St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School
London, N5 1DL · Islington · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd 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 — 6.4/10 against 2,685 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join an art club and participate in fencing, football, gymnastics, netball, dodgeball, tennis, and multi-sports. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 206 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 are included in the after-school club? How does the fencing programme accommodate beginners?
What Ofsted said about St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School
Overview
Pupils feel “happy and secure” in this school, supported by a “strong sense of community” and high expectations for their learning. The report highlights that pupils are “calm, confident and peaceful,” with personal development judged as “Outstanding.” While the overall effectiveness is “Good,” the school is noted for its broad curriculum and effective safeguarding arrangements.
Strengths
- Personal development is “Outstanding,” with pupils learning to distinguish between “unkind behaviour and bullying” and feeling “well equipped” to handle issues.
- The curriculum is “broad and balanced,” with a “sharp focus on early reading” ensuring pupils become “confident, fluent readers.”
- Pupils have “many leadership opportunities,” such as organising collective worship, and they “habitually act responsibly.”
- Behaviour is “generally calm and orderly,” with pupils being “polite and courteous” and quickly correcting conduct when needed.
- The school provides a “very stimulating and enriching wider curriculum,” including visits to museums and participation in charitable projects.
Areas to improve
- Some subject curriculums are not “consistently well structured and sequenced,” meaning pupils may not secure necessary knowledge before tackling complex ideas.
- Adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “not routinely meeting their needs,” leading to occasional gaps in knowledge.
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 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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