Southmead Primary School

Southmead Primary School is a caring, inclusive school that is generally meeting expected standards, with safeguarding judged met. Pupils are happy, attend well and behave well; leaders have improved attendance, especially for vulnerable pupils and those with SEND, and pastoral support is a strength. Early years is a particular highlight, with warm relationships, effective phonics and strong language development, and the specially resourced Cherry Class supports pupils with SEND skilfully. Leadership and governance are well informed and committed, and staff feel supported. However, achievement is the main area needing attention. Published outcomes at the end of Year 6 have been below national averages, particularly in reading, and gaps in basic English and mathematics limit pupils' progress. Teaching is not consistently effective: staff do not always explain or model new learning clearly or pick up misconceptions quickly, and curriculum planning in some wider subjects lacks clear progression. Handwriting provision is weak, and disadvantaged pupils' achievement has not improved as much as their attendance and wellbeing. Leaders recognise this improvement journey and have suitable plans, but not enough pupils leave Year 6 ready for secondary school. The school has undergone significant leadership change since its last inspection, including a new headteacher and chair of governors. It has high proportions of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with EHC plans, and includes resourced provision for autistic pupils.

Strengths

• Attendance has improved and is above national figures for vulnerable pupils, including those with SEND.
• Pupils behave well in lessons and at breaktimes, and bullying is dealt with swiftly.
• Early years provision is strong, with warm relationships, effective phonics and a clear focus on language development.
• Inclusion systems identify needs quickly and support pupils with complex barriers, including through the Cherry Class resourced provision.
• Pastoral support is a strength, with accessible help for pupils' wellbeing and emotional regulation.
• Leaders understand the school community and work effectively with families and external professionals.
• Governors are committed and use link visits and parent feedback to support and challenge leaders.
• Personal development includes a suitable curriculum, clubs, trips and pupil leadership roles.
• Safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture of safeguarding.

Areas for Improvement

• Achievement is below national averages at the end of Year 6, particularly in reading.
• Gaps in pupils' basic English and mathematics knowledge hinder achievement.
• Teaching is inconsistent: new learning is not always explained or modelled clearly, and misconceptions are not addressed quickly enough.
• Curriculum planning in some wider subjects lacks clear progression in skills and knowledge.
• Handwriting provision does not support pupils to develop this core skill.
• Disadvantaged pupils' achievement has not improved as much as their attendance and wellbeing.
• Not enough pupils leave primary school ready for secondary school.
• Pupils' knowledge of fundamental British values lacks depth.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• Belleville Primary School
• Chesterton Primary School
• Earlsfield Primary School
• Floreat Wandsworth Primary School
• Gatton (VA) Primary School
• Hotham Primary School
• Our Lady Queen of Heaven RC School
• Penwortham Primary School
• Ronald Ross Primary School
• Sheringdale Primary School

What is Southmead Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Southmead Primary School is Needs attention, from an inspection in October 2026.

When was Southmead Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Southmead Primary School was last inspected in October 2026.

How many pupils does Southmead Primary School have?

Southmead Primary School has 263 pupils on roll.

What age range does Southmead Primary School cover?

Southmead Primary School for pupils aged 3 to 11.

What are Southmead Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 52% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Southmead Primary School?

Southmead Primary School is at Princes Way, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 6QT.