Stanley Park Junior School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Supportive Sutton Community

Stanley Park Junior School serves the Carshalton community as a three form entry junior school for pupils aged 7 to 11. In an area of London known for its high educational standards, the school distinguishes itself through academic performance that sits well above the England average. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results place the school among the top 10% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting a consistent focus on core literacy and numeracy.

The school operates as a junior only provision, meaning pupils typically transition from the adjacent infant school at the start of Year 3. With a capacity for 360 pupils, it maintains a size that allows for a broad curriculum while ensuring that the leadership, headed by Mrs Amanda Lamy, maintains a clear oversight of individual progress. The atmosphere is purposeful, grounded in a set of core values that encourage pupils to be curious and resilient learners.

The school is located on Stanley Park Road, occupying a site that provides ample space for both academic study and outdoor play. While the junior school is a separate entity from the infant school, the two institutions share a geographical footprint and a collaborative spirit that eases the transition for seven year olds entering Key Stage 2.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Amanda Lamy, the school has cultivated a reputation for being both academically ambitious and pastorally grounded. The latest official assessments from September 2023 confirm that the school maintains its Good rating. During the inspection, the school received high praise for pupil behaviour, which was described as exemplary, with children treating each other with kindness and respect.

The school's ethos is built around the "Sense of Pride" motto. These values are visible in the corridors and are woven into the reward systems, ensuring that success is celebrated in many forms, from academic achievement to acts of kindness and sportsmanship. The Gold Artsmark status further highlights the school's commitment to a vibrant and creative learning environment.

The academic outcomes at Stanley Park Junior School are exceptional. In 2024, 75% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 61%. Even more striking is the proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard; 16% hit this elite benchmark, which is double the England average of 8%.

The school ranks 519th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and sits 7th among the schools in Sutton. This performance places Stanley Park Junior in the national high band (top 10%), a position that makes it one of the strongest performing non selective state schools in the borough.

Specific subject scores remain high across the board. In 2024, 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, while 93% achieved this in mathematics. The average scaled score in reading was 109 and in mathematics 110, both well above the England average.

The curriculum at Stanley Park Junior is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that while SATs results are strong, the pupils enjoy a wide variety of subjects. Specialists are often used for music and physical education, providing a depth of expertise that benefits pupils across all year groups.

The most recent Ofsted report commented that pupils are learning a curriculum that is well considered and carefully ordered. Teachers use data effectively to track progress, ensuring that those who need extra support receive it early, while those capable of reaching the higher standard are consistently challenged.

Technology is integrated into the classroom, with pupils having access to devices to support research and digital literacy. However, the school maintains a strong emphasis on traditional skills, including neat handwriting and mental arithmetic. The Year 4 Multiplication Check results in 2024 were particularly strong, with 44% of pupils attaining the maximum score of 25, far exceeding the England average of 29%.

Extracurricular life is a significant part of the Stanley Park experience. The school offers a variety of exciting clubs that cater to various interests, including Drama Club, Art Club, and a Netball Club that frequently competes in local competitions at Wallington Girls.

Sporting opportunities are extensive. The school fields teams in football, netball, and athletics, competing regularly against other schools in the Sutton Primary Schools' leagues. The emphasis is on participation and developing a healthy lifestyle, though the school has seen success in local tournaments.

Year 3 pupils enjoy educational visits such as trips to Butser Ancient Farm to bring their history curriculum to life. On site facilities include dedicated spaces for art and music, ensuring that the creative subjects receive significant attention. The school's Gold Artsmark status reflects the high quality of its arts provision.

Pastoral care is a clear priority, with the school maintaining a family feel that visitors frequently comment upon. Pupils are polite, confident, and courteous, and the school places a heavy emphasis on treating others with respect.

The transition from Year 2 to Year 3 is handled with particular care. Staff from the junior school work closely with Stanley Park Infants' School to arrange transition events for the Year 2 children. This ensures that the move to the "big school" is as seamless as possible for the children.

Behaviour at the school is exemplary. According to the 2023 Ofsted inspection, pupils treat each other with kindness. The school uses a positive reinforcement system that encourages pupils to take responsibility for their actions. For pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the school provides tailored support, working closely with parents to ensure every child can access the full curriculum.

As a state junior school, admissions are coordinated by Sutton Local Authority. The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 90 pupils per year group. Most applications come from families with children currently attending Stanley Park Infant School, as they receive priority in the admissions criteria.

For families considering a move into the area, it is important to note that the school is popular. In 2025, the furthest distance a place was offered on distance criteria was 1,134 metres. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Parents are encouraged to attend open mornings to see the school in action. Applications must be submitted through the Sutton admissions portal by the 15 January deadline for September entry. The outcome of these applications is typically notified to parents on 16 April (National Offer Day).

The school day begins with the gates opening at 8:35am for a prompt 8:45am start, and concludes at 3:20pm. For working parents, comprehensive wraparound care is available. The school led "Busy Bees" Breakfast Club operates from 7:45am to 8:45am with a daily fee of £5.00 (£6.50 for ad hoc).

After school provision includes the school led "Bumbles" club, which runs until 5:00pm at a daily fee of £8.50. Additionally, a partnership with Jancett Afterschool and Holiday Club has been in place since 2005, providing care from 3:15pm until 6:30pm. This ensures that families have reliable childcare options throughout the school year.

• Junior only phase: As a junior school starting at Year 3, children must transition into the school at age seven. This move is well managed, but parents should be aware that it is a significant step compared to staying in an all through primary school.
• High academic expectations: The school sits in the top 10% of schools in England for its results. While this is a major draw, the pace of learning is brisk, and the focus on reaching higher standards may feel intense for some pupils.
• Catchment distance: In 2025, the last distance offered was approximately 1,134 metres. Families living outside this radius may find it difficult to secure a place if they do not attend the linked infant school. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Stanley Park Junior School is a high performing, stable, and welcoming institution that manages to balance academic rigour with a genuine sense of joy in learning. Its results are among the best in the country for a non selective state school, making it an excellent choice for families who want a strong academic foundation for their children. It best suits children who are ready for the step up to a more structured junior environment and families who value a school with a clear focus on core standards.