Hollymount School Review 2026: High-Achieving Primary with a Community Heart

In a leafy corner of Raynes Park where residential streets meet the green expanse of Wimbledon Common, Hollymount School has established itself as one of Merton local authority’s most academically formidable primary choices. Serving approximately 445 pupils, this two-form entry school manages to combine the scale of a significant London primary with the intimacy of a local village school. The school’s performance sitting comfortably in the top 10% of schools in England (national high band) reflects a culture where high expectations are standard.

With a nursery on-site and a mixed-gender intake from ages 3 to 11, the school provides a stable educational journey for families in the SW20 postcode. While its red-brick architecture suggests a traditional foundation, the internal atmosphere is one of modern ambition and structured creativity.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a calm and purposeful environment where pupils arrive ready for the day. The school operates with a clear sense of identity that balances academic rigour with a broad, inclusive ethos. The physical site is well-maintained, featuring distinct areas for different age groups that allow the youngest children to feel secure while older pupils enjoy more expansive play and learning spaces.

Mr Joe Croft has led the school as Headteacher since September 2022, arriving with a clear vision after successful leadership at Ravenstone Primary School. Under his guidance, the school has maintained a focus on "Thinking, caring, learning, and sharing." These values are more than just words on a wall; they are woven into the daily life of the school. Staff morale appears high, and the leadership team is supported by a dedicated governing body.

The atmosphere is noticeably inclusive. Although the school has no specific religious character, it celebrates the diversity of its London community, ensuring that pupils from all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging. The "Hollymount Way" encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour, resulting in a school that feels orderly without being restrictive.

The academic outcomes at Hollymount are exceptional, consistently outperforming both local and England averages. In 2024, 87% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that sits significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

Even more striking is the performance at the higher standard. At Hollymount, 37% of pupils reached the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to just 8% across England. This indicates that the school is particularly effective at stretching more able pupils. Scaled scores in reading and mathematics both averaged 109, well above the England average of 104 and 105 respectively.

FindMySchool proprietary rankings place Hollymount School 796th in England out of over 15,000 primaries. Locally, it ranks 11th in Merton, placing it firmly in the elite tier of providers within the borough.

Teaching at Hollymount is characterized by expert subject knowledge and a structured approach to the core curriculum. A 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school as Good, with inspectors specifically highlighting the "skilfully implemented and ambitious curriculum" that builds knowledge from Nursery through to Year 6. Reading is a visible priority, with a well-stocked library and a phonics programme that ensures early success for the youngest learners.

The curriculum extends beyond core subjects to include specialist-led physical education and music. Mathematics is taught with a focus on mastery, ensuring pupils develop deep conceptual understanding rather than just procedural fluency. For the 55% of pupils who achieved high scores in mathematics, the curriculum offers sufficient challenge to maintain engagement and progress. In a few subjects, the school continues to embed new assessment approaches to ensure long-term retention of knowledge.

Nursery Provision

Hollymount includes integrated nursery provision, offering a gentle introduction to school life for children from age 3. The nursery environment is designed to stimulate curiosity, with a dedicated outdoor area that allows for physical development and play-based learning. Staff are noted for being highly skilled at promoting children’s communication and language development.

Entry into the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school, and families must follow the standard Merton admissions process for Reception entry. However, the transition for those who do stay is seamless, as nursery staff work closely with Reception teachers to share developmental data. For current nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website; government-funded hours are available for eligible families.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded community school, Hollymount School does not charge tuition fees for pupils in Reception through Year 6. The primary financial commitment for parents involves optional contributions and specific enrichment costs.

The "Hollymount Entitlement" is a termly voluntary contribution requested from parents to fund trips and curriculum days that complement classroom learning. For the nursery, the school typically collects a small fund of £10 per term to help finance enrichment and play-based resources.

Financial aid is primarily delivered through the Pupil Premium. Eligible families from low-income backgrounds receive additional funding that the school uses for counselling, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) work, and resources. Furthermore, the school offers those on the Pupil Premium list reduced costs for Year 5 and Year 6 residential trips, as well as funding towards 1-1 music lessons in Key Stage 2.

Most pupils at Hollymount progress to local secondary schools within Merton and neighbouring Kingston. Raynes Park High School and Ricards Lodge (for girls) or Rutlish School (for boys) are common destinations. A significant minority of families also pursue the 11-plus for the highly competitive Kingston and Sutton grammar schools, such as Tiffin or Sutton Grammar.

The school supports this transition by providing a robust Year 6 curriculum that focuses on independence and organizational skills. While Hollymount does not provide formal 11-plus coaching, the high academic standards mean that many pupils are well-positioned for selective entry tests.

The school’s commitment to "caring" is evident in its proactive approach to pastoral support. Inspectors noted that "pupils are kept safe at school" and feel confident speaking to staff about any concerns. There is a clear system for identifying children who may need additional support, including those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

Behaviour is a strength of the school, rated as Outstanding in the most recent inspection for personal development. Pupils are taught to be respectful and empathetic, and the school uses a positive reinforcement system that celebrates both effort and achievement. For families with children on the SEN register, the school provides tailored support plans, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.

The extracurricular offer at Hollymount is varied, providing opportunities for pupils to develop interests outside the traditional academic sphere. Specific clubs often include the Hollymount Choir, which performs at local events, and a range of sports teams led by dedicated PE leads.

STEM excellence is a growing focus, with computing and science workshops that utilize the school’s technology resources. The school also makes good use of its proximity to local parks for outdoor learning and environmental studies, helping pupils develop an appreciation for the natural world.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. For working parents, Hollymount offers wraparound care including a breakfast club starting at 7:45am and an after-school "Holly Club" which runs until 6:00pm. These sessions are popular and often require early booking through the Arbor portal.

The school is well-served by local transport, situated within walking distance of Raynes Park station (South Western Railway), and several bus routes serve the immediate area. Parking is limited on Cambridge Road, and the school strongly encourages walking or cycling to school where possible.

• Highly Competitive Entry: With a subscription proportion of 3.83, meaning nearly four applications for every available place, Hollymount is significantly oversubscribed. Families must be prepared for the reality that a first-preference application does not guarantee a place.
• Tight Geographic Intake: In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.579 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.
• Academic Pace: The school’s high-achieving culture and strong results suggest a fast-paced learning environment. While this suits many, parents of children who require a more relaxed approach should visit the school to ensure the "Hollymount Way" aligns with their child’s personality.

Hollymount School is a top-tier state primary that successfully pairs elite academic performance with a warm, inclusive community atmosphere. Its 2024 results place it among the finest schools in Greater London, making it a natural choice for families who value high standards and a structured learning environment. It is best suited to local families living within a half-mile radius who want a school that will challenge their children while providing a secure foundation.