Forster Park Primary School Review 2026: A Diverse Community Hub in Catford

Forster Park Primary School brings together 324 pupils from over 20 linguistic backgrounds under one mission: "Passionate about success in academic progress and life achievements." This Good-rated community primary in Catford serves children aged 4 to 11 through a curriculum designed to reflect its diverse community, promoting values of respect, responsibility, kindness, community, energy, ambition, curiosity, and adventure. The school operates as part of the Oakbridge Federation alongside Rangefield Primary, sharing governance and executive leadership while maintaining its individual identity. Recent attainment results place 78% of Year 6 pupils at the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, well above the national average of 62%, ranking the school in the top third nationally. With a specialist resource base for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder and a recently rated Outstanding personal development programme, Forster Park combines academic focus with exceptional pastoral care. Most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2024 praised the school's calm environment, high behavioural expectations, and rigorous approach to attendance.

Forster Park Primary has established itself as a welcoming hub in the heart of Catford, where the extraordinary diversity of its community becomes a core educational strength. Parents and staff from across Lewisham speak more than 21 languages, including Yoruba, Turkish, and Tamil, creating a learning environment that fosters global understanding. Just over one fifth of pupils speak English as an additional language, and this linguistic richness informs a curriculum that celebrates cultural heritage and individuality.

Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Michelle Fenniche, who joined in February 2022, the school has built on strong foundations within the Oakbridge Federation structure. Day-to-day operations are guided by a Senior Leadership Team committed to ensuring every child enjoys their childhood while developing into ambitious, curious, and responsible adults. Inspectors in December 2024 noted that pupils are happy and safe, living out the school's core rules daily.

The school enhances wellbeing through the myHappymind programme, supporting mental health and emotional development alongside academic progress. A specialist nurture programme provides additional targeted support for pupils who need it, while the resource base caters specifically for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder. Forster Park's personal development provision has earned an Outstanding rating, reflecting a whole-school commitment to preparing children not just for examinations, but for life beyond the classroom.

Pupils understand they can name a trusted adult if they have concerns, and inspectors found that staff consistently help children resolve any issues. The environment is generally calm, with staff and pupils sharing a clear understanding of the school's approach to behaviour and relationships.

Forster Park's academic performance positions the school comfortably above national benchmarks. Most recent results show 78% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks 4,690th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools in England, placing it in the top third. Locally within Lewisham, Forster Park ranks 29th.

Breaking down the figures further, 81% of pupils met the expected standard in maths, 79% in reading, and 86% in science. Average scaled scores of 108 in reading, 106 in maths, and 105 in grammar, punctuation and spelling all exceed the national standard of 100. At higher levels, 39% achieved high scores in reading and 26% in maths, both well above national averages. Around 22% of pupils reached the higher standard across all three core subjects combined, nearly three times the national figure of 8%.

Teachers routinely identify and address misconceptions or gaps in pupils' knowledge. Typically, they select activities effectively to ensure all pupils can access learning and develop secure understanding. However, inspectors noted that occasionally the chosen resources are less effective in supporting pupils' grasp of subject content, which can reduce their ability to tackle more complex tasks. Leaders are working to refine these aspects to ensure consistency across all lessons.

The school's curriculum is deliberately designed to reflect the community it serves, putting children at the core of planning. Pupils benefit from a resource base that provides specialist provision for those with autistic spectrum disorder, currently supporting 14 pupils. The school's approach to special educational needs is integrated and proactive, ensuring targeted interventions reach those who need them.

Behaviour management is clear and consistent. Leaders hold high expectations, and staff understand the systems in place to support positive conduct and relationships. The school's consistent and rigorous approach to attendance has proved successful, addressing one of the key factors that can limit progress.

Forster Park operates from its Boundfield Road site in Catford, with a capacity for 420 pupils, though current numbers stand at 324. The school offers breakfast club and after-school club, providing wraparound care that suits working families. Pupils engage in class-based trips and activities that extend learning beyond the classroom walls.

The school participates in the Healthy Schools London programme, reflecting a commitment to promoting physical and mental wellbeing. While specific details of sports and arts clubs vary, the school's emphasis on energy and adventure as core values suggests an active extracurricular offer designed to develop well-rounded individuals.

As part of the Oakbridge Federation, Forster Park benefits from shared resources and expertise with Rangefield Primary School and Oakbridge Nursery, allowing for coordinated approaches to teaching, governance, and pastoral care.

Forster Park Primary is significantly oversubscribed. For Reception entry, the school made 24 offers against 88 applications, giving a subscription rate of 3.67 to 1. All 24 first-preference applicants who listed Forster Park as their top choice received offers, but competition remains intense given the limited number of places relative to demand.

Admissions are managed by Lewisham Council using standard community school criteria. No supplementary information form is required. Priority is typically given to looked-after children, those with exceptional medical or social need, siblings of current pupils, and then by distance from home to school. Parents should consult Lewisham's annual admissions booklet for the most current criteria and published distance data, as these figures change each year.

Given the high demand, families living very close to the school have the strongest chance of securing a place. Parents are encouraged to apply through Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions scheme, listing Forster Park alongside other preferences. Application deadlines and processes align with Lewisham's borough-wide timetable, typically with applications for Reception entry due in mid-January of the preceding year.

The school's location in Catford means it draws families from the immediate local area, and proximity to the school gates remains the decisive factor for most successful applicants outside priority categories.

Forster Park Primary School delivers a strong community-focused education rooted in diversity and inclusivity. Its academic results are notably above national averages, placing it firmly in the top third of primaries in England, and its Outstanding rating for personal development signals that children's wellbeing is taken as seriously as their attainment.

For parents seeking a school that genuinely celebrates cultural diversity and prepares children for life in a global community, Forster Park offers a compelling proposition. The specialist resource base for autistic spectrum disorder demonstrates a commitment to inclusive practice, and the nurture programme provides safety nets for children who need additional support. Leadership under the Oakbridge Federation structure has stabilised and strengthened the school since 2022, with clear systems for behaviour, attendance, and curriculum delivery now embedded.

However, demand far outstrips supply, with nearly four applicants competing for every Reception place. Families living beyond very close walking distance should consider Forster Park as an aspirational choice rather than a likely outcome. The school's continued efforts to refine teaching resources and ensure consistency across all classrooms suggest leaders are not complacent, even as headline results remain strong.

Forster Park Primary is a good school in every statutory sense, and an outstanding one for personal development. It serves its diverse Catford community well, combining academic rigour with pastoral warmth in an environment where children from many linguistic and cultural backgrounds learn, grow, and succeed together.

Is Forster Park Primary School a good school?

Yes, Forster Park Primary is rated Good by Ofsted following its December 2024 inspection, with an Outstanding rating for personal development. Academic results place 78% of Year 6 pupils at the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, well above the national average of 62%, and the school ranks in the top third nationally. Pupils are happy, safe, and supported by consistent behaviour systems and a rigorous approach to attendance.

How do I apply to Forster Park Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry must be made through Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions scheme. Deadlines typically fall in mid-January of the year before your child is due to start school. You can list Forster Park alongside other school preferences on your application. Admissions follow standard community school criteria, with priority for looked-after children, exceptional need, siblings, and then distance. No supplementary information form is required. Visit Lewisham Council's admissions page for current timelines and guidance.

What are the admission criteria for Forster Park Primary School?

Lewisham Council applies standard community school admissions criteria. Priority is given to looked-after and previously looked-after children, then children with exceptional medical or social needs supported by professional evidence, then siblings of current pupils, and finally by straight-line distance from home to school. The school is heavily oversubscribed, with 3.67 applications for every place, so proximity to the school is the deciding factor for most families outside the priority categories.

How diverse is Forster Park Primary School?

Forster Park is exceptionally diverse, with pupils from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds speaking over 21 languages including Yoruba, Turkish, and Tamil. Just over one fifth of pupils speak English as an additional language. The school's curriculum is deliberately designed to reflect this diversity, fostering global understanding and celebrating the cultural heritage each child brings to daily school life.

Does Forster Park Primary School have a resource base for SEN?

Yes, Forster Park has a specialist resource base for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder, currently supporting 14 pupils. The school's approach to special educational needs is integrated, with proactive identification and targeted interventions. A nurture programme provides additional support for pupils who need it. The school's inclusive ethos ensures children with a range of needs are supported within a welcoming community environment.

What are the school hours and wraparound care options?

Forster Park offers breakfast club and after-school club to support working families, providing wraparound care beyond the standard school day. Specific timings for these clubs and the main school day can be confirmed by contacting the school office on 0208 698 5686 or visiting the school website at www.forsterpark.co.uk.