Riverside Primary School Review 2026: Top 5% Results in a Rotherhithe Community School

93% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2024, placing Riverside Primary School among the highest-performing primaries in England. The school serves families in Rotherhithe, a Thames-side neighbourhood where former docklands meet contemporary housing estates. Three hundred children aged 3 to 11 attend this two-form entry state school, where strong teaching and high expectations drive results that rival selective and independent alternatives. Mrs Helen Thompson leads a stable teaching team in a modern building overlooking Stave Hill Ecological Park.

The school occupies a modern brick building on Janeway Street, a quiet residential road minutes from the Thames Path. At drop-off, children arrive from surrounding streets, many walking or cycling with parents. The atmosphere is purposeful and warm. Teachers greet families by name at the gates, and children move into classrooms with confidence.

Mrs Helen Thompson has led the school since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Tower Hamlets. Under her leadership, the school achieved Good in its 2022 Ofsted inspection. Staff stability is a strength. Several teachers have worked here for over a decade, creating continuity that benefits pupils and families.

The school's values of Respect, Ambition, and Kindness are visible throughout. Displays celebrate achievement across academic work, sport, and creative arts. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their learning, describing teachers who explain concepts clearly and expect everyone to succeed.

External assessments confirm the positive culture. Behaviour is calm and consistent. Pupils seem genuinely comfortable here, moving between lessons with minimal fuss.

In 2024, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly above the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 35% achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. These results reflect exceptional teaching and high expectations across all year groups.

Riverside ranks 459th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it in the top 5% of primaries nationally. Among 59 primaries in Southwark, Riverside ranks 7th, firmly in the top tier locally.

Subject-specific performance is equally strong. The average reading scaled score of 109 exceeds the England average of 105. Mathematics at 109 also outperforms the national figure of 104. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling reached 112, well above the England average of 105. Science results show 98% of pupils meeting expected standards, compared to 82% nationally.

These consistent results demonstrate that the school delivers exceptional outcomes across the curriculum. Pupils make strong progress from their starting points, with teaching that ensures no child is left behind.

The curriculum follows the national framework with notable rigour. Mathematics teaching begins with concrete resources in early years, progressing to abstract concepts by Year 6. Pupils are set by ability for mathematics from Year 4, allowing targeted teaching that stretches high achievers and supports those needing consolidation.

Reading is prioritised throughout the school. Phonics teaching starts in Reception using the Read Write Inc programme. By Year 2, most pupils are fluent readers. The school library stocks over 4,000 books, and each classroom maintains reading corners with texts matched to pupil interests and abilities.

Science is taught weekly by class teachers, with regular practical investigations. Year 6 pupils dissect plants, study electrical circuits, and conduct experiments testing properties of materials. The school has invested in equipment, ensuring hands-on learning rather than textbook descriptions.

French begins in Year 3, taught by a specialist teacher. Pupils learn vocabulary, simple grammar, and cultural knowledge. By Year 6, they can hold basic conversations and write short texts.

Specialist teaching extends to music and physical education. The music teacher coordinates instrumental lessons for over 80 pupils, with tuition available in keyboard, guitar, recorder, and drums. PE is taught twice weekly, supplemented by after-school sports clubs.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, ensuring small-group support for pupils needing additional help. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator works four days per week, coordinating provision for approximately 35 pupils on the SEN register. Support includes targeted phonics intervention, speech and language therapy, and social skills groups.

The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting its commitment to meeting diverse needs. Pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans receive tailored support, with regular reviews involving parents, teachers, and external specialists.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The school uses a positive behaviour system, rewarding effort and kindness. Sanctions are rare, reflecting the calm culture. Bullying is uncommon. When incidents occur, staff address them promptly and involve parents.

A trained counsellor visits weekly for children needing additional emotional support. The school has developed strong links with local children's services, ensuring swift access to external support when needed.

Extracurricular provision is extensive for a two-form entry primary. Clubs run Monday to Thursday after school, changing termly to maintain variety. Current offerings include football, netball, dodgeball, chess, coding, choir, art, and drama. Participation is high, with approximately half of pupils attending at least one club weekly.

Sport features prominently. The school fields teams in local football and netball leagues, competing against neighbouring primaries. Sports Day takes place at Southwark Park Athletics Track, giving pupils experience of a professional venue.

Music thrives, with a school choir of 40 voices performing at the Southwark Schools Music Festival annually. Pupils learning instruments showcase their progress in termly concerts. Year 4 pupils receive recorder tuition, with progression to other instruments for those showing aptitude.

Residential trips enrich the curriculum. Year 6 pupils spend three days at an outdoor education centre in Sussex, participating in orienteering, climbing, and team-building activities. The trip builds independence and confidence ahead of secondary transition.

Creative arts receive dedicated attention. Annual school productions involve pupils from all year groups. Recent performances included adaptations of Roald Dahl stories and a musical revue. Pupils design costumes, build sets, and perform to families and the wider community.

Links with local organisations extend learning beyond school. Pupils visit the Brunel Museum to study Victorian engineering, explore St Mary's Church for historical context, and participate in Thames River clean-up days organised by the Port of London Authority.

Admissions are coordinated by Southwark Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 71 applications for 20 Reception places in 2024. Competition reflects the school's strong reputation and limited capacity.

After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. There is no formal catchment boundary. Proximity determines success.

Southwark operates a coordinated admissions process. Parents apply online through the council portal, listing up to six schools in preference order. The deadline is 15 January for September Reception entry. Offers are made on National Offer Day in April.

The school advises visiting before applying. Open mornings run in October and November. Families can tour the building, meet the head teacher, and observe lessons. Booking is required via the school office.

Nursery places are separate from Reception admissions. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply through Southwark admissions regardless of nursery attendance.

For families considering Riverside, understanding the distance criterion is essential. Those living further than half a mile should explore alternative options. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The majority of pupils progress to Bacon's College, the nearest non-selective secondary, approximately one mile away. Bacon's serves the Rotherhithe and Bermondsey communities, offering a broad curriculum and strong sixth form provision.

A significant minority pursue grammar school entry. In 2024, approximately eight pupils secured places at selective schools including St Olave's Grammar School and Newstead Wood School. The school provides 11-plus familiarisation sessions in Year 5 and Year 6, introducing pupils to test formats and question styles.

The school emphasises that familiarisation is not intensive preparation. Families seeking grammar school places typically arrange external tutoring. The head teacher encourages parents to consider whether selective education suits their child, rather than pursuing grammar school entry solely based on primary school success.

Some families choose independent schools, with pupils securing places at Alleyn's School, Dulwich College, and James Allen's Girls' School. Scholarships have been awarded for academic and sporting achievement.

Transition support is thorough. Secondary schools visit in the summer term to meet Year 6 pupils. The school shares detailed pupil information with receiving schools, ensuring continuity of support for those with additional needs. Pupils visit their new schools for induction days, reducing anxiety about the move.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for all pupils. Gates open at 8:40am, allowing children to enter classrooms and settle before registration.

Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing supervised play and a light breakfast. The cost is £4 per session, payable in advance. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, charging £8 per session. Both clubs are popular and often fully subscribed, so early booking is advisable.

Wraparound care is particularly valuable for working parents. The school works with families to secure consistent places, though availability fluctuates based on demand.

Holiday club operates during main school holidays, providing care and activities from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Sessions cost £25 per day, with discounts for siblings. The programme includes trips to local parks, creative workshops, and sports activities.

The school is accessible by public transport. Rotherhithe Underground Station (East London Line) is a 10-minute walk. Bus routes 381 and C10 stop nearby. For families driving, parking is limited on surrounding streets. The school encourages walking, cycling, or using public transport to reduce congestion.

School uniform is compulsory. Navy jumper or cardigan, white polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt, and black shoes. The uniform is available from local suppliers and online. The school operates a preloved uniform sale termly, offering affordable options for families.

Hot meals are provided daily, cooked on-site. The menu rotates weekly, offering vegetarian, halal, and allergy-friendly options. The cost is £2.50 per day. Pupils entitled to free school meals receive lunch at no cost.

For further details, families should visit the school website at www.riverside.southwark.sch.uk or contact the school office on 020 7231 9806.

Oversubscription pressures. With 71 applications for 20 places in 2024, entry is fiercely competitive. Families living beyond half a mile have minimal chance of securing a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should verify current distances before relying on a place here.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception entry. Attending the Riverside nursery provides no advantage in Reception admissions. Families must apply through Southwark Council regardless of nursery attendance, and distance from the school gates remains the determining factor.

Limited wraparound care capacity. Breakfast club and after-school club are popular and often fully subscribed. Working parents needing guaranteed wraparound care should secure places early and confirm availability before relying on this provision.

11-plus culture. With strong results, many families pursue grammar school entry. The school provides familiarisation sessions but not intensive preparation. Parents should consider whether selective education suits their child, rather than assuming grammar school is the natural progression.

Exceptional results, skilled teaching, and a genuine community atmosphere make Riverside Primary School a highly sought-after choice for Rotherhithe families. 93% of pupils meeting expected standards places the school in the top 5% nationally, while the calm, purposeful culture ensures children thrive socially and emotionally. Best suited to families living very close to the school who want outstanding primary education without fees. The main challenge is securing a place. Those fortunate enough to gain entry benefit from a school firing on all cylinders, delivering outcomes that rival independent alternatives while serving its local community with warmth and ambition.