Ranelagh Primary School Review 2026: Elite Performance in the Heart of Stratford

In the shadow of the Olympic Park and the bustling interchanges of Stratford, Ranelagh Primary School serves a vibrant, diverse community with results that rival any preparatory school in the country. This two-form entry school, part of the Tapscott Learning Trust (TTLT), has cultivated an environment where academic ambition is the norm rather than the exception. With a capacity for over 430 pupils, it remains small enough to maintain a cohesive community feel while being large enough to offer a broad range of specialist facilities and clubs.

The school performance data is nothing short of remarkable, sitting comfortably within the elite tier of primary schools in England. For families in Newham, it represents a high-achieving local option where the curriculum is as ambitious as the students. Led by Executive Head Teacher Shella Lawrenson and Head of School Leigh Welburn, the leadership has maintained a steady trajectory of success, ensuring that children from all backgrounds are equipped for the transition to London most competitive secondary schools.

At drop-off, the gates on Corporation Street reveal a school that is purposeful and impeccably organised. The architecture reflects the layers of Stratford history, combining solid Victorian foundations with modern additions that house light-filled classrooms and specialist spaces. The atmosphere is one of calm productivity; pupils move between lessons with a sense of focus that suggests they understand the value of their education.

The school character is defined by its inclusive ethos. Despite its position in one of London most rapidly developing areas, Ranelagh has retained its identity as a community hub. The school motto, Be the Best That You Can Be, is evident in the corridors, where high-quality student work is celebrated through sophisticated displays. There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff, many of whom have been with the school through multiple inspection cycles, providing a stability that is highly valued by parents.

The influence of the Tapscott Learning Trust is visible in the shared resources and professional development available to staff, which trickles down into the classroom as innovative teaching practices. While the academic pace is brisk, it is balanced by a strong emphasis on the creative arts and physical education, ensuring the environment never feels like an exam factory.

The 2024 KS2 results place Ranelagh Primary School in the elite tier, making it one of the highest-performing schools in England (top 2%). In 2024, an extraordinary 90.3% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

The school strength is even more apparent at the higher standard. Nearly half of the pupils (49.3%) achieved a high score in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. These outcomes are supported by impressive scaled scores, with reading at 111 and mathematics at 110, both well above the national benchmarks.

Ranelagh ranks 80th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and sits at 5th among the 65 primary schools in Newham. This elite ranking confirms the school status as a local powerhouse for academic achievement.

Teaching at Ranelagh is characterised by high expectations and a structured approach to the core subjects. Specialist teaching in music and physical education begins early, and the school uses a bespoke curriculum that links different subjects through central themes, making learning more relevant to the children lives in London.

In the classroom, there is a clear focus on grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS), where 95% of pupils met the expected standard and 84% achieved a high score in the most recent assessment period. The teaching of reading is equally rigorous; the 111 scaled score reflects a culture where literacy is embedded in every lesson. Teachers use data effectively to identify children who may be falling behind, providing immediate interventions that prevent gaps from widening.

The extracurricular life at Ranelagh is designed to broaden horizons. The school makes excellent use of its proximity to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for sporting events and outdoor learning. On-site, pupils can participate in a variety of clubs including the Junior Police Cadets (one of the biggest units in Britain), School Choir, and various sports teams like the popular Basketball and Gymnastics clubs.

A particular highlight is the school commitment to the arts. Ranelagh often participates in local festivals and Trust-wide performances, such as the Westfield Christmas Festival, allowing pupils to showcase their talents in professional venues. The school also offers a range of residential trips for older pupils, which are frequently cited by families as a key part of the Ranelagh experience, building independence and resilience.

Securing a place at Ranelagh is the primary hurdle for families. Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Newham, and the school is significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 92 applications for just 28 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.29. This means there are more than three applications for every one place offered.

Parents should note that all first-preference applicants who were offered a place accepted it, indicating the high value placed on the school by the local community. While the school does not publish a fixed catchment map, the high demand means that proximity to the school gates is the determining factor for most non-sibling applications. Parents can use the FindMySchool Map Search to view their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

Nursery Provision

Ranelagh offers integrated nursery provision for children starting at age three. The nursery environment is designed to mirror the high standards of the main school, with a focus on communication, language, and early mathematical concepts. Nursery practitioners work closely with Reception teachers to ensure a seamless transition into the primary phase.

The early years setting makes full use of outdoor play areas, which are equipped for physical development and sensory exploration. For nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; parents should consult the national guide to nursery funding to check their eligibility for 15 or 30-hour spots.

Wellbeing is the foundation upon which Ranelagh’s academic success is built. The school employs a dedicated pastoral team that includes a SENCO who manages support for pupils with additional needs. The latest Ofsted inspection in April 2025 rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting that the school is highly inclusive and welcoming.

The school uses a positive behaviour management system that rewards effort and kindness, specifically referencing the 5 Rs of Ranelagh: Respect, Responsible, Right choices, Resilience, and Remarkable. For children who may need extra emotional support, the school provides access to quiet spaces and targeted mentoring. The small, community-focused nature of the school means that staff are quick to notice changes in a child demeanour, allowing for early and effective support.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Ranelagh provides extensive wraparound care through Napier Lodge, a purpose-built wooden centre on the school grounds. The Lodge offers breakfast and after-school clubs, featuring activities ranging from cooking and art to specific Maths and English support sessions.

The school is well-served by London transport network. It is within walking distance of West Ham station (District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and DLR) and Stratford station (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth Line, and Overground). Local parking is extremely limited, and the school strongly encourages families to use the walking routes and public transport links available.

• Significant Oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families living outside the immediate vicinity of the school may find it difficult to secure a place during the standard Reception intake.
• Urban Context: The school is situated in a densely populated urban area. While the school makes excellent use of its grounds, the outdoor space is constrained compared to suburban or rural schools, though this is mitigated by frequent trips to nearby parks.
• High Academic Pace: The elite ranking and exceptional results reflect a fast-moving curriculum. While support is provided, the pace may be intense for some children, and families should ensure they are comfortable with a school that prioritises high attainment.

Ranelagh Primary School is a standout example of what can be achieved through stable leadership and an uncompromising focus on quality. It offers an education that is academically elite while remaining deeply rooted in its local community. Best suited to families who want their children to be challenged and who value a structured, high-achieving environment. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist as they navigate the competitive Newham admissions process.