St Stephen's C E Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in the Heart of Twickenham

At drop-off, the gates on Winchester Road reveal a school that serves as a quiet academic powerhouse in Twickenham. St Stephen's C E Primary School is a two-form entry Church of England institution that consistently punches well above its weight. The school sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England (115th overall).

The school serves approximately 420 pupils aged 4 to 11. Under the leadership of Headteacher Liz Bachour (formerly Gasson), who has steered the school for over two decades, St Stephen's has cultivated a reputation for balancing rigorous academic expectations with a supportive, faith-based community atmosphere. While the Victorian-style architecture reflects its long history, the internal culture is focused firmly on contemporary excellence.

The atmosphere at St Stephen's is defined by a sense of purposeful calm. As a Church of England school, its Christian character is genuine and pervasive, though it welcomes families from across the local community. The school motto, Service before self, is woven into daily life, encouraging pupils to think beyond their own immediate needs.

Physically, the school makes excellent use of its Twickenham site. The Victorian buildings are meticulously maintained, and recent investments have created bright, modern learning spaces. The playground is a hive of activity during breaks, and there is a noticeable sense of camaraderie between older and younger pupils, often fostered through "buddy" systems.

The latest Ofsted inspection, which rated the school as Good in February 2024, noted that pupils thrive in this environment and staff have consistently high expectations. There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff, many of whom have been with the school for several years, providing a stable foundation for the children.

The 2024 KS2 results tell a story of exceptional achievement. At St Stephen's, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

In terms of higher achievement, the school is equally impressive. Half of the pupils (51%) achieved at a higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to a national average of just 8%. These results place the school 115th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 3rd among all primaries in Richmond upon Thames.

The average scaled scores further reinforce this elite standing. Pupils achieved an average of 111 in reading and 111 in mathematics, well above the England average of 105 and 104 respectively.

Teaching at St Stephen's is characterized by high expectations and a structured approach to the core curriculum. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the focus is on establishing strong phonics and numeracy skills through a blend of teacher-led instruction and purposeful play.

As pupils progress through the school, the curriculum expands to include specialist teaching in music and physical education. The school's approach to writing is a particular strength, with 35% of pupils achieving "greater depth" in the 2024 assessments. This is supported by a rich reading culture where books are celebrated and discussed across all year groups.

Mathematics teaching follows a mastery approach, ensuring that pupils have a deep understanding of concepts before moving on. The school's 96% success rate for reaching the expected standard in maths is a testament to the effectiveness of this method.

The majority of pupils at St Stephen's progress to highly regarded local secondary schools within the Richmond upon Thames local authority. Common destinations include Orleans Park School, Waldegrave School, and Grey Court School.

A significant minority of families also pursue the 11-plus route, with pupils securing places at selective grammar schools such as Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls' School. The school supports this transition through robust academic preparation, though it maintains its focus on a broad primary curriculum rather than becoming an 11-plus factory.

Securing a place at St Stephen's is a significant challenge. For the 2024 entry, the school received 177 applications for just 59 offers, making it heavily oversubscribed with approximately three applicants for every available place.

The admissions criteria prioritize looked-after children, siblings, and those living closest to the school. As a voluntary-aided Church of England school, admissions are managed by the Richmond upon Thames Local Authority. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical offer patterns. For the September 2026 intake, applications must be submitted by 15 January 2026.

Pastoral care is rooted in the school's Christian values. There is a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, with staff trained to recognize and support children's mental health. The school employs a "nurture" approach for children who may be facing challenges, ensuring they have a safe space to talk and decompress.

Behaviour is excellent, governed by a policy that focuses on restoration and understanding rather than just punishment. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as School Council members or Eco-Warriors, which builds confidence and a sense of agency.

The extracurricular offer is varied and well-attended. St Stephen's is particularly well-regarded for its musical opportunities, including a thriving school choir and the chance for pupils to learn a range of instruments through peripatetic teachers.

Sport is another pillar of the school. From competitive football and netball teams to more niche offerings like yoga or tag-rugby, there is something for most interests. The school frequently participates in borough-wide sporting events, often returning with silverware.

STEM initiatives are also prominent. The school hosts regular science weeks and coding clubs, encouraging pupils to engage with technology and problem-solving from an early age.

The school day typically starts at 8:50am. Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 finish at 3:20pm, while Years 3 to 6 finish at 3:30pm. For working parents, wraparound care is provided by "St Stephen's Stars." The Breakfast Club starts at 7:45am and the After School Club runs until 6:00pm.

Located in Twickenham, the school is well-served by public transport. Twickenham station is a 10-minute walk away, and several bus routes serve the Winchester Road area. However, parking is extremely limited, and the school strongly encourages walking or cycling where possible.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded voluntary-aided school, St Stephen's C E Primary School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils.

Families may be asked to contribute to the cost of optional extras, such as school trips, certain extracurricular clubs, or individual music lessons. However, the school is committed to ensuring that no child is excluded from activities due to financial hardship and offers support for families eligible for Pupil Premium. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for information regarding uniform grants or help with trip costs if required.

• High Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 3:1, many local families find themselves on the waiting list. Living in Twickenham does not guarantee a place; proximity is the deciding factor.
• Academic Rigour: While the school is nurturing, the pace is brisk and the expectations are high. Children who thrive in a structured, high-achieving environment will do best here.
• Faith Integration: The Church of England ethos is not an optional extra. It is central to the school's identity, including daily collective worship. Families should be comfortable with this religious context.

St Stephen's C E Primary School is an exceptional choice for families seeking a blend of elite academic performance and a traditional, values-led community. Its results place it among the very best in England, yet it manages to avoid feeling like an "exam factory." Best suited to academically capable children who will benefit from a structured environment and a strong moral framework. The main challenge remains the extreme difficulty of securing entry.