Horniman Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results in Forest Hill's One-Form Community School

Horniman Primary School shares its name with the renowned Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, both bearing the legacy of Frederick John Horniman, the Victorian tea merchant and philanthropist who sought to "bring the world to Forest Hill". This one-form-entry state primary in the Lewisham borough serves pupils aged 5 to 11 from its location on Horniman Drive, a short walk from the museum and gardens that share its heritage. The school's 210-pupil capacity, small cohorts and inclusive ethos create a close-knit community where children are encouraged to thrive as individuals. Ofsted rated the school Good at its most recent inspection in December 2023, maintaining a consistent trajectory of Good ratings since 2007. Latest Key Stage 2 results show 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 62%, placing Horniman ranked 1,934th in England and 8th in Lewisham.

Key facts

Mixed, non-denominational state primary; ages 5–11; capacity 210; Good Ofsted; one class per year group; headteacher Mr Andrew Pickering (since November 2021); offers wraparound care from 8am to 5.45pm.

Horniman Primary School positions itself as a small, inclusive community school centred on the belief in "the whole child". The school's mission emphasises making learning creative, engaging and enjoyable, celebrating differences, and encouraging environmental responsibility. Parents and inspectors describe a nurturing environment where children are given opportunities to try new things, develop skills and interests, and engage in debate and discussion. The school's ethos includes preparing pupils for secondary school while instilling the belief that they can positively impact the world around them. British Values are embedded across the curriculum, alongside programmes such as Zones of Regulation to support emotional literacy.

The school's connection to the Horniman Museum is more than nominal. Archival evidence confirms direct governance links, with museum staff having served as school governors, and the school benefits from its proximity to one of London's most distinctive educational resources. This relationship enriches learning opportunities, particularly in the arts, humanities and science. The school serves the diverse community of Forest Hill, a vibrant south London neighbourhood characterised by Victorian housing, green spaces, and strong community networks.

Leadership under headteacher Andrew Pickering, who took up post in November 2021, has maintained the school's consistent performance and caring culture. The school operates a Pupil Parliament, giving children a voice in school decisions, and maintains active communication with families through weekly newsletters showcasing learning and events.

Horniman Primary's academic performance is above the national average. The most recent Key Stage 2 results show 82% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, well ahead of the national figure of 62%. In individual subjects, 85% met the expected standard in reading, 81% in maths, 78% in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 89% in science. Average scaled scores were 109 in reading, 106 in maths and 109 in grammar and spelling, all comfortably above the national benchmark of 100. These results place the school in the top 13% nationally for primary performance and 8th out of primary schools in Lewisham.

High attainment is a particular strength: 37% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly above the national average of 8%. In reading, 52% reached the high score, while 44% did so in maths and 56% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. The school's total scaled score across reading, grammar and maths was 324, reflecting consistent strength across the core curriculum.

The curriculum is broad and balanced. Core subjects are taught alongside specialist instruction in Spanish, philosophy, music, art, design and technology, computing, PE, history, geography and religious education. The school integrates drama and dance across subjects. Early Years provision establishes strong foundations, with emphasis on language development, number, and creative exploration. The school employs a STEM focus in certain areas and delivers RSHE (relationships, sex and health education) in an age-appropriate manner.

Support for pupils with special educational needs is embedded within the school's inclusive approach. Provision includes Pupil Premium funding for disadvantaged pupils, a Mental Health Support Team, and differentiated support within the classroom. The school's one-form-entry structure allows staff to know each child well and tailor support to individual needs. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 20:1, enabling manageable class sizes and personalised attention.

Extracurricular life at Horniman Primary is varied. The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports throughout the year, with representative teams in major sports from Year 3 upwards. Weekly newsletters regularly feature football fixtures and results alongside other sporting events. Art and music are taught as discrete subjects, and the school has a choir and several extracurricular creative and performing arts clubs. Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in subjects such as Spanish and philosophy, broadening their horizons beyond the standard primary curriculum.

Wraparound care is available from 8am to 5.45pm, with courses registered with Ofsted, allowing parents to use childcare vouchers and make tax-free payments. This extended day provision supports working families and provides additional enrichment opportunities. The school also runs a Pupil Parliament, giving children experience of democratic processes and leadership.

The school participates in the Greater London Authority's Healthy Schools London initiative, reflecting a commitment to pupil wellbeing. The PE and Sports Premium funding supports physical education and healthy lifestyles, and the school's location near Horniman Museum and Gardens provides ready access to green space and educational resources. The museum's collections, aquarium, natural history galleries and gardens serve as an extension of the school's learning environment, particularly for science, history and the arts.

Facilities on the Horniman Drive site are appropriate for a one-form-entry primary. The school makes effective use of available space to deliver a creative and engaging curriculum. While specific building details are not widely documented, the school's small scale fosters a friendly, family-like atmosphere where children feel known and safe.

Horniman Primary follows Lewisham Council's coordinated admissions arrangements. Parents apply through the local authority for Reception entry, typically in the autumn term preceding the September start. The school offered 29 places in the most recent admissions cycle, receiving 132 applications, a subscription ratio of 4.55:1, making it heavily oversubscribed. This level of demand is typical for well-performing state primaries in desirable London neighbourhoods. The school's first-preference offer rate shows 1.36 first-preference applications for every first-preference offer, indicating that most families who rank Horniman first are competing with others who do the same.

The school does not publish a specific furthest distance offered, but as a one-form-entry school with significant oversubscription, proximity to the school is likely to be a critical factor for families without priority criteria such as siblings, looked-after children, or exceptional social or medical need. Parents should carefully review Lewisham's published admissions criteria and consider their distance from the school when deciding whether to apply.

Admissions decisions are made by Lewisham Council, not by the school itself. Families seeking further information or wishing to appeal a decision should contact the Admissions and Appeals Team at Lewisham Council (Third Floor, Laurence House, Catford SE6 4RU; 020 8314 8282; schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk). The school recommends consulting the local authority for up-to-date admissions guidance and appeal arrangements.

Given the competitive landscape, parents are advised to visit the school on an open day, list it realistically on their application form in relation to their address, and ensure they include other accessible local schools to maximise the chance of a satisfactory outcome.

Horniman Primary School delivers strong academic results in a nurturing, inclusive environment. The school's performance is well above national benchmarks, with 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, and 37% achieving the higher standard. This places it among the stronger state primaries in Lewisham and confirms its reputation as a school where children make good progress. The one-form-entry structure, manageable cohorts and consistent Good Ofsted ratings contribute to a stable, supportive setting where children are known as individuals.

The school's ethos—centred on the whole child, creativity, and community—is more than rhetoric. Specialist teaching in subjects like Spanish and philosophy, a broad extracurricular programme including sports and arts, and active pupil voice through the Pupil Parliament all speak to a rounded educational experience. The connection to the Horniman Museum enriches learning opportunities and grounds the school in the cultural fabric of Forest Hill. Leadership under Andrew Pickering has maintained continuity and quality, and wraparound care from 8am to 5.45pm offers practical support for working families.

However, admissions are highly competitive. With over four applications per place, families without proximity or priority criteria face uncertain prospects. The school's small size limits capacity and means that even nearby families may not secure a place in years of high demand. Parents should approach an application to Horniman with realistic expectations, informed by Lewisham's published distance data and admissions policies.

For families who do gain entry, Horniman Primary offers a well-regarded, community-focused education with strong results, a caring culture, and the unique advantage of a world-class museum on the doorstep. It is a school that balances academic rigour with creativity and inclusion, preparing children well for the next stage of their education.

Is Horniman Primary School a good school?

Yes. Ofsted rated Horniman Primary Good in December 2023, maintaining a consistent Good rating since 2007. The school's Key Stage 2 results are well above national averages, with 82% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined (national average 62%) and 37% reaching the higher standard (national 8%). It ranks 1,934th in England and 8th in Lewisham for primary performance, placing it in the top 13% nationally. Parents and inspectors describe a nurturing, inclusive environment with strong teaching and a broad curriculum.

How do I apply to Horniman Primary School?

Applications are managed by Lewisham Council through the coordinated admissions process. For Reception entry, parents should apply via Lewisham's online admissions portal in the autumn term before the intended September start (usually by mid-January). The school offered 29 places in the most recent cycle but received 132 applications, making it heavily oversubscribed (4.55:1). Proximity, siblings, looked-after children, and exceptional social or medical need are typical priority criteria. Contact Lewisham Admissions (020 8314 8282; schooladmissions@lewisham.gov.uk) for detailed guidance and deadlines.

What is the catchment area for Horniman Primary School?

Horniman Primary does not operate a defined catchment area; admissions are managed by Lewisham Council using distance and priority criteria. As a one-form-entry school with significant oversubscription, the furthest distance offered can be very small and varies year on year depending on the number and location of applicants. Families living close to the school on Horniman Drive are most likely to secure a place, but even nearby families are not guaranteed entry. Lewisham publishes annual admissions data showing distances offered; parents should review this information before applying.

What are the school hours and wraparound care options?

The school day runs during standard primary hours (specific times should be confirmed on the school website or by contacting the office). Wraparound care is available from 8am to 5.45pm. These sessions are Ofsted-registered, allowing parents to use childcare vouchers and make tax-free payments. This extended provision supports working families and offers additional enrichment activities for children. Parents should contact the school office (020 8699 3190; admin@horniman.lewisham.sch.uk) for current fees, booking arrangements and availability.

What extracurricular activities does Horniman Primary School offer?

The school offers a varied extracurricular programme. Sports provision includes 10 to 15 different sports throughout the year, with representative teams in major sports from Year 3. Creative and performing arts clubs are available, alongside a school choir. Pupils receive specialist teaching in Spanish and philosophy as part of the curriculum, and art and music are taught as discrete subjects. The Pupil Parliament provides opportunities for leadership and democratic engagement. The school also benefits from proximity to the Horniman Museum, which supports learning in science, history and the arts.

Does Horniman Primary School have a connection to the Horniman Museum?

Yes. Both the school and the museum share the Horniman name, reflecting the legacy of Frederick John Horniman, the Victorian tea merchant and philanthropist who founded the museum in 1901 to "bring the world to Forest Hill". The school and museum have had direct governance links, with museum staff serving as school governors. The school's location on Horniman Drive places it within walking distance of the museum and gardens, and this proximity enriches the curriculum, particularly in the arts, humanities and science. The museum serves as an extension of the school's learning environment.