Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School school exterior · Photo: No Swan So FineLONNOW / THE SHORTLIST
Five worth knowing.
An editorial shortlist, not an official London league table. We considered published attainment or inspection evidence, school character and practical admissions information. The order is not a measured ranking. All five are state-funded and mixed. Small cohorts, different reporting years and changing inspection frameworks mean headline percentages and grades should not be treated as a single comparable score.
This Marylebone primary combines a Church of England identity with a strong academic profile. Its February 2023 inspection was Good overall, with Outstanding judgements for early years, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development. Those dated findings make it a worthwhile school to investigate, without claiming that an older inspection predicts every child’s experience.
Before you decide
Read the current faith-related oversubscription policy and any supplementary form alongside the council application. Nursery and Reception entry are separate decisions.
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Mural at Fox Primary School · Marathon · CC BY-SA 2.0Notting Hill · Kensington & Chelsea
Fox Primary School
State · non-faith · mixed
A strong all-round inspection record
Fox’s October 2023 Ofsted inspection graded the school Outstanding overall and across the five reported areas, including early years. It offers a useful non-faith comparison for families looking in inner west London. Visit during an ordinary school day to understand how the curriculum and classroom routines would suit your child.
Before you decide
Reception applications go through the local authority. Read the current oversubscription rules and recent allocation information; an address near the school does not guarantee an offer.
The school’s 2025 results show average scaled scores of 112.8 in reading and 113.1 in mathematics, against the national figures of 105.6 and 104.7 quoted in its table. Its approach to reading has also featured in an Ofsted good-practice publication. This is a compelling academic starting point, to be balanced with a visit and a discussion of learning support.
Before you decide
Check the council’s admissions arrangements for the correct year. Ask about the transition into Reception, wraparound care and support for your child’s individual needs.
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John Betts Primary School school exterior · Robin Webster · CC BY-SA 2.0Hammersmith · Hammersmith & Fulham
John Betts Primary School
State · voluntary aided · mixed
A small cohort with strong outcomes
John Betts reports 100% at the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined for both 2024–25 and 2025–26. The latter cohort contained just 19 pupils, an important context when interpreting percentages. Its compact scale may appeal to families who want to investigate a smaller school community.
Before you decide
Use the school’s current admissions policy, including its priority rules. Look beyond the latest percentages: ask about the breadth of the curriculum, pastoral care and the experience of different learners.
St Stephen’s 2024–25 report records 93% meeting the expected standard in reading and 97% in mathematics. Its average scaled scores were 110 and 111 respectively. This adds a substantial east London option to the shortlist. Despite its name, the Newham school is a non-faith community school.
Before you decide
Confirm that you are looking at the Whitfield Road school in Newham, rather than another St Stephen’s. Use Newham’s admissions route and check support, wraparound provision and travel in person.
01 IN FOCUS
How to compare primary schools
Start with a manageable daily journey and a realistic chance of admission.
Read the current policy, visit the school, and ask how teachers support children who need more help or greater challenge. A small difference in one year’s SATs results should not outweigh the fit for your child.
02 IN FOCUS
What the evidence can tell you
This guide uses dated school-published results and official inspection information available on 26 September 2026.
The figures come from different cohorts and are not a ranking calculation. We have not presented an old Ofsted grade as a new inspection or treated a single strong result as a promise of future performance.
Create a decision file+
Compare entry, learning, cost and outcomes on the same basis.
01
Requirements
Use the current course or school admissions page.
02
Fit
Compare subject content and teaching, not only rank.
03
Budget
Model fees, housing, travel and visa costs where relevant.
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Deadline
Track application, funding and acceptance dates separately.
