City of London Primary Academy, Islington

What the data shows

City of London Primary Academy, Islington is a free school for ages 4–11, with 317 pupils on roll against a capacity of 458. Around a quarter of pupils (24.6%) are eligible for free school meals and 36.9% speak English as an additional language. 14.51% receive SEN support and 3.47% have an EHC plan.

Results in 2024-25 were strong. 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (England 60%), and 40% reached the higher standard (England 8%). The figure rose from 76% in 2023-24. There is no published figure for 2022-23, and the school's website says it has "limited performance data" because it is growing year on year. Absence figures are not available.

What Ofsted found

The latest inspection took place on 18–19 March 2025. It was an ungraded inspection, and under the system introduced in September 2024 there is no overall grade. Inspectors concluded the school had "taken effective action to maintain the standards" from its previous inspection, when it was judged Outstanding in November 2019.

The report is very positive. It describes a curriculum that is "ambitious, carefully sequenced and engaging", consistent phonics teaching from Reception, and pupils who attend "exceptionally well". Clubs listed include ballet, fencing, choir and yoga, and pupils take on roles such as eco-champions and play leaders.

The one area for improvement is writing. Inspectors found that in some subjects expectations for pupils' written work are not high enough, which limits the accuracy and fluency of some pupils' writing. Parents may want to ask what has changed since March 2025.

How it compares nearby

Several primaries sit within half a mile. St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School (0.2 mi, Ofsted Good) recorded 88% at the KS2 expected standard, and Hugh Myddelton Primary School (0.5 mi) recorded 89%, both above this school's 80%. Others were lower: Prior Weston Primary School (0.2 mi, Ofsted Good) at 43%, St Luke's CofE Primary School (0.3 mi) at 59%, Moreland Primary School (0.4 mi) at 61% and St Alban's Church of England Primary School (0.7 mi) at 67%.

Single-year figures for small cohorts can move a lot, so these are best read as a guide rather than a ranking.

Who it may suit

The school's website describes it as mixed, non-selective and without religious affiliation, and says music is central, with violin lessons for all pupils from Year 4. It also says there are limited vacancies in all year groups, which fits the gap between roll and capacity.

It may suit families nearby who want a non-faith school with high academic expectations and a broad cultural offer. Families whose child particularly needs support with writing may want to ask how the school has acted on Ofsted's recommendation. There is no catchment data, so check Islington's admissions booklet.

May suit: Families near the Barbican looking for a non-faith, academically ambitious primary with a strong focus on reading, music and enrichment.

Drafted with the help of AI tools from our research notes and the sources above, then checked and edited by EduNavigate Research Team before publishing.