Archdeacon Cambridge's Church of England Primary School Review 2026: A Twickenham Landmark of High Achievement

Archdeacon Cambridge's Church of England Primary School occupies a distinctive site on the edge of Twickenham Green, where it has served local families for over 180 years. As a two form entry Voluntary Aided school, it balances a deep historical connection to the Parish of Holy Trinity with academic results that consistently place it among the highest performing schools in England. Miss Fiona Lambe has led the school since 2017, overseeing a period of sustained excellence where nearly every pupil meets expected standards in core subjects. The school's 2024 KS2 results were particularly striking, placing the institution 329th among over 15,000 primaries in England. This performance puts the school in the elite top tier locally and nationally, offering a standard of education that rivals many independent alternatives.

The atmosphere at Archdeacon Cambridge's is one of purposeful, orderly joy. The school’s architecture reflects its evolution; Victorian period features meet modern extensions that house specialized learning zones. Pupils appear exceptionally settled, moving through the school with a maturity that parents often highlight as a defining characteristic of the "Archdeacon" child.

The Christian ethos is the school's bedrock. The motto, Enriching lives through God's love, is lived out through a curriculum that emphasizes compassion and community service. Pupils are encouraged to be leaders, with a highly active school council and various monitor roles that allow them to contribute to daily life. Assemblies are a focal point, often used by older students to present on sophisticated topics such as neurodiversity or environmental stewardship. The school feels deeply integrated into the Whitton and Twickenham community, with the nearby Green serving as an extended playground and historical anchor.

The school's academic profile is among the strongest in the region. In 2024, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. Archdeacon Cambridge's ranks 7th among 44 primaries in Richmond upon Thames, and 329th in England overall (FindMySchool ranking).

Performance at the higher standard is equally impressive. In 2024, 45% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. Mathematics is a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 110. Every pupil in the 2024 cohort met the expected standard in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, a rare achievement that underscores the school's rigorous approach to foundational skills.

Teaching follows a rich and varied curriculum where subject leaders have thought carefully about cumulative knowledge. In the early years and mathematics, curriculum thinking is particularly rigorous, ensuring children build systematic skills from the moment they enter. Teachers involve pupils in deep thinking through skillful questioning, leading to work of high quality across different subjects.

Music holds a special place here. The school choir is well known in the local community for its performances, and partnerships with organizations like the Philharmonia Orchestra bring professional workshops directly to the students. Specialist teaching in foreign languages and music ensures that even in the primary phase, pupils receive expert instruction that goes beyond the standard national framework.

Nursery Provision

The nursery is a vital part of the school community, providing a sense of wonder with its fairy tale paths and specialized play zones. It focuses heavily on developing communication and social skills through a mix of structured sessions and investigative play.

Admissions for the 2026/27 nursery cohort are currently open, with tours taking place in January and February 2026. For nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information. A self funded option is available for those seeking full day places (8:30 am to 3:15 pm), with current rates for the final afternoon session and school meals published on the school's admissions page.

Extracurricular life is expansive and tied closely to the school’s house system, named after modern icons like Malala Yousafzai and Sir David Attenborough. STEM excellence is encouraged through coding clubs and environmental projects, while the sports programme utilizes the local area for competitive fixtures in football and netball.

Pupils particularly enjoy activities that improve their immediate environment, such as vegetable planting and eco committee initiatives. The school council meets regularly to discuss fundraising and local charity support, reinforcing the idea that pupils are active citizens. The school's commitment to the arts is evidenced by regular workshops and high participation rates in instrumental music lessons.

Pastoral care is described as caring and protective by the parent body. Pupils feel safe and know exactly which member of staff to turn to for help. Behaviour is a major strength; pupils are confident, articulate, and considerate toward one another. Bullying is rare, and the school acts with vigilance and speed whenever concerns are raised.

Inclusion is managed with expertise. The Inclusion Manager (SEND) works closely with classroom teachers to ensure that pupils with additional needs make progress similar to their peers. Weekly assemblies provide a platform for celebrating achievement, which builds a strong sense of collective pride and self esteem among the student body.

Securing a place is the primary hurdle for families. The school is heavily oversubscribed, receiving 196 applications for just 60 Reception places in the most recent cycle. As a Voluntary Aided school, the governing body sets the criteria, which include a priority for children from practicing Christian families.

The deadline for Reception applications for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. For families seeking a "Foundation" (church) place, a Supplementary Application Form and Clergy Form must be returned directly to the school. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

Leavers typically progress to high performing secondary schools in the Richmond borough. In recent years, a significant percentage of the cohort has moved on to Waldegrave School and The Richmond upon Thames School.

The high academic standards also mean a notable number of pupils successfully navigate the 11 plus and entrance exams for local grammar and independent schools. The school provides a solid foundation for these transitions, and the Year 6 exit data shows a well established pipeline to the region’s most competitive secondaries.

The school day typically runs until 3:15 pm. For working families, the school offers wraparound care via a breakfast club and after school provision. As of late 2025, the school has modernized its meal system, offering hot school meals provided by the school kitchen for nursery and primary pupils.

Transport links are good, with the school situated near several bus routes and a short distance from Whitton station. Parking is extremely restricted near Twickenham Green, and the school strongly encourages walking or cycling.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded Voluntary Aided school, Archdeacon Cambridge's does not charge tuition fees for the primary phase (Reception through Year 6). The school relies on its per pupil sum from the government and additional income raised through the external letting of its facilities.

Parents are encouraged to contribute to the school's voluntary fund to support enrichment activities. For those using the nursery's self funded afternoon sessions, current costs are approximately £36 per day, though many families utilize the 15 or 30 hour government funding. Financial information published in 2025 confirms that the school manages its budget effectively without any staff salaries exceeding £100,000.

• Intense Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of over 3 to 1, entry is notoriously difficult. Proximity and documented church attendance are the deciding factors.
• Faith Expectations: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Church attendance requirements for "Foundation" places are specific, requiring attendance at least twice a month for at least a year. Families should ensure they meet these criteria well in advance.
• Academic Intensity: While nurturing, the school has high expectations. The curriculum moves quickly, and while results are elite, the environment is best suited to pupils who can handle a brisk academic pace.
• Secondary School Competition: Because the school sits in a high performing local authority, the pressure for secondary school places can be felt early, with many families beginning 11 plus preparation in Year 4 or 5.

Archdeacon Cambridge's is a school that successfully blends historic tradition with modern academic rigour. Its results place it among the best state schools in London, yet it remains a warm, community focused environment. It is best suited to families in the Twickenham area who are active in their faith and want an education that balances high attainment with strong moral foundations. The main hurdle is admission; once secured, the educational experience is exceptional. Families should use the Saved Schools feature to manage their application timeline.