The Russell Primary School Review 2026: A Petersham Gem with High Academic Ambition

In the leafy, riverside pocket of Petersham where Richmond Park meets the River Thames, The Russell Primary School serves as a vital community hub. The school balances its idyllic, green surroundings with a rigorous approach to academic achievement. Current data indicates that The Russell sits in a high-performing tier locally, ranking 17th among primary schools in the competitive London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This places the school in the top 10% of primary providers in England, a position it has maintained through consistent performance.

The school is led by Headteacher Laura Brooks, who took up her post in September 2023. Under her leadership, the school has continued to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere while pushing for academic outcomes that exceed England averages. As a single-form entry community school with a capacity for 236 pupils, it offers a close-knit environment where children are known individually by staff and peers alike.

The Russell Primary School occupies a modern site on Petersham Road, designed to maximise its proximity to the area's natural beauty. The environment feels distinctly different from the urban density of Greater London, often described by parents as having a village-school feel. This sense of peace is reflected in the school's calm and purposeful atmosphere, where pupils are encouraged to be both ambitious and kind.

The school's motto, Enriching Lives, Inspiring Ambition, is not merely a slogan but a practical guide for daily life. There is a palpable sense of community, bolstered by a dedicated Parent Teacher Association (the PTR) which organises local events to support school initiatives. The recent 2023 Ofsted inspection highlighted the school's strength in personal development, rating it as Outstanding in this specific area.

Staff and pupils share a culture of mutual respect. Older children often take on leadership roles or act as buddies to younger pupils, particularly in the nursery and reception years. This vertical integration ensures that the school feels like one large family, a benefit often cited by those choosing the single-form entry model.

The Russell Primary School consistently delivers academic results that sit comfortably above national benchmarks. In 2024, 83% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 61%. These figures place the school in the national high percentile band, reflecting its position among the top-tier primary schools in England.

High-attaining pupils are also well-supported here. In the same measurement period, 13% of pupils achieved at a higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. The average scaled score in reading was 110, while mathematics was 108, both exceeding national expectations. These FindMySchool rankings, based on official Department for Education data, confirm the school's status as a leading local provider.

Teaching at The Russell is characterised by subject expertise and a clear commitment to inclusive learning. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, with a particular emphasis on the creative arts and STEM. Science results are a point of pride, with 90% of pupils reaching the expected standard, often aided by the school's use of its unique local environment for practical investigations.

The 2023 inspection noted that teachers generally check what pupils know and can do with accuracy. However, in areas where the curriculum is still being refined, assessment is not always used with total consistency to address misconceptions. Despite this, the quality of education remains strong, and the school continues to develop its "graduated approach" to learning to ensure no child is left behind.

In the early years, the nursery provision provides a seamless entry into the school's culture. Staff focus heavily on communication and social development, ensuring that pupils are "school-ready" by the time they move into Reception.

Nursery Provision

The Russell Primary School includes on-site nursery provision for children aged three and over, which is fully integrated into the school campus. The nursery offers a nurturing environment where children begin their educational journey through play-based learning and early literacy and numeracy activities.

For entry in September 2026, the school admits 26 children into the nursery. All children must be three years old prior to September 1st to qualify for a place. Applications for the nursery are made directly to the school office rather than through the local authority.

For nursery fee details and session availability, parents should visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information on how to access these credits.

Pupils from The Russell typically progress to a variety of sought-after secondary schools within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Common destinations include Grey Court School and The Richmond upon Thames School. Due to the high academic standards, a significant number of pupils also successfully sit entrance exams for local grammar schools in neighbouring boroughs or independent senior schools.

The school provides structured support for the Year 6 transition, including guidance for parents on the secondary application process. The strong foundation in core subjects ensures that leavers are well-prepared for the increased academic demands of Year 7.

Admission to The Russell is highly competitive. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 63 applications for just 19 places, a subscription proportion of 3.32. This means that for every place offered, more than three families applied, making it one of the more difficult schools to secure entry to in the local area.

Applications for Reception must be made via the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames coordinated admissions scheme. The closing date for on-time applications for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. National Offer Day is scheduled for 16 April 2026.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

With its small cohort, The Russell excels in pastoral care. The staff know the children's personalities and needs intimately, allowing for a proactive approach to student wellbeing. The school has a clear "inclusion leader" and SENCo, ensuring that support for pupils with special educational needs is identified early and delivered alongside their peers.

The 2023 Ofsted report specifically praised the school's "outstanding" personal development work. Pupils have many opportunities to support the whole community and become good citizens, fostering a sense of social responsibility from an early age.

The Russell Primary School places a high value on enrichment beyond the standard academic day. Music and the arts are central to the school's identity; all pupils learn to play a range of instruments, and the school hosts a thriving orchestra, band, and choir.

The extracurricular programme is extensive for a school of this size. Specific clubs often include:

STEM

Coding and robotics clubs.

Sport

Football, netball, and tag rugby, often held on the school's generous green spaces.

Creative Arts

Drama and choir groups that perform at school events.

The school also organises regular residential trips for older pupils, such as the Year 6 visit to Condover Hall, which focuses on teamwork and outdoor adventure.

The school day begins at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm. For working parents, the school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club, ensuring a safe and engaging environment from early morning until the early evening.

Transport links are good for a riverside school; several bus routes serve Petersham Road, connecting the school to Richmond and Kingston stations. However, parking is extremely limited, and the school strongly encourages local families to walk or cycle.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded community school with no tuition fees. As part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the school receives its funding via the local authority and central government.

Families should be aware of associated costs such as:

• Uniform: Available from local suppliers, with a second-hand uniform shop run by the PTR.
• Trips: Voluntary contributions are requested for school visits and workshops.
• Music: While basic music provision is included, individual instrumental lessons may attract a fee.

Families eligible for Free School Meals can apply for additional support; information is available via the school's "Inclusion Coffee Mornings" and official newsletters.

• Intense Admissions Pressure: With a subscription proportion of 3.32, getting a place without a sibling already at the school is difficult. Proximity to the school gates is the deciding factor for most families.
• Single-Form Entry Limits: While the community feel is a major draw, some parents find the single-form entry model limits the social pool for their children as they grow.
• Ongoing Curriculum Refinement: The 2023 inspection noted that assessment consistency in less-developed curriculum areas is an area for improvement, though overall outcomes remain high.

The Russell Primary School is an excellent choice for families seeking a school that combines a high-performing academic environment with a nurturing, village-style community. Its 2024 results confirm its status among the top 10% of schools in England, and its "Outstanding" rating for personal development indicates a school that cares as much about character as it does about grades. Best suited to families living in the immediate Petersham area who want a small, focused environment with strong links to nature and the creative arts. The main challenge remains securing a place in a school that is three times oversubscribed.