Gillespie Primary School
London, N5 1LH · Islington · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.8/10 against 4,217 of them, against 9.7/10 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 | 89.0 · 97 | 40% | 3.88 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 26.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.41 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gillespie Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 89.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 26.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2023-12. 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 (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Playground Buddies, STEM Committee, Eco Committee, and Travel Ambassadors. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 227 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 do not reach the higher standard? What specific activities do the Travel Ambassadors organise?
What Ofsted said about Gillespie Primary School
Overview
Leaders ensure that all pupils receive an "exceptional education" with "extremely high expectations," resulting in very strong achievement for all, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school fosters a culture where pupils are "hard-working, confident and highly motivated to learn," supported by staff who know them well and maintain "extremely positive" working relationships.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "extremely ambitious," helping pupils build knowledge progressively and use subject-specific vocabulary confidently.
- Teachers possess "extremely strong subject knowledge" and present information clearly, making effective adaptations for pupils with SEND.
- Early reading is taught to a "consistently high standard," with staff skilled at identifying and supporting pupils who fall behind.
- Pupils demonstrate "excellent attitudes to their learning" and "exemplary" behaviour, contributing actively to the school community.
- Leaders prioritise staff welfare and the governing body provides "appropriate challenge and support."
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 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 89% |
| 2024/25 | 89% |
| 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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