Ilderton Primary School Review 2026: Small School, Outstanding Results

In South Bermondsey, where the railway arches meet residential streets, Ilderton Primary School occupies a compact site serving one of London's most diverse communities. The school's 2024 results place it in the top 7% of primaries in England, a remarkable achievement for a small one-form-entry school of around 200 pupils. 89% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. Outstanding since its latest Ofsted inspection, the school forms part of the Mayflower Federation alongside nearby Reverside Primary, sharing leadership and resources while maintaining distinct identities.

The single-form-entry structure means approximately 30 children per year group, creating an intimate environment where every child is known. At drop-off, the gates reveal a purposeful start to the day. Children greet staff confidently, moving through the compact building with familiarity.

Ms Lisa Dart has led the school as Executive Headteacher since 2019, overseeing both Ilderton and Reverside as part of the Mayflower Federation. This federated structure brings advantages: shared specialist staff, joint training, and economies of scale that allow investment in facilities and expertise beyond what a small standalone school could typically afford.

The school serves a community where over 40 languages are spoken at home. English as an additional language support is embedded throughout, with teaching that makes no assumptions about prior cultural knowledge. Inspectors found that leaders ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, receive high-quality education.

The school's values centre on respect, responsibility, and resilience. Behaviour is calm and consistent, with clear expectations understood by all. Pupils demonstrate genuine care for one another, a quality that stems from the small-school familiarity and the explicit teaching of social and emotional skills.

In 2024, 89% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 980th in England for primary outcomes (a FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it well above the England average and in the top 7% nationally. Among 56 primaries in Southwark, Ilderton ranks 11th.

Reading performance is particularly strong, with an average scaled score of 109 (England average: 104). 90% of pupils met expected standards in reading, and 55% achieved the higher standard. In mathematics, the average scaled score of 108 exceeds the England average of 105, with 88% meeting expected standards and 40% achieving higher.

At the higher standard, 42% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This figure demonstrates that high attainment is not limited to meeting basic thresholds but extends to genuine depth of understanding.

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) shows an average scaled score of 110, with 88% meeting expected standards and 55% achieving higher. In science, 88% met expected standards, above the England average of 82%.

The consistency across subjects points to strong teaching and a well-structured curriculum. The school makes no excuses based on context; expectations are high for every child.

The curriculum follows the national framework with careful sequencing to ensure knowledge builds cumulatively. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly, using questioning to check understanding before moving forward.

Phonics teaching begins in Reception, following a systematic programme. Early reading is prioritised, with books carefully matched to pupils' phonetic knowledge. Children who fall behind receive same-day intervention to prevent gaps widening.

In mathematics, concrete resources support conceptual understanding before moving to abstract representation. Problem-solving and reasoning are woven throughout, not treated as separate topics.

Specialist teaching enhances the offer. Music lessons are delivered by a specialist teacher. Physical education benefits from qualified sports coaches. Computing follows a structured progression, ensuring pupils develop digital literacy alongside traditional subjects.

The federation structure allows shared subject leaders across both schools, meaning even this small school benefits from specialist curriculum leadership in each subject area.

The small size means pastoral care is naturally personalised. Class teachers know their pupils deeply, spotting early signs of difficulty whether academic, social, or emotional.

The SENCO coordinates support for pupils on the SEN register, working closely with external agencies where needed. Provision includes targeted small-group work and one-to-one interventions. Inspectors noted that pupils with SEND achieve well because their needs are quickly identified and support is effective.

A trained learning mentor provides additional support for pupils experiencing social or emotional challenges. Parents describe approachable staff who respond quickly to concerns.

Safeguarding procedures are robust. Staff training is current, and the culture of vigilance is embedded. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach if worried.

For a small school, the extracurricular programme is broad. Clubs change termly and include football, art, choir, coding, and drama. Participation rates are high, aided by the manageable school size that allows clubs to run without overwhelming numbers.

Music features prominently. The school choir performs at local events, and whole-school singing happens weekly. Pupils can learn instruments through peripatetic teachers, with some financial support available for families who need it.

Annual highlights include a residential trip for Year 6 to an outdoor education centre, providing many pupils with their first experience away from home. Sports Day, the Christmas production, and a summer fair bring the community together.

Links with local secondary schools ease transition. Year 6 pupils visit their future schools multiple times, and staff liaise to ensure smooth handover of information.

Admissions are coordinated by Southwark Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 48 applications for 14 Reception places in 2024, representing 3.4 applications per place. All first-preference applicants who were offered places received them, indicating the school prioritises those who actively choose it.

After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by distance. Southwark operates a straight-line distance policy from home to school gate.

The small intake means catchment area fluctuates more than at larger schools. Families should check recent admission distances through Southwark Council and use the FindMySchool Map Search to verify their proximity. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The federation with Reverside Primary means families in the area have two excellent options under shared leadership, though each school admits separately.

The majority of pupils progress to local secondaries including Bacon's College, Ark Globe Academy, and St Michael's Catholic College. Some travel further to Southwark schools such as Harris Academy Peckham or Charter School Dulwich.

The school prepares pupils well for secondary transition, with a focus on independence and self-organisation in Year 6. Former pupils return to speak about their experiences, maintaining the connection.

For families considering selective schools, the curriculum provides a strong academic foundation, though the school does not offer specific preparation for entrance tests.

School day runs 8:50am to 3:15pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a calm start with breakfast and supervised activities. After-school club runs until 6pm, offering play, snacks, and homework support.

The school is accessible by bus (routes 1, 47, 188, 381, P13) and is a 12-minute walk from South Bermondsey station. Street parking is limited, and families are encouraged to walk or use public transport.

School uniform is available from the school office or through a local supplier. The school operates a uniform exchange for families who need it.

Small intake. With just 14 Reception places, securing entry is challenging. Oversubscription means families living further away have little chance. Those considering this school should verify distances carefully and have realistic backup options.

Limited outside space. The urban site means outdoor space is compact. While the school maximises what it has, families wanting extensive grounds should recognise the constraints of the setting. Playtimes are staggered to ensure all pupils have adequate space.

Federated structure. Sharing leadership with Reverside Primary brings benefits but also means the Executive Headteacher's time is split between two sites. Day-to-day management falls to the Head of School, which works well but differs from a traditional single-school headship.

Nursery provision. The school offers nursery for three- and four-year-olds, but spaces are limited. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, as separate applications are required through Southwark admissions.

Ilderton Primary School demonstrates that small can be exceptional. Outstanding inspection judgement, results in the top 7% nationally, and a close-knit community combine to create an environment where every child is known and challenged. The federated structure brings advantages of scale while preserving intimacy. Best suited to families living very close who value strong academic foundations delivered in a nurturing, personalised setting. The main challenge is securing one of the 14 Reception places in a school where demand consistently outstrips supply.