Cleves Primary School Review 2026: Elite Performance in the Heart of East Ham

Cleves Primary School stands as a significant academic landmark in Newham, occupying a vibrant site in East Ham where Victorian residential streets meet the bustle of the Barking Road. Under the leadership of the Boleyn Trust, the school has cultivated a reputation for exceptional academic standards that place it in the elite tier of English primary education. In 2024, its Key Stage 2 results ranked it 22nd in all of England, a remarkable achievement that underscores its position as the top performing primary school in the local authority.

Serving a diverse community of approximately 524 pupils, Cleves operates as a two-form entry school from Reception to Year 6, with additional integrated nursery provision. The atmosphere is one of high ambition coupled with a structured, supportive environment where children are encouraged to excel from their very first day in the nursery.

The school operates with a palpable sense of purpose. As part of the Boleyn Trust since 2017, Cleves benefits from a wider network of educational expertise while maintaining its own distinct identity as a community hub. The physical environment is meticulously maintained, with bright, modernised classrooms and corridors that celebrate pupil achievement through high quality displays of work.

Executive Head Teacher Tom Canning CBE and Head of School Liza Christofides lead a team that is deeply committed to the school's mission of providing an exceptional education for every child, regardless of their starting point. The culture is one of mutual respect and high expectations. Pupils are remarkably articulate and confident, a trait fostered by the school's emphasis on oracy and performance.

There is a sense of calm order throughout the building. The latest external monitoring confirms that behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing a genuine thirst for learning. This is not a school that rests on its laurels; there is a constant drive for refinement in teaching and a visible pride among the staff in the successes of their pupils.

Cleves Primary School sits in the elite tier of schools in England, placing it in the top 2% of schools nationally based on its 2024 academic outcomes. Specifically, the school ranks 22nd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among all primary schools in Newham.

The data for 2024 tells a story of significant academic success. An impressive 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 61%. Performance at the higher standard is even more striking; 28% of pupils achieved the higher standard in these subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%.

Individual subject scores further reinforce this picture of excellence. The average scaled score in reading was 113 and in mathematics was 112, both significantly above the England averages. In Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS), the school achieved an average scaled score of 115. These metrics indicate that Cleves is not only meeting national expectations but is consistently operating at a level far above them.

Teaching at Cleves is characterised by its rigour and precision. The curriculum is meticulously planned to ensure that knowledge is built incrementally, allowing pupils to develop deep understanding over time. Specialist teaching is a feature of the school, particularly in areas like Music and Physical Education, which ensures that pupils receive expert instruction beyond the core subjects.

In the early years and nursery, the focus is on rapid language acquisition and the development of core social skills. Practitioners use a wide range of stimuli to engage the youngest children, ensuring that the transition into Reception is seamless. As pupils move through the school, there is an increasing emphasis on independent research and critical thinking.

Mathematics is taught using a mastery approach, ensuring that all pupils have a firm grasp of fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex work. In English, a love of reading is cultivated through the use of high quality texts and a structured phonics programme in the younger years. The school's commitment to the arts is also evident, with regular opportunities for pupils to engage in drama and musical performances, which significantly boosts their confidence and communication skills.

Nursery Provision

Cleves provides integrated nursery provision for children from the age of three. The nursery is a core part of the school community, sharing the same high expectations and values as the main school. The environment is designed to be both stimulating and secure, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and exploration.

The curriculum in the nursery focuses on the seven areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with a particular priority given to Communication and Language. Practitioners are highly skilled at facilitating play based learning that develops children's curiosity and independence. For current nursery fee details and availability, families should visit the school website directly. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; parents are encouraged to consult the FindMySchool guide to nursery funding for further information on eligibility and applications.

The extracurricular life at Cleves is vibrant and varied, designed to broaden horizons and discover hidden talents. The school offers a range of clubs that run before and after school, including a Chess Club, a Coding Club, and various sports teams. The Cleves Choir is a particular point of pride, frequently performing at local events and trust wide festivals.

STEM Excellence

STEM subjects are given high priority, with the school boasting a dedicated Science Lab and a modern Computing Suite. The Cleves Tech Wizards club allows students to explore robotics and advanced coding techniques. These facilities ensure that pupils are not just consumers of technology but creators, preparing them for the digital challenges of the secondary phase.

Physical Education is another pillar of the school's offering. With access to well equipped halls and outdoor spaces, pupils participate in a wide range of sports. The school frequently enters local competitions in football and athletics, fostering a healthy sense of competition and teamwork.

At the heart of Cleves is a sophisticated pastoral system that ensures every child feels safe and valued. The school employs a dedicated Inclusion Team, including a SENCO and pastoral support workers, who provide tailored assistance to children with additional needs or those facing emotional challenges.

The school's approach to wellbeing is proactive. Regular circle time and PSHE lessons provide pupils with the language to discuss their feelings and develop resilience. The Boleyn Trust’s emphasis on the whole child is evident here; academic success is seen as a byproduct of a child who is happy, secure, and confident in their environment. Safeguarding procedures are rigorous, with all staff receiving regular training to ensure the highest standards of pupil protection.

Cleves Primary School is a highly sought after institution and is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 201 applications for just 58 places, representing a subscription proportion of 3.47 applications for every available seat. This level of demand reflects the school's exceptional reputation within the Newham community.

Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Newham. For Reception entry, the last distance offered in 2024 was 0.33 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchool Map Search tool to check their precise distance from the school gates and compare it against historical trends.

For those interested in the nursery, applications are typically made directly to the school. It is important to note that a place in the nursery does not automatically guarantee a place in the main school for Reception.

Leavers from Cleves typically transition to a range of local secondary schools within the Newham area. Due to the school's high academic standards, a significant number of pupils are well prepared for the transition to selective grammar schools or high performing academies.

The school maintains strong links with local secondary providers to ensure a smooth transition. Transition workshops and taster days are organised for Year 6 pupils to help demystify the move to secondary school. The high percentages of pupils achieving greater depth in writing and high scores in reading and maths mean that Cleves leavers often enter Year 7 in the top sets of their new schools.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and ends at 3:15pm. Cleves offers a Breakfast Club from 7:45am and an After School Club that runs until 5:45pm, providing essential wraparound care for working parents. These sessions include a mix of supervised play and homework support.

The school is well served by local transport links. It is a short walk from East Ham Underground Station (District and Hammersmith & City lines), and several major bus routes serve the Arragon Road area. While there is no dedicated on site parking for parents, the school is easily accessible by foot for most families within the immediate catchment area.

• Exceptional Competition for Places: With over three applications for every available place and a last distance offered of just 0.33 miles, entry is extremely competitive. Families living outside the immediate vicinity of the school should have robust alternative options. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• High Academic Pace: The school's elite ranking is the result of a rigorous and fast paced curriculum. While this suits many children, parents should be aware that the school has very high expectations for homework and independent study from an early age.
• Urban Setting: Located in a densely populated area of East Ham, the school site is compact. While the school makes excellent use of every square metre, those seeking vast green playing fields on site may find the urban campus different from more suburban counterparts.

Cleves Primary School is an academic powerhouse that successfully proves that high deprivation contexts are no barrier to world class outcomes. It provides a structured, ambitious, and deeply supportive environment that prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next stage of their education. The school is best suited to families in the heart of East Ham who value academic rigour and want their children to be part of a high achieving, disciplined, and vibrant community. The primary challenge remains the difficulty of securing a place.