Richard Cobden Primary School
London, NW1 0LL · Camden · primary school
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16th of 38 primary schools in Camden we can score. 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 — 8.7/10 against 653 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Richard Cobden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% 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 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Code Club, Gardening Club, Sport Club and School Council. Sports include netball, cricket, tennis, softball and dance, while arts features choir and Somers Town Sinfonia. Trips include a Year 6 residential to Cuffley, visits to the Science Museum and Emirates Stadium, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 379 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 support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for the Year 6 residential trip? How are places allocated for the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Richard Cobden Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Richard Cobden Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection,” where it was previously judged outstanding. The report describes a “caring community” where pupils are “happy in a safe and nurturing environment” and achieve well by the time they leave. Leaders have successfully supported the school through a period of transition, ensuring high expectations and strong community links remain intact.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a “language-rich environment” with a “sharp focus on communication and language,” including well-matched phonics resources.
- There is a “range of wider experiences” such as clubs, sports leagues, and visits to local sites, helping pupils develop talents and prepare for future careers.
- Systems for identifying additional needs are “well established,” allowing teachers to adjust teaching appropriately for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Staff feel supported by leaders, with workload and well-being taken into account, fostering respectful relationships between staff and pupils.
- The school engages closely with parents and the local community, creating a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum lacks “sufficient clarity” on key concepts, meaning some pupils struggle to integrate new knowledge into larger ideas.
- Behaviour in the playground is “inconsistently managed,” leaving some pupils unclear about expectations and how incidents are addressed.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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