Charles Dickens Primary School
London, SE1 1AF · Southwark · primary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 62 primary schools in Southwark we can score, 66 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 10.0/10 against 1,615 of them, against 9.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 92.0 · 98 | 40% | 3.93 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 34.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.48 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Charles Dickens Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 92.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 34.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2025. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (10.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including Choir-Golden Hinde, Domino Racing, and Engineering club. Sports options cover Cricket, Girls Football, and Early Morning Running Club. Arts activities include Polymer Clay Club, Creative Writing, and Eco-Art.
Getting in
The published school roll is 494 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school manage class sizes when the roll exceeds the physical capacity by 74? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How are the various choir groups scheduled to ensure all interested pupils can participate?
What Ofsted said about Charles Dickens Primary School
Overview
Charles Dickens Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides a positive experience where pupils “live and breathe the school’s values,” resulting in high-quality education and exemplary behaviour. Leaders and the trust maintain strategic oversight to sustain the school’s effectiveness.
Strengths
- The “highly ambitious curriculum” is well designed, interwoven with educational visits, and recognised as excellent practice by the Department for Education.
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, “achieve exceptionally well” due to staff’s strong subject knowledge and effective support strategies.
- Behaviour is described as “exemplary” and “impeccable,” with bullying being rare and issues resolved quickly by adults.
- Reading instruction is highly effective; “almost all pupils become fluent readers by the end of Year 1” through careful phonics teaching and book selection.
- A wide range of free clubs and activities promotes inclusion, with participation celebrated through the school’s ‘Greatness Award’.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 95% |
| 2023/24 | 89% |
| 2024/25 | 92% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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