Heber Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in the Heart of East Dulwich

A two-form-entry community school where ambition meets consistency. Heber ranks 299th out of 15,158 primaries in England, placing it in the top 2% for academic outcomes. In 2024, 83% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. The school serves the leafy streets of East Dulwich from a Victorian building extended over decades into a purposeful campus. Nursery provision begins at age three. The 420-place capacity means roughly 60 children per year group, large enough for social breadth but small enough that every child is known by name. This is not a school resting on past reputation; it is firing on all cylinders.

At drop-off along Heber Road, the Victorian red-brick facade signals a school with history. Children arrive confidently, greeting staff warmly. The building has been thoughtfully extended, blending period character with modern classrooms and specialist spaces. The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressured. Laughter punctuates breaktime; focus marks lesson time.

Mrs Emma Madden has led the school since 2014, bringing stability and vision. Under her leadership, the school maintained its Good Ofsted rating in 2023, with inspectors noting that pupils are respectful, kind and behave well. Staff turnover is low, a marker of morale and professional contentment. Teachers describe a culture of high expectations paired with genuine care.

The school's values centre on respect, resilience and responsibility. These are not merely words displayed in corridors. Pupils use the language naturally, and the behaviour policy references them explicitly. Parents describe a school where children feel safe, stretched and supported in equal measure.

Inspectors observed that pupils enjoy coming to school and feel secure. The sense of community is strong. Families in the catchment speak of a school embedded in the fabric of East Dulwich life, where siblings follow siblings and parents remain connected long after their children move on.

Heber's 2024 Key Stage 2 outcomes place it among the elite tier of primaries in England. In total, 83% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 299th in England out of 15,158 primaries, placing it firmly in the top 2% of schools nationwide. Within Southwark, Heber ranks 5th out of 74 primaries, a remarkable local position.

At the higher standard, 38% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, well above the England average of 8%. This reflects not just strong teaching for the majority, but genuine stretch for the most able. Nearly half of pupils (48%) achieved high scores in reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Breaking down the individual subjects, the picture remains consistently strong. The average scaled score in reading was 111, compared to the England average of 104. In mathematics, pupils averaged 110 against the England average of 103. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, the scaled score was 111 compared to the England benchmark of 105. These are not marginal gains; they represent substantial outperformance.

In science, 78% of pupils reached the expected standard. While this sits just below the England average of 82%, the gap is small and the overall academic profile remains excellent. The school has identified science as an area for development, a sign of self-awareness rather than weakness.

Progress measures confirm that pupils make rapid gains from their starting points. The combination of strong attainment and progress indicates both effective teaching and a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge systematically.

The curriculum follows the national framework with rigour. Teachers plan sequences of learning that build knowledge cumulatively. Phonics begins in Reception and is taught daily through Year 2, with intervention for older pupils who need it. Reading is prioritised, with class libraries well-stocked and reading comprehension taught explicitly.

Mathematics teaching emphasises mastery. Pupils work through problems at depth rather than racing ahead. Concrete resources support understanding in early years, with progression to abstract reasoning. Setting begins in Year 5, allowing teachers to pitch lessons appropriately. Pupils speak enthusiastically about maths challenges and problem-solving tasks.

The wider curriculum is broad and balanced. History and geography are taught as distinct subjects, not merged into generic topics. Science includes practical investigations, with access to a dedicated science area. French is taught from Year 3 by a specialist. Computing includes coding and digital literacy.

Class sizes average 30, the norm for state primaries. Teaching assistants support learning, particularly for pupils with additional needs. Staff benefit from regular training, and the school invests in subject leadership. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly. Lessons move at pace, with minimal time wasted.

Homework is set weekly, increasing in complexity as pupils move through the school. Expectations are clear, and parents report that children manage the workload comfortably.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, providing continuity and additional support. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) works full-time, overseeing provision for pupils on the SEN register. Approximately 12% of pupils receive additional support, in line with national averages for mainstream primaries.

The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting its commitment to meeting diverse needs. Interventions include phonics catch-up, speech and language support, and social communication groups. Outside agencies are involved where necessary, and the school works closely with families to ensure coordinated support.

Behaviour is excellent. Inspectors noted in 2023 that pupils are respectful, kind and behave well. The behaviour policy is clear, consistent and applied fairly. Pupils understand expectations and meet them. Incidents of poor behaviour are rare, and bullying is addressed swiftly. Children describe feeling safe and knowing who to turn to if they have concerns.

A school counsellor visits weekly, offering a confidential space for pupils who need emotional support. Wellbeing assemblies address themes such as resilience, friendship and managing worries. The school has trained Mental Health First Aiders on staff.

Parents describe a school that knows their children as individuals. Staff are approachable, and concerns are taken seriously. The culture is one of partnership, with families and school working together to support each child's development.

Extracurricular provision is broad and well-attended. Clubs run daily after school, changing each term to maintain variety. Recent offerings include football, netball, rounders, cricket, chess, art, science club, choir, ukulele, drama and coding. All clubs are open to all year groups, with no selection.

Music thrives at Heber. Whole-class instrumental tuition is provided in Year 4, with recorder teaching for all. Pupils showing aptitude can progress to individual lessons in a range of instruments, including guitar, violin and piano. The school choir performs at local and school events, and pupils participate in Southwark Music Festival annually.

Sport is well-supported, with teams competing in local leagues for football, netball and athletics. The school's proximity to Peckham Rye Park allows for cross-country training and sports day events. Swimming lessons are provided for Key Stage 2 pupils at a local pool.

Residential trips enrich the curriculum. Year 5 pupils attend a three-day trip to Sussex, focusing on outdoor education and team-building. Year 6 enjoys a week-long residential to the Isle of Wight, including activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and orienteering. These trips are heavily subsidised to ensure all pupils can attend.

Annual highlights include a Christmas production involving the whole school, Black History Month celebrations, World Book Day activities and a summer fair that draws the wider community. Pupils take on responsibilities as school council representatives, reading buddies and playground leaders.

Admissions to Reception are coordinated by Southwark Council, not the school directly. The application deadline is 15 January for September entry. Offers are made on National Offer Day in mid-April.

Heber is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 278 applications for 60 places, a subscription rate of 4.6 applications per place. After looked-after children, previously looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated strictly by distance from the school gate.

The last distance offered in 2024 was 2.01 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents considering Heber should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Families living beyond this radius have minimal chance of securing a place.

There are no sibling, parish or faith criteria. Distance is the sole determinant after priority categories. This makes entry predictable but highly competitive for families further afield.

Southwark operates an equal preference system, meaning the order in which you list schools on your application does not affect your chances. However, you must list Heber on your application to be considered.

The majority of Year 6 leavers progress to nearby state secondaries, including Kingsdale Foundation School, Harris Academy Peckham and The Charter School East Dulwich. All three are within two miles and rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

A significant minority pursue selective grammar school places, sitting the 11-plus for schools such as Wilson's School, Wallington County Grammar School and Nonsuch High School for Girls. In recent years, approximately 15 to 20 pupils per cohort have secured grammar school places, reflecting the strong academic foundation provided.

Some families opt for independent secondary schools, with pupils progressing to schools including Alleyn's School, James Allen's Girls' School, Dulwich College and Whitgift School. Scholarship offers are regular, testament to the calibre of pupils leaving Heber.

The school provides familiarisation sessions with 11-plus style questions but emphasises that this is not intensive preparation. Families seeking grammar school entry typically arrange external tutoring. Transition arrangements with local secondaries are well-established, with staff visits and taster days easing the move.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Gates open at 8:40am, with children welcomed into classrooms promptly at 8:50am. Collection is at 3:20pm for all year groups except Reception, which finishes at 3:15pm during the autumn term.

Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, offering a calm start to the day with breakfast provided. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, with a range of activities and snacks. Both are bookable via the school office and charge modest fees. Holiday club operates during main school holidays, providing wraparound care for working families.

For nursery pupils, sessions run mornings (8:50am to 11:50am) or afternoons (12:30pm to 3:30pm). Full-day provision is available for eligible families. Government-funded hours apply for three- and four-year-olds. Nursery fee details and funding eligibility can be found on the school website.

The school is located on Heber Road in East Dulwich, a residential area well-served by public transport. East Dulwich railway station is a 10-minute walk, providing services to London Bridge and Victoria. Numerous bus routes (including the 40, 176, 185 and P13) stop nearby. Parking is limited on surrounding streets, and most families walk or cycle. Bike racks are provided on site.

School uniform is required and available from the school office or designated suppliers. The uniform consists of navy blue jumper or cardigan, white polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt, and black shoes. PE kit includes a plain white t-shirt, navy shorts and trainers.

Tight catchment: With a last distance offered of 2.01 miles in 2024, securing a place requires living relatively close. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families beyond the 2-mile radius should have realistic expectations and consider alternative options seriously.

Oversubscription pressure: With 4.6 applications for every place, competition is fierce. Families relying on Heber as their first choice should understand the risk and ensure their application includes backup schools well within their catchment. The admissions process is entirely distance-based, leaving no room for appeals based on preference or need.

Grammar school culture: With strong results, many families here pursue grammar school entry at Year 6. This creates a culture where 11-plus preparation is common, and some children feel the weight of expectation. Families uncomfortable with this competitive atmosphere may prefer a less academically driven primary.

Science outcomes: While the school excels in reading, writing and mathematics, science results sit just below the England average. The school has identified this as an area for development, and progress is being made, but parents prioritising science may want to explore how the curriculum is being strengthened.

Heber delivers consistently excellent results while maintaining a warm, inclusive community atmosphere. The top 2% ranking in England reflects not just strong teaching but a well-structured curriculum, stable leadership and a culture of high expectations. For families within the tight catchment, this represents an outstanding state primary education without fees. Best suited to families seeking academic rigour paired with broad opportunities, where children will be stretched, supported and known as individuals. The main challenge is securing a place. For those who do, the education provided is exceptional.