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City of London Primary Academy, Islington

London, EC1Y 0AE · Islington · primary school

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Ofsted: Outstanding · 2025 Inspected 1 year ago Mixed Primary
9.4/10 Well above average

4th of 38 primary schools in Islington we can score, 39 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.8/10 against 2,421 of them, against 9.2/10 nationally. 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 80.0 · 88 40% 3.51
Ofsted 96 35% 3.37
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 40.0 · 100 25% 2.49

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

City of London Primary Academy, Islington overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 40.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.2 out of 10 against all schools).

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join yoga, karate, fencing, and study support clubs, play football, and take instrumental music lessons. An after-school club is also available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 348 pupils against a stated capacity of 458. 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 support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the fencing club operate for beginners?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about City of London Primary Academy, Islington

Inspection report dated 12 May 2025

Overview

City of London Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The report describes a school where pupils thrive in a "calm and purposeful environment," characterised by high expectations for behaviour and a strong focus on personal and academic development. Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and ensure that staff workload is managed to support well-being.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is described as "ambitious, carefully sequenced and engaging," with teachers using strong subject knowledge to address misconceptions swiftly.
  • Reading is a key priority, with "high-quality, consistent phonics teaching" ensuring children gain strong foundations and develop a love of reading.
  • Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are carefully identified and supported, allowing them to "fully access the same learning opportunities as their peers."
  • Attendance is rising due to the school’s "relentless focus," and pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain through diverse experiences and clubs.
  • Staff work closely together and value professional development opportunities, contributing to a positive culture where pupils feel safe and happy.

Areas to improve

  • In some subjects, expectations for written work are not high enough, limiting pupils’ "accuracy, clarity and fluency in their writing skills." The school should ensure pupils produce written work of a consistently high quality across the curriculum.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
80%
2024/25
Higher standard
40%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
30%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

76% 2023/24
80% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for City of London Primary Academy, Islington
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2023/2476%
2024/2580%
England64%

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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