St John the Divine Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Historic Camberwell School with Strong Christian Values

Founded in 1872, St John the Divine Church of England Primary School has served the Camberwell community for over 150 years, deeply rooted in its heritage as a voluntary aided Church of England school with a longstanding link to its parish church. This one-form entry primary school educates 141 pupils aged 3 to 11 in the heart of Camberwell, Southwark, holding a current Ofsted rating of Good across all assessed areas. With 82% of pupils speaking English as an additional language, the school embraces diversity within its Christian foundation. The school achieved 71% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics in recent assessments, above the national average of 62%, placing it in line with typical national performance. Nursery provision is available from age 3, and all children from Nursery through Year 6 receive free school meals.

St John the Divine has maintained its Christian mission for more than a century and a half, operating as a voluntary aided school within the Diocese of Southwark. The school's vision articulates a clear purpose: "We are a vibrant community where every person makes their unique contribution to making a better society. At St John the Divine, our vision is of a joyful place where children are empowered to explore their potential through educational excellence within an environment of spiritual growth and well-being." This statement reflects the school's dual commitment to academic rigour and spiritual development, embedded in everyday practice and interactions.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Catherine Warland, the school seeks to prepare each child for their future by developing individual passions while helping students fulfil their potential. Christian values are foundational to all activities, shaping the curriculum and guiding relationships throughout the school community. The close relationship with the parish church remains central to the school's identity, distinguishing it from secular alternatives in the area.

The school serves neighbourhoods spanning both Lambeth and Southwark, drawing families who value its faith-based approach. As a small, one-form entry school with a capacity of 210 but a current roll of 141, St John the Divine offers an intimate learning environment where staff know each child well. This size enables strong pastoral care and a family atmosphere, supported by the school's commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.

St John the Divine achieved solid performance in recent Key Stage 2 assessments. In reading, writing, and mathematics combined, 71% of pupils reached the expected standard, notably exceeding the national average of 62%. The school demonstrated particular strength in reading (81% at expected standard) and grammar, punctuation, and spelling (88% at expected standard). Science results were especially impressive, with 94% of pupils achieving the expected standard compared to the national average of 82%.

Breaking down the results further, 19% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, more than double the national average of 8%. Reading attainment was strong, with an average scaled score of 106 and 31% achieving high scores. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance was notably robust, with an average scaled score of 108 and 38% reaching high scores.

Mathematics results showed 56% reaching the expected standard with an average scaled score of 101, and 13% achieving high scores. Writing saw 13% of pupils working at greater depth. These figures position the school in line with national averages overall, with particular strengths in reading, science, and grammar.

The school ranks 7,303rd in England among primary schools, placing it around the 48th percentile nationally. Within Southwark, the school ranks 43rd locally. While not among the highest-performing schools, these results represent solid academic delivery in a diverse urban setting.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum, with teaching structured to ensure knowledge is delivered in logical sequence. For example, in music, pupils progress from singing simple melodies to more complex harmonies as they advance through the years. The school offers specialist instruction in core subjects including English, mathematics, physical education, music, and religious education, with dedicated programmes for Early Years Foundation Stage and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Support structures include Pupil Premium and Sports Premium initiatives, and the Natural Thinkers programme. The school has achieved multiple quality accreditations including BRIX, Health, and Numeracy Star awards, RE and Stars recognition, PGQM Bronze status, Advanced Healthy Schools accreditation, and Lifesavers and afPE Quality Mark certifications. These awards reflect sustained commitment to broad educational standards and pupil well-being.

St John the Divine provides a range of extracurricular opportunities designed to nurture pupils' talents and interests. Clubs include needlecraft, netball, and music, allowing children to explore activities beyond the classroom. Educational trips to museums and other venues enrich learning, enabling pupils to engage with their studies in practical contexts and develop broader awareness of the world around them.

The school's location in urban Camberwell positions it within easy reach of cultural and educational resources. While the site is modest in size as befits a Victorian-era inner-city school, it provides the necessary facilities for delivering the National Curriculum and supporting the school's programmes. The school's Nursery provision accepts children from age 3, offering early years education within the same Christian ethos and values framework.

Physical education is supported through the Sports Premium funding and the afPE Quality Mark, indicating attention to sports provision and physical development. The school's accreditations in health and wellbeing underscore a holistic approach to child development, balancing academic progress with physical and emotional growth.

Admissions to St John the Divine are managed by the school itself as a voluntary aided institution, meaning parents must apply directly using the school's own application form rather than solely through the local authority pan-London system. The school sets its own admissions criteria, which typically prioritise children with connections to the Church of England faith community, reflecting its religious character.

Demand for Reception places is significant. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 23 applications for just 5 available Reception places, resulting in a subscription rate of 4.6 times the number of places. All families who named the school as their first preference and received an offer did so, indicating that the school fulfilled first-preference applicants within its capacity constraints. This oversubscription reflects both the school's appeal within the local faith community and the general demand for church school places in inner London.

Prospective families should note that as a Church of England voluntary aided school, admissions criteria likely include requirements around church attendance, baptism, or membership of the Church of England or other Christian denominations. Families interested in the school are strongly advised to review the admissions policy carefully, understand the supplementary information form requirements, and contact the school directly to clarify eligibility and application procedures.

Admissions timelines for Reception entry typically follow the Lambeth Council coordinated admissions schedule, with applications opening in the autumn term for entry the following September and offers made on National Offer Day in April. However, because the school sets its own criteria, families must ensure they complete both the Lambeth Common Application Form and the school's own supplementary form by the stated deadlines. Current information on admissions should be confirmed directly via the school's website or by contacting the school office.

The school's urban location on Warham Street, near Camberwell New Road, serves families across both Lambeth and Southwark. Public transport access is good, with the nearest National Rail station at Vauxhall and the nearest underground station at Oval, making the school accessible for families beyond the immediate walking catchment.

St John the Divine Church of England Primary School offers a faith-based primary education rooted in more than 150 years of service to the Camberwell community. Its small size, current roll of 141 pupils, and one-form entry structure create an intimate environment where individual children are known and supported. Academic results are solid, with performance above national averages in key measures such as reading, writing, and mathematics combined, and particularly strong outcomes in reading, grammar, and science.

The school's Christian ethos and close relationship with its parish church are defining characteristics. Families drawn to faith-based education, who value spiritual growth alongside academic progress, will find the school's mission and values central to its identity. The high proportion of pupils with English as an additional language reflects the school's inclusive approach within its religious framework, serving a genuinely diverse urban community.

Admissions are competitive, with demand significantly exceeding supply. Prospective families must navigate the voluntary aided admissions process, meet the school's faith-based criteria, and complete supplementary forms in addition to the standard local authority application. This process requires careful attention to deadlines and detailed understanding of the school's specific requirements.

For families seeking a small, nurturing Church of England primary with a strong sense of community and a track record of delivering solid academic outcomes in a diverse inner-city setting, St John the Divine merits serious consideration. Its heritage, Christian values, and commitment to developing the whole child within a supportive environment distinguish it from larger, secular alternatives in the area. Parents should visit the school, engage with its community, and ensure alignment between the school's ethos and their own family values before applying.

Is St John the Divine Church of England Primary School a good school?

Yes, St John the Divine is rated Good by Ofsted across all areas assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Academic results are above national averages in key measures, with 71% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined compared to 62% nationally. The school demonstrates particular strength in reading, grammar, and science.

How do I apply to St John the Divine Church of England Primary School?

As a voluntary aided Church of England school, St John the Divine manages its own admissions. Parents must apply directly to the school using the school's supplementary information form in addition to completing the Lambeth Common Application Form. Admissions criteria prioritise children with connections to the Church of England and Christian faith communities. Applications for Reception entry typically open in the autumn term for entry the following September, with offers made on National Offer Day in April. Contact the school directly via their website or telephone to confirm current admissions arrangements and faith criteria.

What are the admissions criteria for St John the Divine?

The school sets its own admissions criteria as a voluntary aided Church of England school. These typically include considerations such as church attendance, baptism, membership of the Church of England or other Christian denominations, and proximity to the school. Detailed admissions criteria are published in the school's admissions policy, available on the school's website or by contacting the school office directly.

How competitive is entry to St John the Divine?

Entry is highly competitive. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 23 applications for 5 Reception places, representing a subscription rate of 4.6 to 1. All families who received offers had named the school as their first preference, indicating that the school met demand from its most committed applicants within available capacity. Families are advised to research admissions criteria carefully and consider the school as part of a broader application strategy.

What age does St John the Divine accept children?

The school accepts children from age 3 in its Nursery provision through to age 11 at the end of Year 6. Nursery places offer early years education within the school's Christian ethos. Admission to Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place; parents must apply separately for Reception entry following the school's admissions process.

Does St John the Divine have a nursery?

Yes, the school provides nursery provision for children from age 3. The nursery operates within the same Christian values framework as the main school and offers early years education aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.