Christ Church Bentinck CofE Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Results in the Heart of Marylebone

Pupils here develop deep confidence in reading, writing and mathematics from the moment they arrive in the Nursery. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in May 2024 confirmed it remains Outstanding, with children making exceptional progress across all subjects through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge in small, deliberate steps. Set on Cosway Street in Marylebone, the school serves an extraordinarily diverse community, where 76% of pupils speak English as an additional language, yet 92% meet expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. This places the school in the elite tier, among the top 2% of primary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking), and 2nd in Westminster. With 215 pupils and maximum class sizes of 30, Christ Church Bentinck combines individual attention with a genuine commitment to addressing disadvantage and improving equity across the school.

The school is at the heart of the diverse Marylebone community it serves, functioning as the parish school of St Paul's Church on Rossmore Road. Beyond the gates, the atmosphere is purposeful and calm. Pupils move between lessons with clear focus, and behaviour is exemplary; children follow the school's 'Golden Rules', which guide them to show respect, resilience, reconciliation and responsibility. This creates an environment where pupils flourish and feel genuinely safe.

The Christian ethos is woven throughout daily life, yet the school explicitly welcomes children of all faith traditions and from all sections of the local community. In 2024, the Ofsted inspector noted that pupils show great respect for each other and are very proud of their school. They make positive contributions through formal channels like the school council, where they take responsibility seriously, and the eco-club, where they have been working to reduce food waste and improve the school site. The school's commitment to addressing disadvantage is genuine and evident; staff work closely with families to provide targeted support, and weekly coffee mornings give parents workshops on how to support their children at home, as well as sessions on healthy eating and managing home finances.

Mrs Sandra Tyrrell, Headteacher since at least 2017, leads with both calm efficiency and a genuine commitment to foster links with the local community. Staff describe feeling well supported by leaders in a collegiate culture that helps develop their practice. The governing body, chaired by Susannah Robinson, is described as highly effective in both supporting and challenging the school. Pupils feel genuinely empowered to share concerns; the school operates a worry box system in classrooms, and safeguarding arrangements are effective, with no tolerance for bullying.

KS2 Performance

Christ Church Bentinck's most recent KS2 results (2024) place the school in the elite tier nationally. Performance across reading, writing and mathematics remains exceptionally strong.

In reading, 92% of pupils met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 111 (England average: 100). At the higher standard, 54% achieved greater depth in reading. Grammar, punctuation and spelling shows the school's greatest strength, with 88% meeting expected standards and an average scaled score of 117, significantly above the England average of 100. In writing, 92% reached expected standards, with 25% achieving greater depth. Mathematics saw 92% meet expected standards, with an average scaled score of 113, and 75% achieving the higher standard (England average for higher standard across reading, writing and maths combined is 8%).

Overall, 51% of pupils achieved the higher standard across reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 8%. This exceptional performance reflects the school's deliberate approach to teaching: learning is built in small steps, pupils are given regular opportunities to recall prior learning, and teachers are skilled at identifying misconceptions as they arise. Teachers' delivery and explanations of vocabulary, knowledge and skills are excellent.

The school ranks 12th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 2% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 2nd among Westminster primary schools.

What Makes These Results Possible

The curriculum has been carefully considered and sequenced. Learning flows seamlessly from the start of early years through to Year 6. Early reading has been given high priority. Children start the school's phonics programme as soon as they join Nursery. They become confident and fluent readers through this systematic approach. Regular assessment checks pupils' progression through the programme, and reading books are matched to their phonics knowledge. Pupils who need additional support are identified early and given extra support to catch up.

For pupils who speak English as an additional language, the school has carefully considered how best to support them so they learn the intended curriculum effectively. Pupils with special educational needs are identified quickly, and their learning is adapted so they can fully access the curriculum alongside their peers. This targeted approach, combined with high expectations and clear routines, ensures that disadvantaged pupils make strong progress.

Teaching is consistently strong. The school is determined that all pupils receive an excellent education. The curriculum is highly ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Learning follows a structured pattern: lessons are built up in small steps, with pupils given regular opportunities to recall prior learning. This approach enables pupils to remember key concepts and knowledge. Teachers are skilled at identifying any misconceptions that pupils may develop. In Spanish lessons, for example, teachers are quick to identify and address any incorrect pronunciation as it arises.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable, which enables learning to proceed without disruption or distraction. The school teaches Spanish to all pupils in Key Stage 2, from Year 3 onwards. This introduces cultural knowledge alongside language skills. Teachers have high expectations and support children in following clear routines, preparing them very well for learning in the year above. In mathematics, for example, Nursery children have plenty of well-planned opportunities to explore and develop their knowledge of shapes, with key vocabulary such as angle, length and vertex taught and practised to help extend their understanding.

The school does not have a secondary phase, so pupils progress to local secondary schools, many to Highdown School (the nearest non-selective secondary) or, for those passing entrance examinations, to state grammar schools including Reading School and Kendrick School. The school provides support to families navigating secondary transfer, and pupils move on having developed strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking that serve them well in their next phase of education.

The school offers a rich programme of enrichment beyond the classroom. Pupils enjoy a wide array of opportunities that strengthen their learning and broaden their experiences. The Ofsted inspection noted that from cricket to crafts, ballet to Bollywood dance, the school offers after-school clubs that aim to enrich all pupils' experiences. A new external provider, Junior Adventures Group, is launching a 'Stay and Play' club from May 2025, offering additional afternoon activities designed to inspire curiosity and build lasting friendships.

Educational Visits & Cultural Experiences

A wide range of visits are planned to strengthen pupils' learning. These include visits to museums and places of worship, St Paul's Cathedral, and The Royal Opera House. Pupils also benefit from visits to London Zoo and other cultural institutions. In Year 6, pupils undertake a residential trip, which provides immersive learning experiences and builds confidence and independence. These trips are carefully planned to extend learning beyond the classroom and to give all pupils access to cultural experiences.

Clubs & Societies

The school council provides pupils with genuine responsibility and a voice in school decision-making. The eco-club has been particularly active, working to reduce food waste and improve the school site. Pupils are proud to support the local community, such as by coordinating donations to a local food bank. Sporting clubs include cricket and football. Creative clubs span ballet, Bollywood dance, and crafts. While specific clubs rotate termly, the breadth indicates the school's commitment to offering diverse experiences. The school has achieved both the Gold Games Mark and the Gold Sustainable Travel Award, reflecting its commitment to physical activity and environmental awareness.

Music & Languages

Spanish language learning is integrated into the Key Stage 2 curriculum, with pupils in Years 3-6 learning the language. In early years and Key Stage 1, phonological awareness and oral language development are prioritized. The school recognizes that learning languages early builds confidence and curiosity about the wider world.

Facilities & Environment

The school campus benefits from recent expansion. In 2017, a new building extension was officially opened by the Acting Bishop of London, increasing facilities to allow for two-form entry to the school. This extension provides additional classroom space and learning environments. The school library is newly established, and pupils enjoy daily story time and are excited to borrow books from it. A sensory garden, created in partnership with Trees for Cities, provides outdoor learning opportunities. The space includes seating areas with planted jasmine, echinacea and lavender, positioned to draw pupils away from the road. This garden offers opportunities for outdoor learning and provides a calming environment for wellbeing.

The school offers a full-time Nursery class integrated into the main school. This gives early learners access to the school's ambitious early years curriculum from age 3. Government-funded entitlements are available for eligible children. The Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with a focus on play-based learning, phonological awareness, and personal development. Children benefit from the school's whole-school ethos of respect, resilience, reconciliation and responsibility from their first days at school. For current nursery fees and funding information, visit the school website or contact the school directly.

Reception Entry (Year R)

Reception places are allocated through Westminster's coordinated admissions scheme, not directly by the school. The school is significantly oversubscribed; in the most recent cycle, there were 92 applications for 29 available places (a ratio of 3.17 applications per place). The school is voluntary aided with a Church of England character, which means admissions criteria give priority to pupils with a demonstrable connection to the Church. Prospective parents are welcome to visit on open mornings to meet staff and view facilities. For current open morning dates, visit the school website or contact admissions@ccbprimary.co.uk.

Nursery Entry

Admission to the Nursery is separate from Reception. Prospective families can request a Nursery Admission Form from the school. Government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours for eligible three and four-year-olds) are available. There may be additional charges for meals, activities, and consumables.

In-Year Admissions

Families wishing to apply for a place outside the normal admission rounds must complete an In-Year Admissions Form and, if applicable, a Supplementary Church Reference Form. Current admission documents and criteria are available on the school website.

School Day & Wraparound Care

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates daily from 8:00am to 8:45am, offering a nutritious breakfast with a selection of cereals, bread, spreads and fruit. For after-school care and holiday clubs, families should contact the school or consult the Westminster wraparound care information page for current providers and details.

Transport & Location

The school is situated on Cosway Street in Marylebone, London NW1 5NS, in a central London location with excellent transport links. Marylebone Station is a three-minute walk away (Bakerloo Line and Chiltern Railways). Edgware Road Station is a five to ten-minute walk away (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Bakerloo lines). Paddington Station is a ten-minute walk away (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Bakerloo, Elizabeth Line, and Great Western Railway). This makes the school easily accessible from across London via public transport. The school has achieved the Gold Sustainable Travel Award, promoting active and sustainable ways of getting to school.

Pupils' personal development is given high priority. The school's work is driven by its aim of addressing disadvantage and improving equity for all pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear policies and procedures in place. Pupils feel safe and looked after and know that the school will not tolerate bullying.

The school has positive relationships with parents and carers. Weekly coffee mornings provide parents with workshops on how to support their children, as well as sessions on healthy eating and managing home finances. This partnership approach helps parents understand their child's learning and builds a supportive community.

Oversubscription & Distance. The school is significantly oversubscribed, with approximately 3.17 applications for every place available. This makes securing entry highly competitive. Families should ensure they understand the admissions criteria carefully and contact the school early to discuss any specific circumstances.

English as an Additional Language. While the school has excellent strategies for supporting pupils who speak English as an additional language, some children arriving in Reception with no English exposure may need intensive support during their first term. Families should speak with the school about what specific support is available for their child.

Diverse Faith Context. The school is a Church of England school and explicit in its Christian character. While it welcomes children from all faith traditions, daily collective worship and religious education reflect this Christian foundation. Families uncomfortable with a faith-based approach should carefully consider whether the school is the right fit.

Year 6 Transition. As a primary-only school, all pupils move to secondary school at the end of Year 6. While the school provides transition support, the move to a much larger secondary environment can be challenging for some children. Families should be prepared to discuss secondary options and transition carefully.

Christ Church Bentinck is an outstanding primary school, delivering exceptional results while remaining genuinely committed to serving a diverse, disadvantaged community. Results place the school in the top 2% nationally, yet the school's character remains warm and inclusive rather than pressurised. The carefully sequenced curriculum, skilled teaching, and strong pastoral care create an environment where all pupils, including those with additional needs and those learning English as an additional language, make strong progress. Behaviour is exemplary, and pupils feel genuinely safe and supported. The school succeeds in combining academic ambition with real inclusivity. Best suited to families within the oversubscribed catchment who value a faith-based education, or those seeking outstanding academic outcomes combined with genuine care for individual children's development and wellbeing. The main challenge is securing a place due to high demand.