Classpot

John Ball Primary School

Lewisham, SE3 0TPPrimaryAges 2–11MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
May 2024
KS2 Results
71%
meeting expected standard in RWM
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
111 1st-choice / 90 places
Ranking
#3,968
of 13,686 nationally

About John Ball Primary School

If you're a parent in Lewisham looking at primary options, the numbers at John Ball Primary School tell a pretty clear story. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 330 applications for just 90 places, giving it an oversubscription ratio of 3.67. Of those, 111 families put it as their first preference, and 80 first-preference offers were made. That level of demand suggests a school that local parents trust and actively want their children to attend. While the school doesn't publish a specific parent recommendation percentage, the sheer volume of applications — more than three and a half times the places available — is a strong signal in itself. It's worth noting that the school is a state primary for children aged 2 to 11, with nursery provision on site, and it's non-denominational. Headteacher Jacqui Noakes leads a school of 655 pupils, just under its capacity of 684, so while oversubscribed, it's not bursting at the seams.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range2 to 11 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressSouthvale Road, London, Lewisham, SE3 0TP
HeadteacherJacqui Noakes
Local AuthorityLewisham
Number of Pupils655
Free School Meals (FSM)11.2%
School Capacity655 / 684 (96% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

8 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Early Years Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 9 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

6
Outdoor PlaygroundSensory RoomForest SchoolDining HallMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

10

Sports

AthleticsCricketSwimmingRoundersFootballTennis

Clubs & Activities

CodingGardeningEco ClubFilm Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

09:00 – 15:00

Breakfast club

07:30-09:00

After-school care

15:15-18:00

Source: johnball.lewisham.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About John Ball Primary School

John Ball Primary School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.