prioritising. The admissions numbers are stark—200 applications for 59 places—so competition is fierce, and distance matters. If you are on the doorstep, Edmund Waller offers strong teaching, solid outcomes and a genuinely inclusive ethos. Further afield, it remains a competitive option, but the reality of Lewisham's distance-based system means that proximity is the deciding factor in most cases.

The school suits families who value community connection, creativity and inclusivity as much as academic rigour. Its Resource Base makes it particularly appropriate for families with children who have additional needs, offering specialist support within a mainstream setting. The enrichment offer is broad, the arts provision is strong, and the school's commitment to treating every child fairly and respectfully runs through everything it does. For the right family in the right location, Edmund Waller represents an excellent local primary option.

Is Edmund Waller Primary School a good school?

Yes, Edmund Waller Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted as of June 2023. The school delivers strong academic outcomes, with 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared to 62% nationally, and 30% achieving the higher standard compared to 8% nationally. It ranks 20th out of 41 primaries in Lewisham and performs in the national typical range across England.

How do I apply to Edmund Waller Primary School?

Applications for Reception places are made through Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions scheme. You must apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk between 1 September and 15 January for the following September intake. The school is heavily oversubscribed, so families should name several schools on their application form and check Lewisham's distance data before applying.

What are the admissions criteria for Edmund Waller Primary School?

Edmund Waller follows Lewisham's standard admissions criteria: looked-after and previously looked-after children receive the highest priority, followed by children with a medical or social need to attend the school, siblings of current pupils, and finally children living closest to the school measured by straight-line distance. There are no defined catchment boundaries.

Does Edmund Waller Primary School have a nursery?

Yes, Edmund Waller Primary School offers nursery provision for children aged 3 and above. The nursery includes stay-and-play sessions to help new families settle, and the school caters for pupils from nursery through to Year 6.

What are the extracurricular activities at Edmund Waller Primary School?

The school offers a broad range of clubs for pupils in Years 1 to 6, including football, music, art, dance, languages, chess, gardening, Taekwondo, science and Lego. All children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, and older pupils enjoy residential trips. The school has a strong sporting record, with all three football teams reaching local league finals.

Does Edmund Waller Primary School support children with special educational needs?

Yes, Edmund Waller has a dedicated Resource Base with Rockpool and Waterfall classes for pupils with additional educational needs. The school's inclusion lead and SENCo, Sue Greenbank, oversees provision for children with SEND, ensuring they receive targeted support within an inclusive mainstream environment.