St Peter's Eaton Square CofE Primary School Review 2026: Church of England School with Strong Results in Central London

In the heart of Belgravia, where elegant stucco terraces meet international embassies, St Peter's Eaton Square serves around 350 children aged 4 to 11. The school sits among the highest-performing primaries in England, ranking 962nd out of 15,158 schools for academic outcomes, placing it well above England average (top 10%). Despite requiring improvement in its latest Ofsted inspection, results tell a different story: 91% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2024, significantly above the England average of 62%.

The school occupies a Victorian building on Lower Belgrave Street, the playground tucked behind iron railings typical of central London primaries. Space is at a premium here, but the building has been adapted thoughtfully over generations.

St Peter's Church stands adjacent, and the connection runs deeper than geography. The school's Christian character shapes daily routines: worship happens regularly, religious education follows the Church of England framework, and Gospel values underpin behaviour expectations. Families choosing this school should expect genuine faith integration, not token gestures.

Mr Robert Lawson leads the school following the retirement of the previous head in 2023. The transition period has brought changes, reflected in the Requires Improvement judgement from Ofsted in early 2024. The inspection noted areas for development around curriculum sequencing and leadership, but pupils continue to achieve strong outcomes.

Academic performance remains a clear strength. In 2024, 91% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. The school ranks 962nd in England and 10th among 32 primaries in Westminster, placing it in the top tier locally and nationally.

At the higher standard, 42% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This suggests the school successfully challenges its most able learners.

Subject-specific scores provide further detail. Reading scaled score of 109 and mathematics of 108 both exceed England averages of 100. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance is particularly strong, with a scaled score of 110 and 100% of pupils meeting expected standards. Science outcomes also surpass England averages, with 88% reaching expected standards against 82% nationally.

The curriculum follows the national framework with some distinctive features. All pupils learn French from Reception. Religious education holds a prominent place, reflecting the school's Church of England foundation.

Class sizes average around 25, typical for a central London primary operating near capacity. Teaching is generally effective, though the recent inspection identified inconsistencies in curriculum sequencing that leadership is addressing.

Pupils speak positively about their learning. The focus on reading is evident, with dedicated time for books and a well-stocked library. Mathematics teaching emphasises problem-solving alongside calculation.

The school holds a strong commitment to inclusion. Special educational needs provision supports approximately 40 pupils, with dedicated teaching assistants providing intervention. The SENCO coordinates support and liaises with external specialists when needed.

Behaviour expectations are clear, rooted in Christian values of respect, kindness, and responsibility. The inspection noted behaviour as generally good, though occasional low-level disruption was observed in some lessons.

The school's central location means many pupils travel from across Westminster. Staff know families well despite the urban setting.

Extracurricular provision reflects the constraints of space and location. After-school clubs change termly and include football, netball, choir, art, and coding. Music features prominently, with regular performances at St Peter's Church.

The choir sings in church services throughout the year. Annual highlights include the nativity play, harvest festival, and a summer production involving all year groups.

Sporting opportunities are necessarily limited by the urban site. The school uses nearby Pimlico Academy sports facilities for some activities. Pupils participate in local inter-school competitions for football, netball, and athletics.

Admissions are coordinated by Westminster City Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 54 applications for 22 Reception places in 2024, a ratio of 2.45 applications per place.

After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, places are allocated according to these criteria in order: children of staff, siblings, children who worship regularly at St Peter's Church (verified by clergy), other applicants by distance. Faith commitment provides significant advantage. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates.

The school serves a voluntary aided Church of England foundation. Families uncomfortable with daily worship, explicit Christian teaching, and regular church involvement should consider alternatives. This is not ceremonial; the faith commitment is genuine and pervasive.

Most pupils progress to secondary schools across Westminster and neighbouring boroughs. Popular destinations include Grey Coat Hospital (Church of England girls' school), St Marylebone (Church of England school), Westminster Academy, and Pimlico Academy. A small number secure places at local independent schools or selective state schools including Westminster City School.

The school provides information about 11-plus examinations for families considering selective options, but this is not the dominant culture. Transition arrangements with secondary schools ensure a smooth move.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Breakfast club operates from 8am; after-school club runs until 6pm, providing wraparound care for working families. Both require advance booking and carry additional charges. The school office holds details of current costs.

The nearest stations are Victoria (5-minute walk) and Sloane Square (8-minute walk). Parking is extremely limited due to the central location. Most families walk or use public transport.

Faith commitment expected: The school's Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily worship, regular involvement with St Peter's Church, and explicit Christian teaching should look elsewhere. Admission priority for regular church attendees reinforces this identity.

Requires Improvement rating: The 2024 Ofsted inspection identified areas for development, particularly around curriculum leadership and consistency. While results remain strong, families should be aware the school is working through an improvement plan. The next inspection will determine progress.

Central London constraints: The urban site limits outdoor space. There is no extensive playing field, and some sports provision happens off-site. Families wanting expansive grounds should consider alternatives.

Competitive entry: With 2.45 applications for every place and faith criteria providing advantage, entry is challenging. Proximity alone may not secure a place. Families should verify their position in admission criteria before depending on this school.

Strong academic outcomes and a genuine Church of England ethos make St Peter's Eaton Square an attractive choice for families wanting faith-based primary education in central London. Results place it among the highest-performing primaries in England, with 91% meeting expected standards and 42% achieving greater depth. The Requires Improvement judgement reflects leadership transition and curriculum sequencing issues rather than fundamental failings. Best suited to families who worship regularly at St Peter's Church or live very close, who want their children educated within an explicitly Christian framework. The main hurdles are securing a place and accepting the urban constraints of the site.