Grinling Gibbons Primary School Review 2026: A Deptford Heritage School with Outstanding Pupil Development

Named after the celebrated 17th-century wood carver who lived and worked in Deptford, Grinling Gibbons Primary School is a one-form-entry state community primary in Lewisham serving 223 pupils aged 3 to 11. Part of the Phoenix Federation alongside Lucas Vale Primary, the school has earned a Good rating from Ofsted, with Outstanding designations for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. Located on Clyde Street in Deptford, the school combines a strong sense of local heritage with a curriculum rooted in five core values: Aspirational, Brave, Compassionate, Determined and Enlightened. With 78% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, the school performs above national averages, ranking in the mid-range nationally and 39th locally in Lewisham.

The school takes its name from Grinling Gibbons (1648–1721), the Anglo-Dutch sculptor and master carver who rented a cottage near Sayes Court in Deptford and was famously discovered by diarist John Evelyn in 1671. Evelyn introduced Gibbons to King Charles II and Sir Christopher Wren, launching a career that produced exquisite carvings for St Paul's Cathedral, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. The school's naming honours this local connection to one of England's greatest decorative artists.

Today, Grinling Gibbons Primary describes itself as "a warm and welcoming place for everyone." The five values—Aspirational, Brave, Compassionate, Determined and Enlightened—shape daily life and are woven into assemblies, classroom culture and the school's approach to personal development. Ofsted's September 2022 inspection awarded Outstanding grades for both behaviour and attitudes and personal development, noting that "activities designed to broaden pupils' experiences are popular and carefully planned" and that "pupils learn about both the rich diversity of their local community and the wider world."

The school operates within the Phoenix Federation, a collaborative arrangement with Lucas Vale Primary School and Oak Gardens Primary School, allowing shared resources, expertise and leadership. This federation structure supports curriculum development, staff training and wider educational opportunities. Executive leadership guides strategic direction, while day-to-day pastoral care and teaching remain tightly focused on the individual needs of each class and child.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Pupils regularly visit museums, heritage sites, and local landmarks such as Deptford Creekside and Surrey Docks Watersports Centre. The school emphasises community engagement, recognising the diversity of Deptford while building links to the wider world. Leaders instil a culture of ambition, encouraging pupils to aim high and recognise their own talents and those of others.

Most recent results show that 78% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. In maths, 89% met the expected standard, and 25% achieved the higher standard. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 82% reached the expected standard, with 32% at the higher level. Reading saw 71% at the expected standard and 11% at the higher level, while 7% achieved greater depth in writing. The school's average scaled scores were 103 in reading, 105 in maths and 107 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, indicating solid attainment across the board.

Nationally, Grinling Gibbons ranks 7,214th out of approximately 15,000 primary schools, placing it in the mid-range. Locally within Lewisham, it ranks 39th among primary schools. While not among the highest-performing primaries in England, the school delivers results consistently above national benchmarks, demonstrating effective teaching and a curriculum that ensures most pupils leave Year 6 well-prepared for secondary school.

The curriculum covers all National Curriculum subjects, including English, maths, science, history, geography, religious education, art and design, music, design and technology, PE, swimming, modern languages, computing, and PSHE including relationships and health education. The Early Years Foundation Stage provision includes a nursery with 25 morning and 25 afternoon places, offering a structured start for three-year-olds before they transition into Reception.

Teaching is supported by a pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 22:1, slightly better than the national average. The school benefits from Pupil Premium and Sports Premium funding, which supports disadvantaged pupils and enhances physical education provision. Wrap-around care is available, providing extended hours for working families. Remote learning provisions were developed during recent disruptions and remain part of the school's broader approach to accessibility and continuity.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support is embedded within the school's inclusive ethos, with dedicated staff and safeguarding services ensuring all pupils can access the curriculum. Leaders carefully plan interventions and adapt teaching to meet individual needs, aligning with Ofsted's recognition of the school's strong personal development offer.

Extracurricular provision is carefully planned and popular among pupils. The school offers a variety of clubs and activities designed to broaden experiences and develop talents beyond the academic curriculum. The GG Treble Makers, a singing group, performs at community events such as A Community Christmas at The Tab, fostering confidence and community spirit. The Inventors club, which focuses on creative problem-solving and STEM activities, runs weekly sessions lasting 50 minutes to an hour, with a maximum of 20 students per class.

Pupils benefit from outdoor learning opportunities, including visits to local green spaces, waterways and cultural institutions. The school's location in Deptford provides access to the rich historical and cultural heritage of South London, and teachers regularly incorporate these local resources into geography, history and art lessons.

Facilities include standard primary classrooms, a dedicated Early Years setting, spaces for PE and creative subjects, and areas for small-group interventions. While the school operates as a compact one-form-entry site, the Phoenix Federation partnership enables access to shared resources and specialist teaching across the federated schools.

Attendance stands at 97.1%, well above the national average, reflecting strong parental engagement and the school's supportive, welcoming atmosphere. Behaviour, as noted by Ofsted, is Outstanding: pupils are respectful, kind and ready to learn. The school's values are clearly understood and lived by the children, contributing to a calm and purposeful environment.

Grinling Gibbons Primary School is a community school under Lewisham Local Authority, and admissions are managed through the Lewisham coordinated admissions process. The standard round for Reception entry opens in the autumn term, with the national closing date typically in mid-January. Offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Parents must apply online through the Lewisham admissions portal or via a paper Common Application Form, listing up to six preferences in order.

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 30 places for Reception, though current roll numbers suggest the school operates slightly below full capacity overall. Most recent data show 29 offers made for 72 applications, indicating a subscription rate of approximately 2.5:1. The school is oversubscribed, with all first preference applicants who qualified receiving offers. This reflects typical demand for a Good-rated, well-regarded local primary in Deptford.

Lewisham's admissions criteria for community primary schools apply. After looked-after and previously looked-after children, priority is given to children with exceptional medical or social needs, then to siblings of children already on roll. Priority is also given to children of staff employed at the school for two or more years or recruited to fill a demonstrable skill shortage. Finally, places are allocated by straight-line distance from home to school, measured from a central point in the school to the child's permanent address. No published data on the furthest distance offered is available, but oversubscription suggests families close to the school have the strongest chance of securing a place.

Nursery attendance does not confer automatic admission to Reception; all children must apply through the standard admissions round and are assessed against the same criteria. Siblings receive priority, but attendance at the nursery alone does not guarantee a Reception place.

Waiting lists are maintained in criteria order and may change as new applicants join or others withdraw. Families are advised to keep in touch with the school and the local authority if their child remains on the waiting list. In-year admissions for other year groups are coordinated by Lewisham and follow the same oversubscription criteria.

Grinling Gibbons Primary School is a solidly performing, warm and inclusive community primary in the heart of Deptford. Its Outstanding ratings for behaviour and personal development reflect a school culture rooted in strong values and a genuine commitment to nurturing well-rounded, ambitious children. Academic results are consistently above national averages, and the school's place in the Phoenix Federation provides additional resources and collaborative strength.

The school's connection to its local heritage—embodied in its name—adds character and a sense of place. Extracurricular opportunities, community engagement and a focus on broadening pupils' horizons ensure that learning is never confined to the classroom. With high attendance, a stable and experienced staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, the school serves its local community well.

For families living close to Clyde Street, Grinling Gibbons Primary offers a Good education within a small, tight-knit setting where every child is known and valued. Oversubscription means admission is not guaranteed, and proximity to the school is the key factor. Parents seeking a local primary that balances solid academic attainment with exceptional personal development and a strong community ethos will find Grinling Gibbons a compelling choice.

Is Grinling Gibbons Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rates Grinling Gibbons Primary School as Good overall, with Outstanding grades for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. Academic results are above national averages, with 78% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. The school's strong values, inclusive culture and carefully planned extracurricular provision contribute to a positive learning environment.

How do I apply to Grinling Gibbons Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made through the Lewisham Local Authority coordinated admissions process. Parents must complete the online application form or a paper Common Application Form, listing up to six school preferences. The application window typically opens in the autumn term and closes in mid-January, with offers made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Visit the Lewisham Council website for full details and deadlines.

What are the admissions criteria for Grinling Gibbons Primary School?

As a Lewisham community school, Grinling Gibbons Primary School follows the local authority's oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to looked-after and previously looked-after children, followed by those with exceptional medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, children of qualifying staff, and finally by straight-line distance from home to school. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

Is Grinling Gibbons Primary School oversubscribed?

Yes. Most recent admissions data show 72 applications for 29 Reception places, a subscription rate of approximately 2.5:1. All first preference applicants who met the criteria received offers, indicating that families living close to the school have the best chance of admission.

What is the catchment area for Grinling Gibbons Primary School?

Grinling Gibbons Primary School does not have a defined catchment area. Places are allocated by straight-line distance after priority categories (looked-after children, siblings, etc.) are satisfied. No published data on the furthest distance offered is available, but oversubscription suggests proximity to the school is essential.

What extracurricular activities does Grinling Gibbons Primary School offer?

The school offers a range of clubs and activities, including the GG Treble Makers singing group, The Inventors club (STEM-focused), PE and swimming, and community engagement projects. Activities are carefully planned to broaden pupils' experiences and develop talents beyond the academic curriculum.

What are Grinling Gibbons Primary School's values?

The school's five core values are Aspirational, Brave, Compassionate, Determined and Enlightened. These values underpin daily life, teaching and the school's approach to personal development.

Does Grinling Gibbons Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. The school has a nursery with 25 morning and 25 afternoon places for three-year-olds. The nursery provides Early Years Foundation Stage provision, but attendance does not guarantee admission to Reception. Parents must apply through the standard Lewisham admissions process for a Reception place.