Globe Primary School Review 2026: Top 5% Results in Inner London

On a quiet side street in Bethnal Green, Globe Primary proves that postcode is not destiny. In 2024, 93% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, placing the school in the top 5% of primaries in England. The Victorian red brick building houses 370 pupils aged 3 to 11, including a nursery that feeds into Reception. Tower Hamlets families know this school well. With 150 applications for 42 Reception places in 2024, securing entry requires living within approximately half a mile of the gates.

The school occupies a converted Victorian building that has witnessed the neighbourhood's transformation from working docks to young families and tech workers. Beyond the gates, the atmosphere is purposeful and calm. Pupils move between lessons with quiet confidence. The corridors display work that reflects genuine pride rather than performative display.

Ms Rachel Green has led the school since 2018, arriving from a deputy headship in Hackney. Under her leadership, Globe achieved Outstanding from Ofsted, an outcome that reflects consistent strength rather than sudden improvement. Staff retention is notably strong for inner London. Several teachers have been here over a decade, providing continuity that matters in a transient neighbourhood.

The school's values centre on curiosity, respect, and resilience. These words appear throughout the building, but more importantly, pupils use them naturally when describing their learning. Behaviour is calm and consistent. Pupils describe feeling safe and listened to.

In 2024, 93% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. The school ranks 478th in England for primary outcomes and 8th among Tower Hamlets primaries, placing it firmly in the top 5% of schools in England.

Reading performance is particularly strong. The average scaled score of 110 exceeds the England average of 105. 96% of pupils met expected standards in reading, with 51% achieving the higher standard. In grammar, punctuation, and spelling, 71% achieved the higher standard, against an England average of 45%.

Mathematics outcomes are equally impressive. The average scaled score of 108 compares to the England average of 104. 33% achieved the higher standard in mathematics.

At the higher standard across reading, writing, and mathematics combined, 34% of pupils achieved greater depth, compared to the England average of 8%. This indicates the school successfully stretches more able pupils while ensuring all achieve core standards.

Science results align with this picture. 89% met expected standards, above the England average of 82%.

Teaching follows clear structures with high expectations. Phonics begins in Reception using Read Write Inc, with daily sessions continuing into Year 2. Reading for pleasure is embedded, with class libraries and weekly library visits. By Year 3, most pupils read fluently and with genuine comprehension.

Mathematics teaching emphasises understanding over rote learning. Pupils explain their reasoning, work through problems collaboratively, and apply concepts to unfamiliar contexts. Setting begins in Year 4, allowing teachers to pitch work appropriately without lowering expectations.

The curriculum extends beyond core subjects. French is taught from Year 3. Computing includes coding from Year 2. Art and design technology receive dedicated curriculum time rather than being squeezed into topic work.

Specialist teaching for music and physical education ensures quality in subjects that can suffer in primary schools. Pupils describe enjoying these lessons and feeling genuinely challenged.

Most pupils progress to local non selective secondary schools, particularly Morpeth School, Bow School, and Swanlea School. A smaller number secure places at selective schools including St Paul's Way Trust School and Central Foundation Girls' School.

The school provides transition support through Year 6, including visits to secondary schools and preparation for larger environments. Former pupils return to share experiences, helping current Year 6 understand what awaits.

Admissions are coordinated by Tower Hamlets Council. Applications must be submitted online by 15 January for September Reception entry. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 150 applications for 42 places in 2024.

After children in care and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. In 2024, the last distance offered was 0.549 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Siblings receive no automatic priority, though in practice most siblings live close enough to qualify. Families should verify current distances with the local authority before assuming a sibling place is secure.

Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side by side using the Comparison Tool.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, providing consistent adult presence. The SENCo works full time and coordinates support for approximately 45 pupils on the SEN register, representing typical provision for an inner London primary.

The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting structured approaches to supporting pupils with additional needs. Support ranges from targeted phonics interventions to nurture groups for social and emotional development.

Behaviour management follows restorative approaches. Pupils describe consequences as fair and adults as consistent. The playground feels safe and well supervised.

A trained emotional literacy support assistant works with small groups and individual pupils. External agencies, including educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, visit regularly.

The extracurricular programme runs four days per week after school, with clubs changing each term. Current offerings include football, netball, dance, choir, art, science club, and chess. Participation is strong, with approximately half the school engaged in at least one club.

All Year 4 pupils learn recorder as part of the curriculum. Those showing interest can progress to other instruments through the Tower Hamlets Music Service, with some financial support available for families facing barriers.

Annual highlights include a Year 6 residential to the Isle of Wight, whole school productions at Christmas and summer, and Sports Day at Victoria Park. Year 5 and 6 pupils participate in the Tower Hamlets Schools Parliament, developing civic understanding.

The school garden provides outdoor learning opportunities. Pupils grow vegetables, maintain composting systems, and study seasonal changes firsthand. This outdoor space matters in a neighbourhood where many families live in flats without gardens.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a calm start for working families. After school club runs until 6pm, with structured activities followed by free play. Both clubs are available to all year groups and charge modest fees, with reductions available for families receiving benefits.

The school is accessible by bus, with several routes stopping within two minutes' walk. Bethnal Green Underground station is approximately ten minutes on foot. Most families walk, reflecting the tight catchment area.

School meals are prepared on site. The kitchen achieved a 5 star food hygiene rating. All infant pupils receive universal free school meals under government policy. Junior pupils from families receiving qualifying benefits also receive free meals.

Wraparound care details are available on the school website. Families should contact the school office for current pricing and availability.

Tight catchment. With a last distance offered of 0.549 miles in 2024, securing a place requires living close to the school. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates before assuming entry is secure.

No automatic sibling priority. Unlike many schools, Globe offers no sibling advantage in admissions. Younger siblings must meet the distance criterion independently. In practice, most siblings do live close enough, but families who have moved or live at the edge of catchment should verify distances carefully.

Nursery places separate process. The nursery has its own application process, separate from Reception admissions. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, though proximity works in the same way. Families wanting continuity should apply for both but understand neither is guaranteed.

High expectations may pressure some. The school achieves exceptional results through rigorous teaching and high expectations. Some pupils thrive in this environment. Others, particularly those who struggle academically or need more time to consolidate learning, may find the pace demanding. Parents should visit to assess whether the culture suits their child.

Outstanding results, strong teaching, and genuine community atmosphere make Globe Primary a highly sought after choice for Tower Hamlets families. The school combines academic rigour with broad opportunities, ensuring pupils leave ready for secondary school both academically and personally. Best suited to families living within the tight catchment who want excellent primary education in a nurturing yet purposeful environment. Securing a place is the main challenge. For those who succeed, the education delivers consistently.