Duncombe Primary School
London, N19 4JA · Islington · primary school
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17th 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 — 9.2/10 against 205 of them, against 7.5/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Duncombe Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Pupil Advocates, Pupil Ambassadors, Playground Advocates, Prefects, Eco Warriors, Assembly Leaders, and Lunchtime leaders, alongside PE monitors. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 378 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities do the Eco Warriors and Prefects undertake during the school day? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Duncombe Primary School
Overview
Duncombe Primary School is described as a “diverse and inclusive” institution where pupils are “polite, friendly and inquisitive.” The report highlights a “true spirit of community” and notes that pupils are “safe at school” and “move on to secondary school ready for the next stage.”
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a “broad and ambitious curriculum” with well-sequenced knowledge that builds in “increasing depth and complexity.”
- Personal development is rated “Outstanding,” with an “exceptional programme” that enriches pupils’ experiences through trips, charity work, and learning about health and diversity.
- Teachers adapt teaching effectively for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who “achieve well.”
- Staff are valued, with leaders being “mindful of staff workload and well-being,” resulting in staff who “enjoy working at the school.”
- Governors “carry out their responsibilities well” and offer leaders “support and challenge.”
Areas to improve
- The quality of phonics teaching is “inconsistent,” as some adults “do not identify pupils’ misconceptions,” slowing progress for some early readers.
- Leaders must ensure all phonics teachers become “expert in the teaching of phonics” so pupils make “swift progress in learning to read with fluency.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong culture” where staff are “alert to any signs of concern” and report them “swiftly and appropriately.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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