Poplar Primary School
London, SW19 3JZ · Merton · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 42 primary schools in Merton we can score, 43 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 — 7.6/10 against 3,598 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Poplar Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The school achieved a higher standard for 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Code Clubs, Eco Club, Dance with Sean, Dancebites, Futsal, Target Sports, and Merton Mini Handball. Sports include football, running, cricket, tag rugby, hockey, athletics, netball, and rounders. Arts and music options cover dance, ballet, and yoga. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 598 pupils against a stated capacity of 708. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Poplar Primary School
Overview
Poplar Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school is driven by a mission for pupils to be ‘ready, respectful and safe’, fostering a nurturing environment where children feel happy and confident. Leaders and staff work effectively together, supported by knowledgeable governors who take their duty of care seriously.
Strengths
- Pupils follow an ‘ambitious curriculum’ with knowledge sequenced in a ‘logical order’, underpinned by enrichment activities that make learning memorable.
- Teachers possess ‘secure subject knowledge’ and use a ‘methodical approach’ to help pupils, including those with SEND, develop a ‘secure body of knowledge’.
- The school offers an ‘innovative outdoor curriculum’ and strong community links, such as a school allotment and farmers’ market, which promote creativity and problem-solving.
- ‘Books are the backbone of the curriculum’, with a logical phonics programme ensuring early readers learn to read fluently with expert support.
- Pupils are ‘motivated to learn’, conduct is ‘calm and orderly’, and attendance is high, supported by strong relationships with parents and families.
Areas to improve
- The school does not consistently check pupils’ understanding across subjects; teachers should ‘routinely check that pupils’ understanding is secure before moving them on to learning more challenging content’.
- Pupils lack regular opportunities to reflect on or act on teacher feedback, which hinders their ability to secure knowledge.
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 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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