Elm Wood School, London

In its own words: "We share our federation's ethos and regard ourselves as being a curious, confident, and creative community who are inclusive, visionary and collaborative. When our children leave, they are equipped with our Elm Wood core values to support them in the next phase of their education."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a two-form entry local community Primary School situated in the heart of Lambeth, where all children work hard every day to use our Elm Wood Promises to guide their behaviour and actions. Our staff ensure that our values, through our promises, are at the heart of our interactions and relationships with our entire school community."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 9.30am, an open evening on Thursday 19 November 2026 at 5pm and an open day on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 9.30am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 76% of Year 6 pupils at Elm Wood School reached the expected standard in reading and 78% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 82% and 80% in Lambeth and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (82% in reading, 73% in maths).

For September 2026 entry, 35 families put Elm Wood School as their first choice and 135 named it as one of their preferences, for 41 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Elm Wood School are Kingswood Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 76% reading, 76% maths); Dulwich Wood Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 83% reading, 83% maths); St Luke's Church of England Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 79% reading, 75% maths); and Julian's School (0.6 miles, Good, 79% reading, 78% maths).

Elm Wood School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

59 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Elm Wood School (as of September 2025): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 78% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they would recommend the school (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (78%).

The nearest railway station is Sydenham Hill, about 760 metres away (roughly a 9-minute walk).

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Church Approach, 180 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 525 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lambeth (1302).

In 2024/25, Elm Wood School issued 15 suspensions, 4.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Elm Wood School are Kingsdale Foundation School (0.3 miles), The Elmgreen School (0.7 miles), The Norwood School (0.7 miles) and Hillcrest (0.8 miles).