St Mary's and St Peter's Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in the Heart of Teddington

St Mary's and St Peter's Church of England Primary School, frequently referred to as SMSP, holds a significant place in the Teddington community. Serving approximately 630 pupils across a three-form entry structure, it is a substantial primary school that manages to maintain a distinct, community-focused feel. The school 2024 Key Stage 2 results are exceptional, placing it within the elite tier of schools in England (top 2%).

The leadership underwent a significant transition recently; Mr Adrian Corke was appointed as Headteacher in September 2025, succeeding Helen Swain. Mr Corke, who previously served within the school leadership team, maintains a trajectory of high academic standards while preserving the school inclusive Church of England ethos. Located on Somerset Road, the school benefits from its proximity to Bushy Park, which frequently serves as an extended classroom. For families in Richmond upon Thames, it represents one of the most consistently high-performing options available, though its popularity makes securing a place a significant undertaking.

The atmosphere at St Mary's and St Peter's is defined by a blend of academic purpose and Christian values. As a Voluntary Aided Church of England school, its religious character is woven into the daily rhythm rather than being a separate bolt-on. The school motto, Believe and Achieve, is underpinned by a set of core values including compassion, respect, and service. These are evident in the calm, orderly corridors and the polite, confident manner of the pupils.

The physical site is a mix of traditional and modern. While parts of the school reflect its history in Teddington, which dates back to its founding in 1831, significant investment has provided contemporary learning spaces. This includes a well-resourced library and dedicated music rooms. The outdoor spaces are particularly notable, featuring separate playgrounds for different key stages and a wildlife garden that supports the school focus on environmental stewardship.

Community engagement is a hallmark of the school. There is a very active parent-teacher association, the Friends of SMSP, that organises major events such as the summer and Christmas fairs, which are staples of the Teddington social calendar. This strong partnership between home and school creates a supportive environment where pupils feel secure and valued.

Academic performance at St Mary's and St Peter's is among the strongest in the country. In 2024, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%, representing a major achievement for a large, inclusive primary school.

The depth of achievement is even more striking at the higher standard. Over half of the cohort (51.67%) achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. This level of high attainment is consistent across all core subjects. In reading, the average scaled score was 110, while in mathematics it was also 110, both comfortably exceeding the England benchmark of 100.

According to FindMySchool rankings based on 2024 official data, the school ranks 268th in England for primary outcomes. Locally, it ranks 6th among the dozens of primary schools in Richmond upon Thames, placing it in the elite tier (top 2%) of schools in England.

Teaching at the school is characterised by high expectations and a structured approach to the curriculum. The latest Ofsted report, following an inspection in December 2022, rated the school as Outstanding in all areas, including the quality of education and leadership. Inspectors found that the curriculum is exceptionally well planned and sequenced, allowing pupils to build deep knowledge over time.

Music is a particular strength, with a high proportion of pupils learning an instrument and regular opportunities for performance. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious; in writing, for example, 44% of pupils achieved greater depth in 2024, a testament to the school success in developing sophisticated literacy skills. Science and the humanities are taught through a thematic approach that encourages pupils to make connections across different areas of knowledge.

Physical education is also prioritised, with the school taking full advantage of local facilities and its own grounds to offer a wide range of sports. The school teaching emphasis on resilience and independent thinking prepares pupils effectively for the transition to secondary school.

Fees & Financial Aid

St Mary's and St Peter's is a state-funded Voluntary Aided school, which means there are no tuition fees for attendance. Education is provided free of charge, funded by the government and the Church of England.

While there are no fees, the school relies significantly on parental contributions to the Governor Fund and fundraising via the Friends of SMSP events. These voluntary contributions help bridge the gap between government funding and the school ambitious expenditure on resources and facilities. Parents should also account for costs related to school uniforms, optional music tuition, and school trips. For families facing financial hardship, the school provides support to ensure all pupils can participate in the full range of activities, including residential trips.

As a Church of England school, pastoral care is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and deserves individual support. There is a strong emphasis on mental health and emotional wellbeing, with staff trained to recognise and support children facing challenges.

The school "Buddy" system, where Year 6 pupils mentor younger children, fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging across the age ranges. Collective worship is a daily feature, providing a time for reflection and community building. While the school is explicitly Christian, it welcomes families of all faiths and none, emphasising universal values of kindness and tolerance. Support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is well-coordinated, with the SENCo working closely with class teachers to ensure that the curriculum is accessible.

The extracurricular offer is extensive and varied. After-school clubs range from traditional sports like football, netball, and cricket to more creative pursuits such as drama, choir, and art. The school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) provision is bolstered by specific clubs like coding and Lego robotics, reflecting a commitment to preparing students for a digital future.

Residential trips are a highlight for older pupils. Year 5 and Year 6 students typically participate in outdoor education centres, fostering independence and team-building skills. The school choir is well-regarded locally, frequently performing at community events and church services.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm. Wraparound care is well-established through an external provider, KOOSA Kids, which provides safe and fun breakfast and after-school childcare based in the main school hall.

Breakfast Club

Runs from 7:45am until the start of the school day.

After-School Club

Runs from the end of the school day until 6:00pm.

Transport

Teddington station is a ten-minute walk away. However, the school strongly encourages walking, scooting, or cycling, and there is ample scooter storage on site. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Somerset Road is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times.

• Fierce Competition for Places: Entry is highly competitive. Families living outside the immediate vicinity may find it difficult to secure an Open place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Large School Feel: As a three-form entry school with 630 pupils, it is much larger than many traditional village-style primaries. While well-managed, some children may find the scale and the busy playgrounds overwhelming.
• Faith Commitment for Foundation Places: Families seeking one of the Foundation places must be able to demonstrate regular attendance at a Christian church over a sustained period. The requirements are specific and verified by a clergy reference.
• Pressure of Success: With such elite academic results, there can be a perceived pressure on pupils to perform. While the school focuses heavily on wellbeing, the high-attaining environment may not suit every child temperament.

St Mary's and St Peter's Church of England Primary School is an academic powerhouse that remains deeply rooted in its local community and its Christian values. Its results are among the best in England, yet it avoids the exam factory label by maintaining a broad curriculum and a strong focus on the arts and sport.

It is best suited to families in the Teddington area who value a Church of England education and are looking for a school that will challenge their child academically within a supportive, values-driven environment. For those who can secure a place, it offers a primary education of the highest calibre. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist and compare local alternatives.