Meadlands Primary School

About Meadlands Primary School

Meadlands Primary School in Richmond upon Thames is a state primary that is clearly popular with local families. The school has 225 pupils on roll, which is already above its official capacity of 210, and the demand for places is strong. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 53 applications for just 19 places, with 18 of those offers going to first-preference families. That works out at nearly three applicants for every spot, a clear signal that the school is oversubscribed. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.3%, which is notably higher than the national primary average of around 23% but still indicates a more diverse intake than some of its immediate neighbours. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, taking children from age three through to eleven, with nursery provision on site. It is led by headteacher Joanne Wreford.

Academically, Meadlands performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to a Richmond upon Thames average of 76%. This places the school 5th out of 38 primaries in the borough, comfortably in the top tier. Reading scores are particularly strong, with every single pupil reaching the expected standard and 63% achieving a higher standard. Maths is also solid, with a 90% expected rate and an average scaled score of 108. Writing is the relative weak spot, with 87% at expected and only 20% at the higher level. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, a graded visit in 2016, rated it Good overall, with Good for leadership and management and Good for early years provision. A subsequent ungraded inspection in 2021 confirmed that the school remains Good. This is a significant improvement from its previous 2014 inspection, which rated it Requires Improvement.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for a primary, including a gymnasium, library, dining hall, playing fields and even a chapel. Sports provision covers tennis, gymnastics, cross country, swimming and cricket, while clubs include coding, science club, drama and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Given its oversubscription, families living closest to the school will have the best chance of securing a place. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Collis Primary School, 1.5 km away, which may be a useful backup for those who miss out. Meadlands suits families who want a well-regarded, non-faith state primary in a competitive London borough, with strong reading outcomes and a genuinely mixed intake.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Meadlands Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents