Duncombe Primary School

About Duncombe Primary School

Duncombe Primary School in Islington is a state primary for children aged 2 to 11, and its intake tells a clear story about the community it serves. With 438 pupils on roll against a capacity of 480, the school is running close to full but not yet oversubscribed in terms of total places. However, the demand is strong: for the 2025/26 reception intake, the school received 91 applications for just 40 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.28. Notably, 32 of those applications were first-preference choices, and exactly 32 first-preference offers were made, meaning every family who put Duncombe first got a place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 61.8%, which is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the school’s role in a diverse, inner-London catchment. This is a school that draws heavily from its local area and serves a population with above-average levels of disadvantage, something that shapes both its priorities and its results.

Academically, Duncombe performs well above the local authority average, a fact made more striking given its high FSM intake. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 83% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the Islington average of 68%. That places Duncombe 8th out of 39 primary schools in the borough, putting it in the top 10 locally and in the top 7% nationally. The school’s reading scores are particularly strong: 87% met the expected standard and 57% achieved a higher standard, with an average scaled score of 110. Maths also performed well, with 93% at expected and an average score of 108. Writing was slightly lower at the higher level, with just 11% reaching greater depth. The most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated the school Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding — a reflection of the school’s focus on character and wellbeing alongside academic progress.

The school offers a broad set of facilities including a sports hall, music rooms, art studios, a sensory room, and an ICT suite, plus playing fields and a chapel. Sports provision covers cricket, football, swimming, cross country and netball, while clubs include coding, film club, drama and eco club. Duncombe has a nursery on site and a well-developed SEND offer, with support for dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, speech and language needs, hearing impairment, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs. For families considering this school, the data suggests a high-demand, community-focused primary that delivers strong academic outcomes despite serving a disadvantaged intake. It’s a particularly good fit for families who value a school that combines solid results with a strong pastoral and personal development focus, and who live within the Islington catchment. The nearest Outstanding-rated school is Yerbury Primary, 0.8 km away, but Duncombe’s own Good rating with an Outstanding personal development grade makes it a compelling local option.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Duncombe Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents