Gillespie Primary School, London

In its own words: "At Gillespie School we believe that everyone in our community can grow to be a highly motivated lifelong learner. We provide a safe and vibrant environment where children and adults thrive on challenging and creative learning experiences. We will equip everyone with the skills to achieve their full potential in a climate of mutual respect and personal responsibility."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We want our children’s primary school experience to be an unforgettable and inspirational journey with us. We believe the journey for adults should be equally motivating, hence our school’s motto ‘Growing Together’. I am very proud to be Headteacher of this vibrant and diverse school community."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care, from £4.50 per session.

In 2025, 89% of Year 6 pupils at Gillespie Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 96% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 80% and 78% in Islington and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (93% in reading, 93% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 57 families put Gillespie Primary School as their first choice and 237 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.9 first choices for every place. 27 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Gillespie Primary School are St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School (0.1 miles, Good, 73% reading, 81% maths); Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre (0.2 miles, Outstanding, 93% reading, 87% maths); St Joan of Arc RC Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 81% reading, 83% maths); and Parkwood Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 82% reading, 73% maths).

Gillespie Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

15.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 40.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (36%), Mixed (25%) and other ethnic groups (6%).

The nearest tram or metro stop is Arsenal, about 430 metres away (roughly a 5-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Gillespie Road, 120 metres away.

Gillespie Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Gillespie Primary School are Highbury Fields School (0.5 miles), Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form (0.7 miles) and City of London Academy Highbury Grove (0.7 miles).